Who deserves nature's best more than your baby? Forget commercial products that use synthetic fragrances to cover the smell of other harsh chemicals. The recipes and tips below will help you bathe, powder, and pamper your baby with naturally scented essential oils.

Baby Baths

The gentlest bath that you can give your baby is a sponge bath using hydrosols. Hydrosols are steam distilled water soluble extracts of plants, and can be found in many health markets. Chamomile hydrosols smell wonderful and are mild enough for your baby's soft skin.

If you prefer to go with a more traditional bath, try using liquid castile soap. Add a few drops of essential lavender oil to a bottle of castile, and your baby will smell as fresh as a spring flower!

Diaper Care

Soothe your baby's bottom with a bit of Moisturizing Baby Balm. Combine a few tbsp. of fractionated coconut oil, a tsp. of calendula petals, 3 drops of lavender essential oil, and 1 drop of German chamomile. Heat the mixture and add 1/2 ounce of grated beeswax. Remove from heat and add 1/2 of Shea Butter and 1 tsp. of vitamin E. Mix well and apply after diaper changes.

Baby Wipes

Most commercial baby wipes have harsh chemical ingredients that will irritate your baby's skin. If you're looking for recipes that will soothe and care for your baby's sensitive skin, look no further!

We call this recipe the "Bounty Baby Wipe." Cut a roll of Bounty paper towels in half, which will give you two half rolls. Extract the center cardboard tube and place the dry paper towel roll in an empty plastic container. You can use an empty commercial wipe container, but if you don't already have one, you can simply place the towels in a leak-free, sealable one-gallon plastic bag. In a ceramic bowl, blend 4 cups of hydrosol (we recommend rose or roman chamomile) with 1 cup witch hazel extract. Pour the mixture over your paper towels and make sure that each is saturated.

Fragrant Baby Oil

Massage your tot's toes, tummy, and tiny hands with a naturally scented baby oil that won't irritate his or her skin. Combine 2 oz. fractionated coconut oil with 3 drops of lavender essential oil and 1 drop of chamomile. This relaxing oil will have your baby "sleeping like a baby" in no time!

In The Buff Baby Powder

Homemade baby powder is inexpensive and easy to make. Blend 3 tbsp. cornstarch, 2 tbsp. arrowroot powder, and 1 tbsp. powdered white cosmetic clay with 4-6 drops of lavender essential oil. Blend the mixture with your fingertips, let it sit for 24 hours, then sift the powder into a decorative box or powder dispenser.

Note: if your baby has a diaper rash, do not use baby powders with cornstarch and arrowroot. Instead, simply blend white cosmetic clay with a few drops of lavender essential oil and apply to the affected areas.

Colds and Earaches

Treat your baby's sniffles and sneezes the natural way by placing a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil into a diffuser or humidifier in your baby's room. The scent will help to clear up those nasty cold symptoms. Keep in mind that the only oils that should be applied to baby's skin are lavender and chamomile, and these can be applied only after they're diluted. The lavender/chamomile combination is wonderful for treating baby earaches. Simply massage 2 drops each of lavender and chamomile essential oils with 2 tsp. of grapeseed oil under your baby's ears and around the jaw.