We all love to enjoy a house that smells amazing. Not only is it great for us, but it’s also great for when neighbors or friends stop by.
We instantly know that our house won’t smell like smoke or the pets that we have when we use wax melts. It’s important to make sure that they are safe for little ones.
Thankfully, most wax melts are perfectly safe for babies. You’ll need to keep in mind a few things before burning them, though.
In this article
Consider The Ingredients When Purchasing Wax Melts
Wax melts, when used in moderation, are generally considered safe. Even paraffin wax melts, which are known for having chemicals that cause cancer, are safe to use every so often.
However, you’ll want to consider the ingredients in your wax melts before you purchase them, especially if you enjoy using wax melts frequently.
Paraffin Wax Melts Are Considered Toxic Now
Long ago, every candle and wax melt was created from paraffin wax. Today, there are still a lot of paraffin products on the market, but there are plenty of alternatives, too. This is because of what paraffin has the potential to do.
Paraffin wax, including both wax melts and candles, is known for giving off certain chemicals when burned that are known carcinogens.
This link goes to just one study that states what chemicals this type of wax gives off, and why you might want to reconsider what type of wax melts you’re using.
Paraffin wax can not only contribute to cancer, it is also known for causing:
- Headaches
- Kidney damage
- Irritation to the lungs and throats
- Birth defects
- Low birth weight
- Bone marrow damage
- Respiratory issues
- Nausea
These are just a few of the documented issues that researchers have discovered when researching the effects of paraffin wax on both people and animals. If it can do this to an adult, imagine what it can do to a baby?
Soy Wax Is A Safer Alternative
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Soy wax is well-known for being a safe substitute for paraffin wax. It’s mainly non-toxic. It does not let off cancer-causing chemicals and lets off little or no soot for a nice, clean burn.
It also isn’t known to cause headaches, birth defects, and the other things that paraffin wax has become known for. Because of this, many parents opt for wax melts that are made from soy wax.
On the other hand, there are plenty of parents that stay away from soy wax due to lack of evidence. There are plenty of studies that are against paraffin wax, but that doesn’t mean that there are studies that are for soy wax.
In fact, there are very few that can claim soy wax is safer. It’s assumed because soy wax melts are natural, so it makes sense that they would not pump the air full of the same chemicals that paraffin wax does.
Beeswax Candle Melts Are Another Option
- Will fill your house with a sweet smell of vanilla. 100% beeswax
- Scent lasts a long time
- Works in a standard wax melter. These do NOT have wicks.
- Substantial size at .6 ounces per melt
- Due to the nature of beeswax the color may vary.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Beeswax candle melts are quickly becoming one of the most popular options, especially among moms. This is because natural beeswax candles and wax melts produce no soot when burned.
They also don’t produce the same chemicals that artificial products, like paraffin, are known for. Instead, they produce ions that are capable of reducing toxins and improving your air quality.
There is one major downside to using beeswax melts: the cost. When you compare the costs of paraffin, soy wax, and beeswax, beeswax and beeswax products are much more expensive.
Wax melts are cheaper than candles, but they still cost more than soy wax.
Find Your Favorite Company, And Stick With Them
While beeswax might be the best option, all beeswax products are not created equal. Some companies are becoming famous for adding more than just beeswax to their candles and wax melts.
They may add paraffin to them so that they burn longer. This allows the company to label them as beeswax products, but you wind up with the same problems that you would have if you would have just bought paraffin wax melts.
This is why it’s important to make sure that you’re buying wax melts from a company that you can trust.
Consider Making Your Own Wax Melts
- 【GREAT STARTER DIY CANDLE】 Catcrafter Scented Candle Making Supplies Kit is a great started DIY candle kit for any age and gender. It comes with large candle melting pot jars, colored candle dyeing blocks, candle wicks stickers and wick stickers, wooden center device, bow tie clip, silicone molds, mixing spoon, mandala pattern candle tins, thermometer, essential unique oil fragrances, soy wax, warning label, awl, instructions, storage bag and dried flowers.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
DIY wax melts are a great idea if you have a little one. You simply have to melt the wax, pour it into molds, and then pop out the molds. You can do it while your baby is taking a nap.
They sell complete kits that you can use, or you can purchase all of the things you’ll need separately. If you’re just learning to make your own wax melts and candles, consider picking up a beginner kit.
Use Aromatherapy Guidelines For Scented Wax Melts
While wax melts, in general, are considered safe when used in moderation it’s important to consider the scent that you are using. Certain scents are considered safe for use around babies. There are other scents that you should stay away from.
Avoid Peppermint Scented Wax Melts
Peppermint scented wax melts are often made with essential oils. In fact, most wax melts and candles are made from essential oils. This is why you’ll need to stay away from certain scents.
Peppermint oil, when inhaled, can cause respiratory issues. It can have a negative impact on your baby’s developing lungs. The strong scent of peppermint can also be a bit much for babies to handle. They might become fussy or not feed as well.
Strongly Scented Wax Melts Can Affect Their Sense Of Taste
As babies develop a better sense of smell, you’ll start to notice that scents affect them more. For example, if you wear a strongly scented perfume you might notice that your baby doesn’t eat as much when they breastfeed.
The smell can make something taste different. This also applies to strongly scented wax melts. A lavender-scented wax melt might make formula taste differently to your baby.
Research Essential Oils
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When wax melts are made of essential oils, they slowly diffuse that essential oil into the air. This is the same as using a diffuser to do that.
If an essential oil is not safe for children, you should not use wax melts made with that essential oil around children. Make sure that you do your research on the topic before purchasing wax melts made with essential oils.
In Conclusion
Some wax melts are safe for babies while others are not. The safest wax melts are made from soy wax or beeswax and don’t contain things that can harm your baby, like certain essential oils.
Read the ingredient list carefully or make your own to make sure that your baby is safe.
