WELCOME!

 

My name is Sarah and I'm so glad you're here! I'm from Wisconsin (go Packers). My husband and I have been married since 2010 and in 2018 we became parents to our son, Spencer. I didn't know how badly I wanted to be a mom until I was one! We also have two dogs, Pepperanne and Reggie.

 

Scott became severely ill with an autoimmune disease in 2010 and by 2013 there was still little improvement in his health. It was at this time that we turned to natural health practices and swapped our toxic household and personal care products out for safer alternatives. Enter Young Living! These changes made such a significant impact in Scott's health that we've never looked back!

 

I've been using essential oils (and oil infused products) on and around Spencer since he was a newborn and I'm excited to show you how you can use them to rock the mommin' world too!

 

Disclaimer: As with anything, there are differing options among experts, reference guides, and everyday essential oil users. This information represents what have chosen to do to take charge of my family's health. This should not be the only thing you reference throughout your essential oil journey. I am not a doctor. Statements in this class have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products that are mentioned in this class are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information found in this class is meant for educational and informational purposes only, and to motivate you to make your own health care decisions in partnership with your health care provider.

ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY & USAGE GUIDELINES

 

Many moms (including myself) have used essential oils on and around their baby. In my experience, when used correctly, they can be a powerful tool in your mommin’ toolbox!

—GENERAL SAFETY TIPS—

The key to safely using essential oils on and around baby is to:

● Use a smaller amount of essential oil than you would use for yourself.

● When applying an essential oil to baby’s skin, dilute it with more carrier oil than what the label states.

—USE CAUTION WITH SOME ESSENTIAL OILS—

Some essential oils can be challenging to baby's system. Young Living recommends caution when using these essential oils (or blends containing them) on and around your baby: Idaho Tansy, Hyssop, Sage, Clary Sage, Wintergreen, and Eucalyptus.

Avoid applying citrus essential oils (or blends containing them) before or during exposure to direct sunlight (or UV rays) as it may cause a rash, pigmentation, or increase the chance baby will get a sunburn. Each bottle of essential oil will tell you if an oil is photosensitive.

—DIFFUSING SAFETY TIPS—

When diffusing essential oils in close proximity to baby (ex: in baby’s room), you may want to add just 1-3 drops of essential oil in a cool mist diffuser (versus the 6 or more drops you may normally use). You may also want to consider running the diffuser for less time than you would if you were diffusing essential oils for yourself.

Another great way to diffuse essential oils is to add a drop of essential oil to yourself or the crib sheet (or stuffed animal, etc if your child is old enough for these).

—TOPICAL APPLICATION SAFETY TIPS—

I’ve seen varying dilution ratios recommended for topical application to baby’s skin. Depending on the reference book, they tend to range from:

● OPTION 1) 1 drop of essential oil diluted in 8 drops of carrier oil and then applied to baby's skin. To make a roll-on with this dilution ratio, add 9 drops essential oil to a 5-ml roller bottle and fill the rest with carrier oil (for a 10-ml roller bottle, add 18 drops essential oil and for a 15-ml roller bottle, add 27 drops essential oil). *This is Young Living's baby dilution ratio.

● OPTION 2) 1 drop of essential oil diluted in ½ to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and then applied to baby’s skin. To make a roll-on with this dilution ratio, add 1-2 drops essential oil to a 5-ml roller bottle and fill the rest with carrier oil (for a 10-ml roller bottle, add 2-4 drops essential oil and for a 15-ml roller bottle, add 3-6 drops essential oil).

● OPTION 3) 1 drop of essential oil diluted in 1 to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil and then applied to baby’s skin. To make a roll-on with this dilution ratio, a 5-ml and 10-ml roller bottle is not large enough. Use a 15-ml roller bottle and add 1 drop essential oil and fill the rest with carrier oil.

When my son was a baby, I diluted 1 drop of essential oil in ½ to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and then applied that to his skin. As he got older and I became more confident, I diluted even less than this (option 1 above).

If you’re nervous, dilute essential oils more heavily with carrier oil and adjust based on your baby’s skin sensitivity and your personal comfort level. There’s no such thing as too much carrier oil.

Common carrier oils are: coconut oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, Young Living's V-6 oil, etc.

Essential oils can usually be applied to the area of the body that you want to support. When in doubt or for generalized support, you can apply oils to the bottom of the feet. Essential oils should never be put into the ear canal. Essential oils should not be used in the eye.

 

If you apply an essential oil to baby's skin and it seems irritated, rub carrier oil over the skin to further dilute the essential oil. If baby develops a rash from an essential oil, discontinue use of that oil. If you get an essential oil in baby's eye, do not rinse it with water (as water will drive the oil deeper into the tissue and cause your eye to sting even more). Instead, apply a carrier oil around and in baby's eye until the discomfort subsides.

 

—INGESTION SAFETY TIPS—

It is typically not recommended that babies ingest essential oils (because babies are so small and oils are so potent).

YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING

You don't need to know everything to safely and effectively use essential oils on and around your baby. You just need a good essential oils reference guide or book. Here are some of my favorites!
 

● Reference Guide for Essential Oils (also available in a quick version): https://www.abundanthealth4u.com/…/softcover-coil-bound-ref…

 

● Essential Oils Desk Reference (also available in a pocket version): https://www.discoverlsp.com/…/8th-edition-essential-oils-de…

 

● Oil + Glass: https://www.discoverlsp.com/oil-and-glass.html

 

● Gentle Babies: https://www.abundanthealth4u.com/gentle-babies-by-debra-ray… and https://www.discoverlsp.com/gentle-babies.html

 

● The Chemical Free Home 3 (updated to The Chemical Free Home for Baby & Mommy): https://www.abundanthealth4u.com/9099-v2-the-chemical-free-… and https://www.discoverlsp.com/the-chemical-free-home-for-baby…

OILS FOR A NO FAIL NAP AND BEDTIME ROUTINE

 

Every new mom wants their baby to settle into a solid nap and bedtime routine, right?! Essential oils can be used to help calm baby down at nap and/or bedtime. And speaking from experience, they work like a charm!

 

Since my son was an infant, I’ve applied Gentle Baby essential oil to his feet every night (1 drop diluted in 1/2 to 1 teaspoon carrier oil). Even though babies eat every 2-3 hours as newborns, I wanted my son to associate the aroma of Gentle Baby with bedtime so that by the time he was old enough to start sleeping through the night, he would.

 

By the time my son was 3 months old (and I was about ready to lose my mind from lack of sleep), our routine with Gentle Baby was working like a charm and he was sleeping through the night! My son is now 16 months old and he still sleeps like a champ! He will actually take the bottle of Gentle Baby from my hand at bedtime at sniff it over and over again! It’s just too cute and it's obvious it helps calm him down!

 

Other essential oils that are commonly used at nap and/or bedtime are: Seedlings Calm, Lavender, KidScents SniffleEase, and Peace & Calming. All can be used topically or diffused.

 

You may also want to try the Seedlings Linen Spray at nap and/or bedtime. Use it to give the air or baby’s crib sheet a quick spritz.

 

OILS FOR UPSET TUMMIES

 

 

Calming a baby's upset tummy can be challenging at times. Sure, I gave my son infant gas drops at times and those worked great. However, I wanted a more natural remedy that I felt more comfortable using more often. Enter KidScents TummyGize essential oil!

 

When I used TummyGize on my son as a baby, I diluted 1 drop of it in ½ to 1 teaspoon carrier oil and massaged his tummy with it in a clockwise motion.

 

Other essential oils that are commonly used for an upset tummy are: Gentle Baby or Ginger. Both can be used topically.

OILS FOR SUPPORTING STRONG DEFENSES

 

While getting sick is part of growing up and building a healthy immune system, a sick baby (especially a newborn) is the worst!! To support strong defenses, you can diffuse and/or apply SniffleEase essential oil to your baby.

 

Last year, I used SniffleEase for maintenance during the fall and winter months (think SniffleEase on the feet during the day and Gentle Baby on the feet at bedtime). When I used this oil on my son as a baby, I diluted 1 drop of it in ½ to 1 teaspoon carrier oil and applied it to his feet when getting him dressed for the day.

 

When my son needs a little extra support (like this past weekend), I'll apply it to his feet and along his spine, as well as diffuse 2-3 drops in his room at bedtime.

 

*Refer to post # 2 for additional safety and usage guidelines. SniffleEase does contain Eucalyptus, but because it's in a blend containing multiple other essential oils, I've used it on and around my son since he was a newborn and always felt completely safe doing so.

OILS FOR TEETHING

 

Teething is such trying experience! I still remember the first time my son was inconsolable from it and I had to rush to the store for infant ibuprofen. Thankfully I didn’t have to give him infant ibuprofen every single time he was teething (I saved it for the really painful days and nights) and I was often able to comfort him with Copiaba essential oil instead.

—FIRST TRY—

I was really nervous the the first time I used Copiaba essential oil for teething. I diluted 1 drop in ½ to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and applied it to my son's jawline. While I knew this worked for other babies, this unfortunately didn't work for my son.

—SECOND TRY—

Then I tried this same dilution and applied it to my son's gums. Again, while I knew this worked for other babies, this unfortunately didn't work for my son.

—THIRD TRY (WINNER WINNER)—

Finally, per the recommendation of a friend, I put a drop of undiluted Copiaba on the tip of my finger and rubbed on my son's gums. IT WORKED!!!! This picture is actually from the day I thankfully tried Copiaba for the third time.

Initially, I was worried that undiluted Copiaba would be too strong in taste and feel too strong on my son's gums, but it didn’t bother him one bit and he in fact seemed to enjoy it!

Frankincense essential oil can also be used for teething in any of the ways mentioned above (although Copiaba tastes better).

OILS TO DE-STINK THE DIAPER PAIL

 

While a Diaper Genie traps odors more than a garbage can does, baby's room is bound to smell a little like a diaper (even when you empty the pail on a daily basis).

 

I only buy unscented Diaper Genie refills (refer to upcoming post # 10 for the dangers of synthetic fragrances) and the Diaper Genie carbon filters don't work that great and only last for so long.

 

To keep our son's room smelling fresh, I add a few drops of Purification essential oil (or another oil I have handy that day) to 2 cotton rounds (or cotton balls). I place one in the bottom of the diaper pail (between the bottom of the pail and the bag) and the other on the inside of the pail’s cover (where the filter goes).

KEEP THE CHANGING PAD CLEAN

 

When my son was a newborn, there was often pee on the changing pad cover (there's a learning curve when you're a new boy mom). Then we entered into the stage where he started squirming around and grabbing at his diaper and poop ended up on that thing all the time!

 

I had an extra changing pad cover, but who really has the time to constantly throw those things in the washing machine? My solution was to have a small spray bottle of diluted Thieves Household Cleaner in the diaper caddy. It's a plant based cleaner that will safely clean up a changing pad cover in between washes.

 

I use an 8 ounce spray bottle, fill it with water, add 1/2 tablespoon Thieves Household Cleaner concentrate to it, shake gently to mix, and store it in the diaper caddy.

 

For quick cleaning of all things poop and pee, I simply spray the changing pad cover with the diluted cleaner and wipe with a baby wipe. Easy peasy!

AVOID THESE INGREDIENTS IN BABY PRODUCTS

 

The new Seedlings line from Young Living was designed specifically with new moms and babies in mind. All of the Seedlings products are lightly scented with a unique blend of essential oils that make up the “Calm Blend.”

These products are also made without lanolin, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, synthetic preservatives, synthetic fragrances, or artifical dyes. Why would you want to avoid using baby products that contain these ingredients? Here’s why!

—LANOLIN is a product derived from sheep that can contain GMOs and pesticides when those sheep are exposed to them. GMOs are often doused with glyphosate, which can be an endocrine disruptor.

—PARABENS are known carcinogens (linked to skin cancer). They are also reproductive and developmental toxins.

—PHTHALATES (listed as DEP, DBP and DEHP) are toxic to the reproductive system and affect fetal development. Phthalates also disrupt your endocrine system and are known carcinogens.

—PETROCHEMICALS: (including mineral oils) are made from petroleum and may cause breakouts, premature aging, and may negatively affect your hormones and immune system. Petrochemicals are found in many commonly available lotions, creams, ointments, and cosmetics.

—SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES: Did you know that 95 percent of the chemicals in synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals? These petrochemicals include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and phthalates. These and many other known toxins are capable of causing cancer, birth defects, nervous-system disorders, and allergies. Some of these petrochemicals are even cited on the EPA’s hazardous waste list: http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/wastetypes/listed.htm.

—ARTIFICAL DYES: Many artificial dyes have been banned from use in food because of the health problems they cause. Unfortunately, there are relatively few restrictions on the types of dyes that can be used in our skincare products. The most common synthetic colors used in cosmetics and hair dyes are called FD&C colors. These colors are derived from coal tar, which is a by-product of petroleum. Because some coal tar dyes have been known to cause cancer, they are regulated by the FDA in foods, but not in skin care products for the amount of lead or arsenic they are allowed to contain: https://www.fda.gov/…/ProductsIngred…/Products/ucm143066.htm.

TOXIC FREE BABY WIPES

 

The Seedlings Baby Wipes are toxic free and are made with a soft, thick material that can handle a variety of messes and can be used on any part of baby's skin, leaving a soothing, light scent from our Calm essential oil blend.

 

The Seedlings Baby Wipes can be purchased as single packs or in a bundle of 3 or 6 packs.

 

—BONUS USES—

These wipes make great makeup removers and dryer sheets without all the nasty toxins found in typical store bought products. If you don’t know about dryer sheets and all the yucky things they contain, do a little search on the Think Dirty App!! You will be shocked by how bad they are for you!

 

These wipes are safe to use on your pets, too!

 

They are also really effective to use as a “freshen up, anytime or anywhere” wipe. Forgot to put on deodorant? No problem. Wipe those pits clean!

TOXIC FREE DIAPER CREAM

Do you ever feel helpless when your little one’s booty becomes irritated and red? My hand is raised like Hermione's! You turn to a diaper rash cream to help, but wonder what's really in some of those store bought products, and will they even work?

 

Sensitive skin calls for gentle products. The Seedlings Diaper Rash Cream has mild, gentle ingredients you can feel good about. And this stuff works!

 

This thick, lavender-scented cream reduces the duration and severity of diaper rash when applied at the first sign of redness. It soothes on contact, protects your baby’s delicate skin, and acts as a physical barrier to wetness.

 

It is made with non-nano zinc oxide approved for the treatment and prevention of diaper rash. It’s also dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic!

 

If you prefer a diaper balm verses a cream, then try KidScents Tender Tush.

 

—TIPS TO AVOID DIAPER RASH—

—Change baby's diaper often.

—Use toxic free and gentle wipes.

—Don’t scrub baby's bottom—gently rub away any stool and pat dry.

—Allow baby time without a diaper—natural air and light is good for their skin.

—Use chlorine-free diapers or try cloth diapers.

TEAR FREE AND TOXIC FREE BABY WASH AND SHAMPOO

 

 

Bath time is a great time to bond with baby and calm them down before bedtime. The last thing I wanted to do during this precious time was get soap in my son's eyes and make him cry.

 

The Seedlings Baby Wash and Shampoo is TEAR-FREE and free of harmful chemicals. It gently cleanses both their hair and skin and leaves baby's skin feeling super soft. It also has a light scent that is calming and soothing.

CALMING AND TOXIC FREE BABY LOTION

 

 

This gentle moisturizer is specially formulated for delicate infant skin. It has a non-greasy formula that supports the natural moisture barrier and smoothly absorbs into baby’s sensitive skin without being slippery.

 

The Seedlings Baby Lotion is made with plant-based, naturally derived ingredients and is lightly scented. It’s also hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested.

 

Babies love a little massage because it's calming and comforting to them. Adding lotion (or the Seedlings Baby Oil as mentioned in the next post) into your post-bath bedtime routine is an effective way to massage your little one into relaxation.

BABY MASSAGE WITH SEEDLINGS BABY OIL

 

Babies need loving and healthy touch to thrive and there are countless studies that confirm this. Many parents give their babies daily massages before nap and/or bedtime.

Here is a link to an article explaining some baby massage techniques you can use: https://www.babycenter.com/slideshow-baby-massage.

 

The Seedlings Baby Oil is a remarkable way to give your baby the positive touch they crave, while also soothing, hydrating and nourishing their skin.

 

This oil is a mild, gentle product contains 100% pure essential oils diluted to an appropriate strength for your baby. It creates a calming aroma (it smells like sleep in a bottle), is non-greasy and easily absorbs into your baby’s skin. It’s also dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic and vegan-friendly.

 

This product is for topical use only and is NOT made for use in a diffuser.

 

—BONUS USES—

Use it on yourself mama! Use it to nourish and hydrate your hands, legs, arms, and stomach!

OILY TIPS TO SUPPORT NEW MOMS

 

The postpartum time is just as important as your prenatal time! Now it's time to help support your body and mind as you heal from all the hard work you just did!

In the perfect world of social media, there’s such a temptation to feel the need to pop back from birth as if nothing happened, to get that pre-baby-body back, the house clean, your baby sleep-trained, and all of your ducks in a row, right away.

I’d like to remind you that your body just did something major and amazing and it needs time to heal and you need time to recover. Be gentle with yourself and ask for help.

—HERE'S SOME OILY TIPS THAT CAN HELP TOO—

***Peppermint can cause a decrease in milk supply. If you have concerns about milk production, please omit Peppermint from any of the tips listed below.

● To provide comfort during postpartum uterine contractions: Dilute Geranium and Lavender and apply over uterus, ankles or bottoms of feet.

● To bring in breastmilk supply: Dilute Clary Sage and apply above breasts and lymph area.

● To increase breastmilk supply: Dilute Fennel or Basil and apply over breasts.

● To decrease breastmilk supply: Dilute Peppermint or Jasmine and apply over breasts.

● To comfort tender breasts: Apply 1 drop each of Lavender and Citrus Fresh to any tender or hot areas on breasts after milk comes in. Couple with frequent nursing or pumping.

● To soothe, cool and heal your hoo-ha: Spritz your hoo-ha with Claraderm Spray.

● To soothe hemorrhoids: Add 3 drops each of Cypress, Clary Sage, Patchouli, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Basil, Frankincense, Helichrysum, and Myrrh in 1 ounce of witch hazel. Soak up this mixture with cotton pads. Place one pad on rectum as needed a few times a day for several days. If you don't have all of the above oils, use what you have.

● To promote healing from a C-section: Mix 5 drops each of Lavender and Frankincense in 1 ounce of carrier oil. At one week postpartum, start to massage the incision with your mixture for five minutes three times a day.

● To help with easy bowel movements: Add 8 drops Peppermint,15 drops Spearmint and 5 drops DiGize to a 10-ml roller bottle and fill with carrier oil. Use this daily for a few weeks postpartum to stay regular.

● Postpartum Belly Balm: Add 20 drops of Gentle Baby to a bottle of lotion and apply to belly 24 hours postpartum and thereafter daily for skin elasticity.

● For the baby blues: Diffuse or apply any of the following oils or blends: Joy, Lavender, Lemon, Peace & Calming, Valor, Clary Sage, Bergamot, Frankincense, Gentle Baby, Geranium, or Basil. *If the oils don't bring you to your normal state, please seek help. Postpartum sadness is real and can be serious. There is no need to be ashamed. It is not your fault. Hormones are amazing, but big fluxes in them can cause you to not feel like yourself.

● For night Sweats: Restart your Progessence Plus regimen.

● To relax: Try to Lavender or Stress Away Bath Bombs.

● Eat healthy foods and take your prenatal vitamin, NingXia Red, Life 9, and any other nutritional supplements you have been taking.

—FUN FACT—

Women burn around 20 calories to make 1 ounce of breast milk. So if your baby drinks 19-30 ounces a day, that's anywhere between 380-600 additional calories you are burning! Please make sure you're taking in enough calories to keep you and your baby fed and healthy!

HOW DO I GET THE GOODS?

 

Need some of these items in your life?

 

If you are already a current Young Living retail customer or wholesale member, you can log in to your Virtual Office (https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/login) and place a 'One Time Order' to have these items shipped directly to you. Better yet, if you're a wholesale member, order through Young Living’s Essential Rewards program and earn rewards points back!

 

If you are not yet a Young Living retail customer or wholesale member and are ready to add these products to your life, reach out to the person who invited you to this class, they will be happy to help you get started. Make sure you ask them how you can order with a 24% wholesale discount!

Thank you so much for joining my Moms + Babies class tonight! I hope you learned some helpful oiling tips that you can use on your little!