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What candles are safe to use around babies?

What candles are safe to use around babies?

Being a parent to a newborn baby can be quite a challenge, and you will often need a moment to stop and relax a bit before moving on with your chores. Aromatherapy candles are perfect for that, but you may be wondering if they are safe for your baby. In short, they are if you have the right product!

If you have a baby, you know better than anyone how valuable your moments of relaxation can be. Taking care of the little ones requires your undivided attention, so taking a break every now and then is vital.

With the right candle and soothing essential oils, you can recharge your batteries much faster and more efficiently, but you’re probably wondering if your baby can enjoy the experience with you. Well, that’s what we’re here to discuss.

Apart from the obvious things to look out for, such as the fact that the candle is stable and can’t fall over easily or that it can be placed out of your baby’s reach, there are some other things to consider when discussing what candles are safe to use around babies. So, let’s get to it.

mum and baby

Are candles safe for babies?

When choosing the aromatherapy candle you’re going to be using near your baby, you should make sure that it’s made of natural ingredients only. That way, you can be sure the burning process won’t release any potentially harmful chemicals into the room. Check ALL elements of a candle, from wax to wick.

Finding candles that are totally free of nasties can be tricky, especially for use around babies. Marketing material often makes it hard to distinguish what is and isn't natural, a "blend" may mean a mixture of natural and synthetic ingredients. Ensure that it states ‘pure essential oils’, if it references fragrances then it’s definitely synthetic.

For candles that are non-toxic, ensure that the candle is made with an unbleached cotton wick to ensure a safe, clean burn, and most importantly made from a natural wax such as soy, vegetable or beeswax.

Mind you, aromatherapy can also help expectant mothers reduce stress during pregnancy, although keep in mind that not all essential oils are recommended for pregnant women. This way, you can introduce your baby to the amazing smells they are about to discover because a baby’s sense of smell develops while still in the womb, so your future bundle of joy can very much smell what you’re smelling!

 

Which candles to avoid?

While lighting your favourite scented delight for some me-time before bed often offers at least temporary relief, many are made from paraffin wax with synthetic fragrance.When burned, paraffin wax, made from petroleum waste, creates toxic benzene and toluene chemicals, both of which are known carcinogens. It means that breathing them in is as bad for your health as second-hand smoke. If you suffer from headaches when a candle is burning, it may well be down to the paraffin.

The risks are particularly high in heavily scented candles made from synthetic fragrance. The release of these chemicals inhaled over time can be very detrimental, especially to an infant's developing lungs, possibly triggering asthma attacks and allergies.

So, the rule of thumb should be to just focus on finding candles that are completely made of natural ingredients. That way, you will be avoiding any health issues that might affect your baby. Also, here’s a tip on how to make your candles even better for your baby: try to keep the wick clean. Removing the soot from that place will help you achieve a clean burn.

 

How much should candles be used near babies?

No matter which scent and which type of candle you’re using, you shouldn’t keep your candles lit all the time. Simply, the baby needs some fresh air too, so it is recommended that the room it sleeps in is well ventilated.

Furthermore, you should limit the use of scented candles to a few hours a day, not keep using them 24/7. This way, you will be able to reap the benefits of the soothing effects these candles can have without saturating the air in your home too much, something that won’t be particularly appealing not just to babies but adults and even animals, as well.

The best practice is to use the candles when you need your baby to calm down, so maybe when you’re getting them ready for bedtime or during feeding time. Relaxing them like this will help them sleep better and more peacefully, which also means you will be able to sleep better, too.

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Conclusion

When choosing the candle you want to have in the same room as your baby, some caution is advised. Don’t just pick the first candle you come across, especially not if it’s made of paraffin wax. Choose candles that are made of all-natural materials, and this applies to the wax, the wick and the essential oils.

Furthermore, you don’t want to be using the candles too much, either. After all, the baby’s lungs are still developing, and you will want to give them plenty of fresh air in a room that’s regularly ventilated. A few hours every day will be just fine.

Aromatherapy candles can create a soothing atmosphere that will help you enjoy some magical moments with your child, moments that can be appreciated more precisely because of the calm they bring. So, find the one that suits you and your child best and you will be able to provide your baby with a much more relaxing environment.

Cradle & Tonic believe in natural ingredients. All our candles are made using natural ingredients such as PURE essential oils, high-quality natural soy wax and unbleached cotton wicks. Safe for mum and baby.