You’ve just birthed this small fragile human into the world. There are so many questions about what is safe and unsafe – being a new parent is scary.
Before the baby came along, you used reed diffusers without a worry. Now, you wonder, are reed diffusers safe for babies? We are going to take one less worry off your plate and answer this question using scientifically backed evidence to help keep your baby safe.
Contents
Are Reed Diffusers Safe for Babies?
It is not safe to use a reed diffuser around babies under six months old. If your baby is older than six months old, you can slowly introduce specific diluted reed diffuser oils.
First and foremost, always consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils and reed diffusers around babies. Although the information we are giving you is based on Healthline, Poison control, and other healthcare science websites we are not healthcare providers.
The general rules on reed diffusers and babies are:
- Never use reed diffusers around babies under six months old
- For babies older than 6 months, slowly introduce select and highly diluted oil fragrances while monitoring your baby closely for negative reactions
- Some oils should not be used until your baby gets a few years older and some up to 10 years old
For this article’s purpose, the term baby will be considered newborns, toddlers, and children up to six years old. Stick with us so we can give you the safest and unsafest oils to use around your baby.
Reed Diffuser Oil Safety Chart for Babies
We’ve put together an easy-to-read table for quick skimming. Here it is!
Safe | Unsafe | Inconclusive | |
| Babies Under 6 Months | Consult With Your Healthcare Provider | Consult With Your Healthcare Provider | – |
| Reed Diffuser Oils for Breastfeeding |
|
| |
| Babies Under 2 Years |
| ||
| Toddlers & Children Under 6 Years |
|
Reed Diffuser Oils Safe for Babies
Between all of the methods of using essential oils and fragrances, inhalation is the safest route for your baby and child under six years old. Reed diffusers use the inhalation method.
Here is a list of reed diffuser oils you can safely diffuse around children two and over (younger than two years, stick to oils that are herbs and hydrosols):
- Bergamot
- Blue Tansy
- Citronella
- Copaiba
- Coriander
- Cypress
- Fir
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Grapefruit
- Hemlock
- Lavender
- Mandarin
- Neroli
- Orange, Blood
- Orange, Sweet
- Patchouli
- Pine
- Rose, Absolute
- Sandalwood
- Spearmint
- Spruce
- Tangerine
- Vanilla
Hydrosols consist of mostly water, making the essential oils in your reed diffuser a lot less concentrated. In turn, your reed diffuser scent will be more subtle and safer to use around your baby.
Reed Diffuser Oils Unsafe for Babies
There are some essential oils you should completely avoid when breastfeeding or around your baby in general. We will split this section into four subsections: breastfeeding mothers, babies under two, toddlers/children under six, and conflicting answers.
Essential Oils You Shouldn’t Use When Breastfeeding
When we breastfeed, we often forget what goes into us goes into them too. So, even if you are only inhaling your reed diffuser when your baby isn’t around, they are still consuming essential oils through your breast milk.
Here are some reed diffuser oils to avoid while breastfeeding:
- Aniseed
- Anise, Star
- Angelica
- Basil
- Bay
- Birch
- Black Pepper
- Black Seed
- Camphor
- Carrot Seed
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Dill
- Eucalyptus
- Feverfew
- Hyssop
- Mugwort
- Mustard
- Myrrh
- Nutmeg
- Oregano
- Parsley seed or leaf
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Tansy
- Tarragon
- Thuja
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
- Wormwood
- Yarrow
Unsafe Essential Oils for Babies Under Two
Below we’ve listed the reed diffuser oils to avoid if your baby is under two years old:
- Balsam
- Bay
- Benzoin
- Black Seed
- Cassia
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Garlic
- Gingerlily
- Hyssop
- Lemongrass
- May Chang
- Oakmoss
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Rambiazana
- Saffron
- Savory
- Tea
- Thyme
- Treemoss
- Ylang-Ylang
Unsafe Essential Oils for Toddlers and Children Under Six
Combined with the essential oils listed for babies under two, these are the oils that children under six years old should avoid:
- Aniseed
- Anise, Star
- Birch
- Cajeput
- Cardamon
- Chaste Tree
- Cornmint
- Eucalyptus (children under 10)
- Fennel
- Galangal
- Ho Leaf
- Laurel
- Myrtle
- Niaouli
- Peppermint
- Ravintsara
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Sanna
- Saro
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
Conflicting Answers on the Safety of Essential Oils for Babies
After researching, several reed diffuser oils were mentioned as safe and unsafe for babies. These are the essential oils that came back inconclusive on their safety:
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile
- Clary Sage
- Helichrysum
- Jasmine
- Juniper Berry
- Lemon
- Marjoram
- Tea Tree Oil
Some reed diffuser oils, like marjoram, are known to fluctuate hormones. More research must be done to better understand the safety of these essential oils for your baby.
Tips on Reed Diffuser Safety Around Babies
We’ve put together a quick list of informational tips to keep in mind when operating a reed diffuser around your baby. Skim through the list below.
- Keep the reed diffuser out of reach
- Dilute your essential oils at the proper percentages
- Diffuse in a well-vented area
- Diffuse intermittently (30-60 minute intervals)
- Use reed diffusers less frequently
- Do a test run beforehand
- If your baby ingests reed diffuser oil, contact Poison Control immediately
You should check out The Complete Book For Essential Oils for Mama & Baby by Christina Anthis and Demetria Clark if you enjoy learning through reading. They give you reference charts and clear dilution instructions.
In Summary
So, are reed diffusers safe for babies? The answer depends on the essential oil you are using, your baby’s age, and if you are breastfeeding your baby.
We hope you find value in this article and understand which diluted essential oils you can use in your reed diffuser that is safe for your baby. Stay safe and always consult with your healthcare provider first.
I currently work as a medical receptionist, but my ultimate goal is to work as an occupational therapy assistant. Helping others achieve a better quality of life is something I’m after. That’s one of the main reasons I started this blog. Learn more about me.