My daughter didn’t sleep for 22 months. You read that right. 22 months. 660 nights of me getting out of bed, at least seven times a night, to breastfeed or soothe or hold or sing my baby girl back to sleep. If anything can make a mama feel like she’s losing her ever-loving mind, it’s having to operate on zero sleep. And we tried everything! Crying it out, sleep coaching, doctor recommendations, repetition and scheduling, natural remedies, and prayer. But nothing seemed to work — even essential oils, at first.
For years, I had used essential oils on my family for everything (emotions, immune health, energy, skin, etc.), and they always worked. However, the more research I did on the power of plants, the more I realized everyone’s body is different. One oil may work perfectly for one person, but it might be entirely ineffective for another.1 I knew it was a matter of finding the right combination of oils for our daughter. The day we finally found it — the day we realized which combination worked for her body and helped her sleep all night — was one of the most fulfilling days of my life as a mother. So, if you’re in the same boat with your child, you’re in luck because I’m sharing what I’ve found to be the best essential oils for naptime and bedtime.
10 Essential Oils for Naptime and Bedtime
As a naturally-minded mom, I would personally rather use a safe, plant-based alternative on my children before I try anything else. If you’re a fellow “crunchy mom” like me, here are some natural alternatives that may help your child sleep better, longer, and easier throughout the night!
Note: Before using essential oils on your child, be sure to consult their doctor first. You should also do a patch test on their skin to ensure they don’t have an adverse reaction to the essential oil or blend.15 Not all essential oils are recommended for younger children, so only use ones approved for their age.16 Also, make sure to follow the correct application, which includes only using diluted essential oils on the skin.15
The chemical constituents within each essential oil or blend of essential oils below are highly supportive for bringing a sense of calm and peace during naptime or bedtime:
1. Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for restful sleep.2,3 Its floral, fresh, clean, and calming scent is perfect when used in a naptime or nighttime routine.4 It’s a great beginner oil for people to start using in the home. Diffuse four to five drops of lavender in the diffuser in your child’s room during sleepy time, or apply it on the bottoms of the feet.
2. Frankincense
People have used frankincense for thousands of years, and it’s a great essential oil for emotions, stress, and mental rest.5,6,7 It has a deep woodsy scent and is perfect for diffusing at night or naptime. Add four to five drops of frankincense to a diffuser, or apply it on the bottoms of your child’s feet.
3. Cedarwood
Cedarwood is also an age-old essential oil, even used during biblical times like frankincense.8 It has an earthy, warm, woodsy smell that’s comforting and relaxing. Diffusing four to five drops in a diffuser can create a calming atmosphere, and applying it on the bottoms of the feet can trigger feelings of rest.9,10,11
4. Valerian
Warning: this oil kind of stinks — it is valerian, after all.12 However, plants weren’t all made to smell good! And some people love its pungent, woodsy, powerful fragrance. You can diffuse four to five drops of this oil in a diffuser, or apply it on the bottoms of the feet.
5. Peace & Calming
Peace & Calming is a blend of ylang-ylang, orange, tangerine, patchouli, and blue tansy essential oils. This fragrant oil is a wonderful addition to baby’s nighttime or naptime routine. It has a sweet, citrusy, yet fresh aroma. Diffuse four to five drops of this oil in a diffuser, or apply on the bottoms of your child’s feet.
6. SleepyIze
SleepyIze is a blend of lavender, geranium, Roman chamomile, tangerine, bergamot, frankincense, valerian, and rue essential oils. It also contains caprylic/capric triglycerides, a skin conditioning and nourishing carrier.13 This oil blend is perfect for bedtime, bringing a peaceful, aromatic environment with its fresh and calming scent. It’s specifically designed for kids and babies and is pre-diluted. Diffusing four to five drops of this oil in a diffuser is also a great idea!
7. Tranquil
Tranquil is a blend of lavender, cedarwood, and Roman chamomile. It comes in a roll-on tube for easy application and is mixed with coconut oil as a carrier to make it more gentle and nourishing for sensitive skin.14 It has a floral yet woodsy scent, making it pleasing to inhale when applied to the skin. Roll it on the bottoms of your child’s feet at nighttime or bedtime.
8. Valor
Valor is a blend of black spruce, camphor wood, blue tansy, frankincense, and geranium essential oils. It also contains caprylic/capric glycerides for skin nourishing and conditioning.13 Valor is a favorite among essential oil users due to its effects for calming and relaxing the mind and its pleasing, woodsy scent. Diffuse four to five drops in a diffuser during bedtime, or apply it on the bottoms of the feet.
9. Stress Away
Stress Away is a blend of copaiba, lime, cedarwood, vanilla, ocotea, and lavender essential oils. Its aroma is the perfect blend of tropical and citrus. I’ve found that Stress Away is uniquely relaxing and comforting. Diffuse four to five drops of this oil in a diffuser, or apply on the bottoms of the feet. This oil also has the option to come in a roll-on tube, like Tranquil.
10. Gentle Baby
Gentle Baby is a blend of rosewood, geranium, palmarosa, lavender, ylang-ylang, Roman chamomile, bergamot, lemon, jasmine, and rose essential oils. It has a citrusy-sweet, pleasing scent, making it a big favorite for moms and babies to use in a nighttime routine. Diffuse four to five drops in a diffuser, or apply it on the bottoms of the feet.
So, what was the magic oil for our daughter, you may ask? Well, it wasn’t just one — it was a combination. Lavender, Stress Away, and Gentle Baby was her perfect blend. Together, the constituents in each used helped her relax, calm down, and stay rested all night long. We diffused and applied these to her as part of her nighttime routine, and every single time, she slept without interruption!
Moms and Dads — if you have a child who doesn’t sleep, take heart. You’re in great company. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of finding what works best for your little one! Essential oils could be what transforms you from a growling zombie from “The Walking Dead” to a singing Julie Andrews from “The Sound of Music.” On top of that, using essential oils at naptime and bedtime can help your child experience the peace, tranquility, and rest they need to live their happy little lives!
