What should I know about children and oils?

Storage comes first

Swallowing essential oils is the most common serious problem reported to poison centers involving children, and even small amounts can be harmful. Store every bottle closed and out of sight and reach.

In the U.S., call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately if a child may have swallowed an essential oil, or call emergency services if the child is struggling to breathe, choking, drowsy or unresponsive. Do not wait for symptoms and do not try to make the child vomit.

If you do use oils around children

• Use far more dilution than you would for yourself, and less often.
• Avoid the face and nose area entirely with young children.
• Some oils — peppermint and eucalyptus-type oils in particular — are commonly cautioned against for young children.
• Diffuse in a ventilated room the child can leave, and not in a closed nursery.
• Ask your pediatrician first, especially for infants or any child with asthma or a health condition.

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