Is it Safe to Burn Scented Candles Around My Baby?
The Safety of Burning Candles Around a Baby: What You Need to Know
A scented candle has long been a source of comfort and ambiance in homes, creating a cozy environment. However, if you’re a parent with a baby in the house, you may wonder whether burning candles around your little one is safe. With concerns about toxic chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and artificial scents (namely, fragrance), it’s essential to understand how burning candles can affect your baby’s health and the safest options.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the safety of burning candles around babies, the dangers of synthetic fragrances, and how to choose the safest candles for your home.
The Risks of Burning Candles Around a Baby
While candles can set a relaxing mood, burning candles indoors produces various emissions that can be harmful, particularly for babies. Babies have sensitive respiratory systems, and their little lungs are more susceptible to airborne pollutants. The smoke and fumes released from burning candles can contain harmful toxins that affect adults and babies alike.
One of the primary concerns when burning candles is the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are released when lit candles burn, negatively impacting indoor air pollution. VOCs are linked to several health problems. Headaches, respiratory irritation, and even long-term health effects like liver or kidney damage are correlated with VOCs(1). With their developing little lungs and small size, babies are particularly vulnerable to the effects of VOCs.
Additionally, many candles contain synthetic fragrances and artificial scents, which often contain harmful chemicals. These fragrances are added to candles to provide a pleasant aroma, but they include a mix of chemicals. These chemicals are irritating to a baby’s skin, eyes, and lungs. Inhaling the fumes of candles with synthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions or asthma attacks. It’s vital to consider the ingredients used in the candle.
The Problem with Synthetic Fragrances
Synthetic fragrances are a common ingredient in scented candles and air fresheners. The single ingredient “fragrance” or “parfum” includes a blend of up to thousands of chemicals, most potentially harmful chemicals. In addition to VOCs, synthetic fragrances can contain allergens or endocrine disruptors that may interfere with a baby’s development. The chemicals used in artificial scents can also be irritants, causing respiratory distress or skin rashes when in direct contact with a baby’s skin.
Many candle manufacturers use synthetic fragrance oils as a cost-effective solution to create pleasant scents. However, this often comes at the expense of clean ingredients. In contrast, candles with pure essential oils are a healthier option. Essential oils, derived from plants, provide fragrance without the toxic chemicals commonly found in synthetic scents.
Essential oils in an aromatherapy candle are still potent and deemed safe for babies 6 months and older. It is crucial to research child-safe essential oils as some can affect a baby’s respiratory system or create potential health risks in babies.
Choosing the Right Candle for Babies
While burning candles can pose risks, alternatives that minimize these risks are available. Here are some tips for choosing a safe candle for use around your baby:
- Beeswax Candles: Pure beeswax candles are a great natural alternative to conventional scented candles. These cozy candles, made from pure beeswax, are a non-toxic substance with a natural, sweet fragrance without artificial scents. Beeswax candles are also known for purifying the air by releasing negative ions that help neutralize pollutants like dust and allergens. These non-toxic candles burn cleanly and produce little smoke, making them the safest candle around a baby. Branch Basics makes the safest beeswax candle. Click for $10 your first purchase!
- Cotton Wicks: The type of wick used in a candle can also affect its safety. Cotton wicks are a much safer option than lead wicks. These wicks burn cleaner, producing less smoke and fewer harmful toxins, and they also help the candle burn more evenly. When shopping for candles, look for an unbleached cotton wick for a safer and cleaner burn.
- Natural wax: For the safest experience, choose candles made with natural ingredients. Beeswax, soy, or coconut wax are all-natural options that burn cleanly and produce fewer harmful chemicals than paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct. Paraffin wax releases carcinogenic compounds when burned, contributing to indoor air pollution.
- Duration of Exposure: Another factor to consider when burning candles around a baby is the duration of exposure. Even if you’re using a safer candle with natural ingredients, limiting the time your baby is exposed to the fumes is essential. Always keep candles at a safe distance from your baby’s reach, and avoid burning them for prolonged periods, especially in small or poorly ventilated rooms like a nursery.
Creating a Safer Environment for Your Baby
To further protect your baby from harmful toxins while still enjoying the comfort of candles, here are some additional safety precautions:
- Keep Candles Out of Baby’s Reach: It’s essential to keep a burning candle out of your baby’s reach to avoid any potential accidents. Babies are naturally curious and may try to grab or touch the flame, which can be a fire risk. Make sure to place candles in areas your baby cannot access, such as on high shelves or tables.
- Ventilate the Room: Proper ventilation is critical when burning candles indoors, especially in a room where your baby spends time. Open windows or use fans to help disperse any fumes and ensure fresh air circulates throughout the room. This will help minimize the buildup of harmful toxins in the air.
- Limit Exposure: If you must burn candles in the living room or other areas where your baby is present, limit the exposure time. Only light the candle for short periods and never leave a candle unattended. If you need the fragrance to linger, consider using a diffuser with pure essential oils rather than a candle.
Alternatives to Traditional Candles
If you’re still concerned about the risks of burning candles around your baby, several safer alternatives are good options that can provide a similar atmosphere without the harmful chemicals:
- Essential Oil Diffuser: Essential oil diffusers allow you to enjoy natural scents without the risks associated with burning candles. A diffuser disperses the essential oils into the air, offering a subtle fragrance without the smoke or toxins.
- Battery-Powered Candles: If you love the glow of candles but want to avoid the potential risks, consider using battery-powered candles. These flameless options provide the same soft lighting as traditional candles but without the risks associated with an open flame.
- Simmer Pot: A pot simmering on the stove filled with water, orange peels, and cinnamon sticks provides a gentle and pleasant scent without harmful chemicals.
- Air Purifiers: To help improve air quality, an air purifier can be a helpful tool, especially in rooms where you spend a lot of time with your baby. To learn more about air purifiers for babies, check out this recent blog post.
Conclusion
Safety should always be your top priority when burning candles around a baby. While candles can enhance the ambiance in your home, the harmful toxins and chemicals released by certain types of candles can pose health risks to your little one. The safest way to enjoy candles with a baby is by making informed choices about your products and taking necessary precautions to protect your little one’s health.
If you’re on the journey to less-toxic living and curious about washing your newborn baby’s clothes and what detergents are safe, check out this article.
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