Tea Tree Oil For Babies: Safety, Uses And Side Effects

While the use of essential oils in adults has gained popularity, you may wonder about the safety of tea tree oil for babies. Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial, insecticidal, antiviral, and immunity-stimulant properties (1) (2). It is also present in many over-the-counter creams, lotions, and ointments. Diluted tea tree oil is also used for massaging purposes. Read this post to know more about the safety, benefits, side effects, and precautions of using tea tree oil for babies.

Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Babies?

There is limited research on the safety of tea tree oil for babies. According to an information paper published by the University of Kentucky, tea tree oil is among the few essential oils that are safe for babies (3). However, there is no further conclusive evidence to prove tea tree oil’s safety. It is thus important to observe precautions before considering the regular use of tea tree oil for babies.

Precautions For Using Tea Tree Oil For Babies And Toddlers

Note the following points when planning to use tea tree oil for babies and toddlers:

1. The use of tea tree oil should only be topical. It could be poisonous when ingested (4). Its use in humidifiers or for inhalation should be avoided since the aroma may sting and come across as uncomfortable for babies.

2. Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, grapeseed, and jojoba oil, since undiluted tea tree oil may cause skin irritation (5).

3. Perform a patch test before using the oil on a large area of skin. Apply the mixture of carrier oil and tea tree oil to a small part of the baby’s skin and wait for a day or two to see the signs of allergy like rashes and redness.

4. Do not use tea tree oil around sensitive areas like eyes, genitals, and near the mouth.

5. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies essential oils as ‘food supplements’ and not drugs. The manufacturers of tea tree oil cannot market or sell it as a medicine (6). Therefore, do not consider tea tree oil for the treatment of an ailment. If the baby is unwell, then see a doctor.

Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil For Babies

A few studies and anecdotal evidence have found tea tree oil useful in providing relief from the following conditions.

1.  Warts: Tea tree oil has antiviral properties. A study noted that it could be effective in treating warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) in babies (7). It is not known if tea tree oil is effective in fighting other viruses causing warts.

2. Fungal infections: Some studies have found that tea tree oil might help treat fungal infections of the skin (8). Research has noted that it may have antifungal properties comparable to a few antifungal medicines.

3. Head lice: Anecdotal evidence shows that tea tree oil is often used for removing head lice (9).

4. Wound healing:A few studies have noted the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil on wound healing (10). It is not clearly known whether tea tree oil was applied diluted in oil or a carrier medicine. It is not advisable to apply oil or any other compound directly to wounds.

5. Scabies: Tea tree oil in diluted forms might be effective in treating scabies (11).

6. Baby wipe: You might consider adding a drop of tea tree oil in warm water to use it for wiping the baby after they soiled. Anecdotal evidence suggests that tea tree oil might help eliminate foul smell and microbes.

7. Surface cleaner: The antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil could make it a natural surface cleaner for baby’s room. Dilute tea tree oil with warm water and use it to clean surfaces, like shelves, cribs, and other objects in the baby’s room. Do not clean toys since the baby is likely to place them in their mouth.

8.  Insect repellent: Anecdotal evidence suggests that tea tree oil might work as an insect repellent. You can soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil and place it in a corner of the baby’s room to repel mosquitoes. Keep the cotton ball away from the little one’s reach.

Tea tree oil can also be a good remedy for treating ear-related infections. However, make sure to use small amounts of diluted tea tree oil for a short period under medical guidance (12).

Sree, a new mom, shares a home remedy she used to treat her baby’s earache associated with a cold. She says, “Mix two drops of tea tree and almond oil and clear the ear with an earbud tip; it works for infections. Try not to poke it deep inside (i).”

Do note that tea tree oil is not a medicine for the above conditions. It is important to consult a doctor if the baby has any of these complaints.

If your doctor is okay with you using tea tree oil, then you may go ahead.

How To Use Tea Tree Oil For A Baby?

Observe the following points while choosing and using tea tree oil for babies and toddlers.

• Buy good quality tea tree oil. Check for the presence of any additives and preservatives.

• Add one to three drops of tea tree oil to one ounce (30ml) of carrier oil like jojoba, argan, coconut, avocado, or almond oil (13).

• Apply the oil on a small patch of skin and wait for a day to see if the skin shows any reaction. If there is no reaction, then apply the tea tree oil and carrier oil mixture to the affected part.

• There is no fixed duration for application. You may apply once or twice a day for a week. If the condition does not show any improvement, then consult a doctor. If the baby’s condition gets worse, then stop using the oil and consult a doctor because tea tree oil might show side effects in some cases.

Side Effects Of Tea Tree Oil On Babies

Studies show that about 5% of users of tea tree oil develop some intensity of allergic dermatitis (eczema) due to topical use (14). If your baby already has skin problems, then do not use tea tree oil.

A few cases of gynecomastia – abnormal growth of breasts – have been reported following the use of tea tree oil and lavender oil (7) (15).

Are you wondering if it’s safe to use essential oils around or on your baby? Watch this video to find out!