DoTERRA's Pure essential oils are safe to use with babies including newborns. There are a few things to be aware of though.

For topical use: Until 3 months old the skin of a newborn is very different. It is very sensitive and thus we do not want to apply oils to their skin until they are 3 months old, unless it is mixed with other ingredients like the baby bum cream and the homemade wet wipes (these are a much better option than most commercial products you can buy which are filled with chemicals and preservatives). For premature babies I would do this for adjusted age. From 3 months the recommendation is to use the oils highly diluted. This means 1 drop of essential oil to at least 15ml carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil. (this also means your oils will last forever!)

 I would probably not diffuse oils near a premature baby either until close to their given due date. 

Adjusting to the world outside the womb is not always easy and most new parents are looking for natural alternatives that are safe, effective and free from chemicals and toxins.Essential oils are a great natural way to help your baby in the early days through their little niggles. 

Peppermint oil is a lovely versatile oil. It can help ease tummy aches and pains. It also assists with sinus congestion. Peppermint is a very strong oil so needs to be highly dilurted.

 

Lavender oil is great for calming and sleep. It won't make your new person sleep through the night - night waking is important for them. But it may help give you a few extra winks. It has been shown to reduce the symptoms of colic as well. Lavender helps to soothe skin irritations and rashes so an amazing oil for nappy rash. Apply to a red little bum diluted in fractionated coconut oil.

 

Orange is an oil known to uplift the mood. It is lovely to diffuse during the day if your little one is slightly more grumpy than normal. It is also a great digestive aid and can help sore tummies. Mix with fractionated coconut oil and Lavender oil and apply to the belly area. 

Tea tree is a great oil to help soothe skin irritations. It is another great go to oil for nappy rash. Mix it with fractionated coconut oil and even a drop of lavender. It is a great oil to diffuse for clear sinuses and to boost the immune system. A great oil to help soothe ear discomfort when rubbed around the outside of the ear from behind the ear down the jawline. Never put inside the ear though please. 

 

RC is a fabulous blend from Young Living. It helps clear the airways and provide relief from congestion. Not only that but it can help promote better sleep. 

You can use any carrier oil for diluting the essential oils for kids although V6 from Young Living is the oil I use. I find it doesn't leave that oily greasy feel on the skin and it doesn't have a smell so it won't change impact the way the oils smell. Another great option is fractionated coconut oil. Fractionated coconut oil is slightly different from normal coconut oil as it stays liquid even in colder temperatures.  

 

What does Science say?

Lavender bath oil reduces stress and crying and enhances sleep in very young infant - Field, T et al; 2008

The use of aromatherapy massage using Lavender oil was found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of colic - Cetinkaya, B and Basbakkal, Z; 2012

 Using peppermint oil daily episodes of colic fell and crying episodes decreased by about 28 minutes - Alves et al; 2012

Please note the Disclaimer: I am not an Aromatherapist. The content on this site is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace advice given by a medical practitioner or consultations with healthcare professionals. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Product use is at own risk.