Essential Oils and Baby Colic Relief

By the LittleSynergy Team — moms, Wellness Advocates & doTERRA enthusiasts

If you're reading this at 2 a.m. with a crying baby, you're not alone. Colic is exhausting, confusing, and heartbreaking, and many parents search for anything that might help. You've probably heard that some essential oils are used to create a calm environment during fussy episodes. Here's what you need to know: essential oils cannot treat, cure, or medically relieve colic, but they may help create a soothing atmosphere for both you and your baby. That said, safety is everything when it comes to newborns and young infants. Never apply oils directly to a baby's skin, never give them internally, and always check with your pediatrician before introducing any aromatherapy around your little one. This article walks you through what colic is, which oils some parents diffuse gently in shared spaces (never in the nursery), and how to keep your baby safe while caring for yourself, too.

What Is Colic and Why Is It So Hard?

Colic is traditionally defined as crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, in an otherwise healthy baby, usually starting around two to three weeks and often peaking at six weeks. The cause isn't always clear, which makes it incredibly frustrating. Gas, immature digestion, overstimulation, and feeding issues are all theories, but honestly, no one knows for sure.

What I've come to understand as a mom is that colic is as much about the parents' emotional exhaustion as it is about the baby's discomfort. You try everything, you second-guess everything, and you're running on zero sleep. That's where a calming environment for you becomes just as important as trying to soothe your baby.

Can Essential Oils Help with Colic?

Let's be very clear: essential oils do not treat or cure colic. Colic is a pediatric issue, and if your baby is crying inconsolably, your first call should always be to your doctor to rule out reflux, allergies, or other medical causes.

That said, many parents find that a gentle, calming environment helps during the long evenings. Some oils are traditionally associated with relaxation and comfort, and when diffused carefully in a well-ventilated, shared family space (never directly in the baby's room), they may help create a more peaceful mood for everyone.

Oils Parents Sometimes Diffuse (With Caution)

Here's a simple comparison of oils some parents explore, along with important safety notes:

Oil	Traditional Use	Notes for Babies
Lavender	Calming, soothing scent	Most commonly diffused; always check with pediatrician first
Roman Chamomile	Gentle, comforting aroma	Expensive but traditionally gentle; diffuse sparingly
Frankincense	Grounding, peaceful	Use in very small amounts in shared spaces only

NEVER diffuse Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, or Wintergreen around newborns or young infants, these oils contain high levels of menthol and 1,8-cineole, which can be unsafe for tiny respiratory systems, even through inhalation.

How to Diffuse Safely Around a Newborn

If your pediatrician gives you the green light to try gentle diffusion, follow these steps:

1. Choose a well-ventilated, shared family space, like the living room, never the nursery or a closed bedroom where the baby sleeps.
2. Use a very small amount, describe it qualitatively as "a tiny amount" or "far less than you'd use for yourself." For newborns and very young infants, do not use numeric drop counts at all; defer to your pediatrician.
3. Run the diffuser for short intervals, 15-30 minutes maximum, not continuously.
4. Watch your baby's response, if they seem uncomfortable, fussy, or if their breathing changes at all, stop immediately and move to fresh air.
5. Never apply oils to your baby's skin, add them to bathwater, or use them on clothing, blankets, or anything that touches your baby.

Honestly, in our experience, less is always more. You're not trying to fill the room with scent; you're creating the gentlest hint of calm.

What About Oils for You?

This is important: colic is incredibly hard on parents. If you're diffusing something gentle like Lavender in the living room while you rock your baby, that's as much for your own nervous system as it is for setting a calm tone. Taking care of yourself, whether that's a few drops of Serenity in your space after your partner takes over, or a moment of Balance on your own wrists, is not selfish. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Just remember: if your baby is in the same room, the safety rules above still apply, even if the oil is "for you." The environment governs, not who the oil is meant for.

When to Call the Pediatrician

Essential oils are never a substitute for medical care. Call your pediatrician right away if your baby:

• Has a fever
• Is vomiting or has diarrhea
• Refuses to eat or shows signs of dehydration
• Has a high-pitched or unusual cry
• Seems lethargic or unresponsive

Colic is real and exhausting, but it's also a diagnosis of exclusion, your doctor needs to rule out everything else first.

For more on creating a calm environment for your little one, you might find our guide on gentle essential oils for kids sleep helpful as your baby grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can essential oils cure colic?
No. Essential oils cannot treat, cure, or medically relieve colic. They may help create a calming environment, but always consult your pediatrician first.

Which oils should I avoid around a newborn?
Never diffuse Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Wintergreen, Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, or Thyme around newborns or young infants. Stick to traditionally gentle oils like Lavender, and only with your pediatrician's approval.

Can I put Lavender on my baby's skin for colic?
No. Never apply essential oils directly to a baby's skin, and never add them to a baby's bath. Diffusion in a shared, well-ventilated space is the only method to consider, and only after speaking with your pediatrician.

How much oil should I use in the diffuser?
For newborns and very young infants, do not rely on numeric drop counts, amounts should be described qualitatively (a tiny amount, far less than for adults) and guided by your pediatrician. Less is always safer.

What if my baby seems uncomfortable when I diffuse?
Stop immediately, open windows, and move your baby to fresh air. Not every baby tolerates aromatherapy, and that's completely okay. Your pediatrician can help you troubleshoot.

Conclusion

Colic is one of the hardest phases of early parenthood, and there's no magic fix. Essential oils can't cure it, but they may help you create a gentler environment for both of you. Always put safety first, consult your pediatrician, follow doTERRA's age guidance, and keep oils out of reach of children. You're doing an amazing job, even on the hard nights.

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