Lemongrass oil is a concentrated extract known for its strong, fresh, and citrusy scent. Adults use this oil in aromatherapy, personal care products, and as a component in natural insect repellents. Because essential oils are highly concentrated chemical compounds, their use around infants and young children requires caution and a clear understanding of the risks involved.
Determining Safety for Infants
Safety experts and aromatherapists agree that lemongrass oil should be avoided for infants and young children, especially those under two years of age. A baby’s physiological systems are still developing, making them vulnerable to the potent compounds within essential oils. Their skin is thinner and more permeable than adult skin, leading to a higher rate of absorption of topical applications.
Lemongrass oil contains a high percentage of citral (typically 70% to 78%). This concentration makes the oil a potential dermal sensitizer, causing skin irritation, redness, or an allergic reaction upon contact, even when diluted. A young child’s immature respiratory system and airways can also be irritated by exposure to strong aromatic compounds. Additionally, the developing liver and kidneys are less efficient at metabolizing and eliminating these concentrated compounds.
Safe Dilution and Application Practices
For older children, lemongrass oil requires significant dilution to mitigate the risk of adverse reactions. The recommended safe topical dilution rate for children between three and 24 months is low, generally between 0.25% and 0.5%. This dilution is achieved by adding only one to two drops of the essential oil to every two teaspoons of a carrier oil.
Appropriate carrier oils for dilution include fractionated coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil. Diffusion should be limited, even for older children, and should only occur in a large, well-ventilated space for brief periods (15 to 30 minutes). Nebulizing diffusers, which release a fine mist of pure oil, should be avoided around infants and toddlers because the concentration is too high for their developing lungs.
Recognizing Adverse Reactions
Parents should monitor for signs that a baby is reacting negatively to lemongrass oil exposure. Signs of a localized reaction (contact dermatitis) include redness, itching, burning sensations, or a rash. Sensitization can develop after a single exposure or repeated, low-level exposure.
Respiratory symptoms following diffusion may include increased coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, indicating irritation of the airways. More severe effects, particularly if a child accidentally ingests the oil, can manifest as lethargy, confusion, vomiting, or seizures. Essential oils must be stored securely out of reach, similar to medications or household cleaners, due to the risk of toxicity. If a severe reaction or accidental ingestion is suspected, discontinue use, wash the affected skin, and contact Poison Control or seek emergency medical attention.
Non-Essential Oil Options for Baby Needs
Since parents often seek lemongrass oil for its insect-repelling properties, safer alternatives for baby care exist. For insect protection, the most effective method for infants under six months remains the use of physical barriers, such as fine mesh netting over strollers and carriers.
For babies older than two months, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests the cautious use of repellents containing DEET in concentrations no higher than 10%. Picaridin is an effective and well-tolerated repellent option for children. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is chemically processed from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree and is distinct from the essential oil, but it is not recommended for children under three years old.