By Cradle & Tonic
What candles are safe to use around babies?
Being a new parent is tough. Sleepless nights, days when you barely have time to shower and endless nappy changes can make self-care feel impossible. But sometimes, a simple act like lighting a candle, especially one filled with calming essential oils, can provide a much-needed moment of peace.
With the right candle, you can recharge faster and more effectively. But if you have a baby, you're probably wondering if it's safe for them to be around lit candles. Aside from the obvious safety precautions like making sure the candle is stable and out of reach, there are a few other things to consider.
Let's explore what makes a candle safe for your 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, choose a candle that uses an unbleached cotton wick to ensure a safe, clean burn, and most importantly, is made from a natural wax such as soy, vegetable or beeswax.
Which candles should you avoid around babies?
While lighting a scented candle before bed can feel relaxing, many popular candles are made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance. Unfortunately, burning paraffin wax releases toxic chemicals like benzene and toluene, known carcinogens that can be as harmful as secondhand smoke. If you experience headaches around burning candles, paraffin might be the culprit.
Heavily scented candles with synthetic fragrances are especially risky. The released chemicals, when inhaled over time, can be detrimental to anyone's health, but particularly to a baby's developing lungs, potentially triggering asthma attacks and allergies.
The simplest solution is to choose candles made entirely from natural ingredients. This way, you can enjoy your moment of peace without worrying about any potential health risks for your baby.
Top tip: 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 often can you light candles near babies?
Even with the safest, most natural candles, it's important to avoid burning them constantly. Your baby needs fresh air, so make sure their room is well-ventilated.
It's also best to limit scented candle use to a few hours a day. This allows you to enjoy the calming benefits without overwhelming the air in your home – something that's not pleasant for anyone, including babies, adults and even pets.
Try using candles strategically, like during bedtime routines or feeding time. The gentle scent can help your baby relax and sleep more soundly, which means more restful nights for you, too.
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.