When it comes to having a newborn, you know they cry over everything. Usually, they cry when they’re tired, hungry, poop, get startled, and have occasional gas. And lots of times, when babies cry, it usually surrounds the topic of their tummy.
Fortunately, our family started using essential oils before I had my first child. We became obsessed with using them on ourselves and were floored by the relief they provided for our own tummies. So when it came time to start exploring this natural route for my firstborn, I felt equipped with my arsenal of plant juice. Ready to tackle anything about her little life that needed some soothing or support.
It got me thinking about my favorite essential oils for soothing the tummies of both my babies. And as I thought about it, it wasn’t just one oil that worked. It was a few. In fact, for my daughter, I remembered certain oils that helped her. And for my son, I remembered different ones that helped him. This is because every tummy responds better to different plant ingredients. Essential oils are never a “one size fits all” kind of thing. But since this is such a natural and safe alternative to try for our babies, we were very comfortable trying out different oils that best suited our kids’ needs.
When it comes to giving you an idea of different essential oils to try for your baby or toddler, here are some that we enjoyed:
Lavender
This essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils for babies. The aroma provides calming relief when inhaled and eases the tummy when applied. It does a great job calming down the body and mind and can help a restless baby sleep better at night. Because of this, our house is never without at least one bottle of Lavender in each kid’s bedroom.
Because Lavender is so gentle to the skin, many moms feel comfortable applying this essential oil undiluted on their little one’s tummy and feet. However, if your baby has sensitive skin or if you choose to dilute, a 1:1 dilution ratio with a carrier oil would work great.
DiGize
DiGize is a blend of Tarragon, Juniper, Ginger, Peppermint, Fennel, Anise, Lemongrass, and Patchouli essential oils. All of those combined have been known to provide powerful relief when applied and support a healthy tummy. This essential oil blend is also a popular one to have on hand as your baby gets older and begins to explore new food groups.
Since this blend contains a powerful combo of essential oils, diluting before applying on your baby is recommended. A 1:1 ratio of carrier oil and essential oil should do the trick!
Warning: Digize contains peppermint. Don’t use peppermint oil on children less than 30 months old. Peppermint used on children under 30 months of age can increase a risk for seizures.1,2
Gentle Baby
Gentle Baby is a blend of Coriander, Geranium, Palmarosa, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Rose, Bergamot, Lemon, and Roman Chamomile essential oils. But most importantly, it’s a momma’s best friend! When I simply wasn’t sure if my newborn was cranky, uncomfortable, or gassy, I would apply this essential oil on their tummy and feet. And every single time, within minutes, my baby would calm down and stop screaming.
I didn’t dilute this essential oil on my baby’s tummy. However, other moms choose to dilute since citrus oils are present and might feel “warm” to the skin. Again, a 1:1 ratio is perfect!
TummyGize
TummyGize is a blend specifically designed with babies and kids in mind. A perfect combination of Spearmint, Peppermint, Tangerine, Fennel, Anise, Ginger, and Cardamom essential oils. It is gentle to the skin and perfect for little tummies (hence the cute name!). I always make sure to gift a bottle of this to every expecting mom-friend of mine because I was blown away at the comfort it provided my kids.
The beautiful thing about TummyGize is this essential oil is already pre-diluted, so you don’t need to worry about mixing this with anything additional! It makes it easy for mommy and baby.
Warning: TummyGize contains peppermint. Don’t use peppermint oil on children less than 30 months old. Peppermint used on children under 30 months of age can increase a risk for seizures.1,2
Peace & Calming
This is a gentle, sweet blend of Ylang Ylang, Orange, Tangerine, Patchouli, and Blue Tansy essential oils. The ingredients behind this blend provide calming relief and a peaceful tummy, which perfectly describes its name! Not only would I apply Peace & Calming on my baby’s tummy before and after breastfeeding, but it was also my very favorite essential oil to diffuse in their room while they slept.
This essential oil is gentle-feeling to the skin as well. However, if you choose to, dilute 1:1 with a carrier on your baby when applied to the tummy.
The fact that there are natural solutions to help calm our babies and their tummies is awesome. As a mom, I want nothing more than to provide my kids with the best remedies this world can offer. And lots of times, that lies within mother nature herself.
