Special Sleep Bath
This is the name my son, B has given to the little concoction I make for him, at his request, most nights at bath time. He's quite taken by my whole venture into the world of aromatherapy, and although he's been surrounded by various forms of it since he was born, my recent 'plunge' into it has fascinated him. When he sees me working out new blends and making up products and exclaims "Mummy! You're making potions again," which serves to make me feel delightfully witchy!
So, this interest in my creations spurred me to create the Special Sleep Bath for him. It's the perfect, gentle dilution and while he's happily playing in the tub before bed, the oils are working their magic and preparing his little body for a much needed night of peaceful sleep before another big day of toddler adventures.
Special Sleep Bath:
1.5oz (or 3 tbsp.) of milk - I tend to use whole milk since it's what is generally in my fridge, but in a pinch almond milk can work too. It just has to be a gentle carrier for the oils, a carrier oil (like coconut, grapeseed, jojoba, etc would also work. I like milk because it has soothing properties itself--after all if it was good enough for Cleopatra...)
1 drop Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) Essential Oil
1 drop Roman Chamomile (Anthemis noblis)
Essential Oil
Simply pour milk into a glass or stainless steel container--never plastic when using essential oils. Then carefully add the oils being sure to only get one drop of each. Pour mixture under running tap of bath tub and gently swirl with your hand to mix it into the bathwater.
**Make sure child doesn't drink the bathwater--best to do this only with kids old enough to understand this concept. [I give B an extra cup of water with a lid so that he can drink that and isn't tempted to 'make potions' of his own.]
This dilution is good for kids to age 5.
Kids 5-13 add two drops of each, still using the milk or carrier oil as well.
For kids 13+ or adults, use 4 drops of each and it's safe to add them directly to the bath...although the milk does add a nice touch and is good for your skin.
So, why Lavender & Roman Chamomile?
Well, these are the only two oils that are safe for application (as in not diffuser based) for children under the age of 2. For children younger than 9 months only Roman Chamomile is recommended, in a 1% dilution, meaning only one drop.
Both Lavender and Roman Chamomile are ideal for creating a calming a relaxing environment. Lavender is relaxing, quietly uplifting, a natural stress reliever and known for promoting restful sleep. Roman Chamomile is calming and has a gentle sedative effect, perfect for quieting a busy toddler (or any age) before bed.
Before B climbs into his bed at night I mist it with my Relaxing Linen Spray, and with the amazing power of essential oils he's ready to sail off to dreamland.
Lavender and Roman Chamomile are also the key oils in my Toddler Tamer Roll On which I find to be very useful in taming what can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster of toddler emotions.