Lavender for Babies??

[graciela]

I have problems with my babies sleep pattern, just general stirring rather than being hungry, and someone suggested using lavender baby products to help relax him.

However, as his skin in so sensitive I cant use any products on it, but could I put a few drops of Lavender oil on his bed sheets just like I would with Vics or Karvol when he has a cold? Or is there anything that might be better that I could use in the same way?

He is 4 1/2 months btw

Thanks

Lilac

 

[kayluwho]

You could add some into his bath i used it on my babies and they slept like little little logs! I never used it directly on to their skin or bedclothes because they both had sensitive skin (and still do) so i was always careful of adding anything to their skin. I still use Lavender on them now and alternate with Roman Chamomile which my son adores! He says it smells like mummy which is nice and he loves having a bath with that in it. So much so that whenever i have a bath with oils in it he sneaks in and jumps in with me the little monkey!! Hope this helps you.

Clare x

 

[parkcaitlan]

I tend to be quite synical about "products" labelled as lavender - many haven't been within 100 yards of lavender oil! And many products even baby ones are irritant and drying for the skin.
Get a good pure (possibly organic) lavender essential oil to use in the bath (a couple of drops mixed with a spoonful of whole milk before mixing in the water - better than using neat for sensitive skins) or make a massage oil for bedtime use (1 drop in 5mls of grapessed oil will be strong enough at this age). A simple oil like this is soothing on skin and is very unlikely to be a problem to sensitive skin.
The problem in putting some on the bedsheets is that he might end up laying on that patch as he moves about and has then got neat oil on his skin - so be careful employing this strategy - perhaps pop a couple drops on a hanky and hang it close to his cot instead.
I agree that Roman Chamomile (anthemis nobilis) is another good baby soother - about 3 or 4x the price of Lavender though.
There's a farm on Mersyside that grows their own organic lavenders and chamomiles, which sell to public as well as trade - I do like their oils. PM me if you want their web site.

 

[Turtle]

Hi,

My daughter did notget a deep sleep unti she was about 12months!!

I know it sounds silly but is your child on a comfy mattress? This partially solved my problem - I had to invest in a £50 mattress though!

Anyway,I used to burn lavender or Neroli aromatherpy oil in the bedroom for the first hour or so of her sleep which I still use now..

Also, if you breastfeed before your last feed drink a cup of chammomile tea you will thenfind your baby gets a great nights sleep!

Hoep this helps

Vicky

 

[i-luv-vampires]

Lavender is great for helping us all to sleep. Agree though that you need to use with caution. Like the hanky idea. Also, you could put a bowl of hot water (well out of reach) in the babe's room with a drop of lavender, chamomile or neroli - all excellent. If nothing else the room will smell lovely when you pop in during the night!
Steer well clear of any product saying it enduces baby sllep due to the addition of essential oils. They are unlikely to have any therapeutic effect and probably little or no essential oil. You could consult a local Aromatherapist. I am always more than happy to make up a product like this!

Good luck

Sally