Bedtime for Kids

BEDTIME FOR KIDS TIPS:

• Put a drop of doTERRA Serenity^® on your child’s pillow.
• Add one to three drops of Lavender to bathwater at bedtime.
• Diffuse two drops of Lavender, two drops of Bergamot, and one drop of Roman Chamomile an hour before bedtime.
• Gently massage your child’s feet with Lavender or Peace and Fractionated Coconut Oil.
• Make a bedtime tea by adding a drop of Roman Chamomile and Lavender to hot water and honey or agave.

Creating a Good Bedtime Routine for Your Child

The importance of sleep is well-understood, but it can sometimes be difficult to help children go to bed. The secret to sweet slumber for the little ones lies in creating a bedtime routine and sticking to it consistently. This might include reading a book to your child, turning off electronics an hour before bed, playing soothing music, and diffusing essential oils in your child’s bedroom. There is no perfect, one-size-fits-all bedtime regimen for kids, so experiment and find out what your child responds best to. Then, try not to vary too much. Having a predictable bedtime routine can help your child settle down for the night with less fuss and delay, and it can help instill healthy sleep habits for life. 

What Essential Oils are Good for Sleep?

Essential oils can be a powerful part of a child’s bedtime routine. They have been used for thousands of years for their calming and soothing properties, which help the mind and body relax. The unique chemical properties found in certain essential oils make them useful for promoting an environment conducive for sleep. The chemical constituent linalool is particularly helpful for supporting restful sleep.* Lavender and Petitgrain both include linalool in their chemistry. Another chemical constituent particularly helpful for calming and relaxing are esters. Again, Lavender is an excellent choice, along with Roman Chamomile, Cedarwood, Vetiver, and Bergamot. 

How Do You Use Essential Oils to Help with Sleep?

Lavender, Roman Chamomile, and Petitgrain stand out among other bedtime essential oils. They can be used aromatically, topically, and internally to help with sleep,* making them extremely versatile. Diffuse them in your child’s room before bed, put a drop onto their pillow, or add a drop to a glass of herbal tea or warm milk at bedtime.

doTERRA Serenity^® is a calming and relaxing blend that is formulated to help you fall asleep naturally by promoting a restful sleeping environment. Diffuse doTERRA Serenity or apply to the bottoms of feet at night to calm a restless child.

What Can I Do to Help My Child Sleep?

Many researchers believe that giving your child a massage at bedtime can help them fall asleep easier. doTERRA Touch Lavender and Frankincense are pre-diluted and perfect for using on children. Use in a calming massage as part of your child’s bedtime routine. You can try giving your child an AromaTouch Hand Technique massage with one of your child’s favorite relaxing oils.