I originally posted this baby recipe on Today's the Best Day. I'm happy to share it with you today! A few months ago, Ava got sick for the very first time! She had just turned 1. Seriously - she had never been sick before. I thank breastfeeding 'til she was 1 for that (really - I don't know - but as soon as I stopped, she got sick!). The thing about being a baby is that you can't have any medicine. But poor Avabean would toss and turn all night - whimpering and coughing and being unable to suck her binky due to a stuffed up nose. I felt SO BAD as her momma not being able to do anything.
I'd heard the rumors of putting vapor rub on baby's feet, covered by socks, and that it helps with their congestion. I'd never tried it, but wanted to try something to help my little munchkin. I've been really careful about what I give Ava as a little tot - I made all her own organic baby food when she was 6 months, she drinks a local whole milk now - yeah, I'm kind of "that" mom. But don't worry, we kick it with Chick-fil-A and diet coke as much as the other guy. :) To help Ava with her congestion, I made a homemade baby vapor rub (NO petroleum or any of the questionable oils in vapor rub). A little on her feet + socks + bedtime = a happy baby. I didn't use it all day or every day, since she was only 1, but it definitely helped the days I used it.
Please do your own research when deciding what essential oils to use for your baby! Some are safe - some are not. Even specific TYPES of the same essential oil are not ok. For example, only the Smithii variety of eucalyptus oil is OK for babies. Use what YOU are comfortable with!
The following advice was given in the Mommypotamus article where I got my recipe:
"Please note that lavender and chamomile are generally considered safe for babies under two months, eucalyptus (only the smithii variety) can be introduced at two months and tea tree can be introduced after 6 months. Essential oils are very potent so use sparingly!*
I do love using essential oils now. I'm really careful and not hard core, but Ava and I love lavender oil baths and adding a drop of lemon oil to my water bottle is a must. Like I said, do your research, but essential oils can be great.
