Olbas For Children- 12ml

Is Olbas for Children Safe for Babies and Toddlers?

When your little one is bunged up with a cold, it can be distressing for both of you. Breathing difficulties at night, a runny nose, and general irritability — it all adds up. Olbas for children is a gentle aromatic inhalant oil designed specifically for babies from 3 months of age and young children, offering temporary relief from nasal congestion caused by colds and minor upper respiratory complaints. At just £4.99 for a 12ml bottle, it's a practical addition to any family medicine cabinet. You can browse our full range of baby and toddler health products at Cured Pharmacy.

Unlike the standard adult formulation, this version uses a milder blend of essential oils, carefully balanced to be appropriate for younger, more sensitive airways. It's an over-the-counter product, meaning no prescription is needed — though you should always check with your pharmacist if your child has any underlying health conditions before use.

How Does Olbas for Children Work to Relieve Congestion?

The product works entirely through inhalation. When the aromatic vapours are breathed in, they interact with the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages, helping to ease the sensation of blockage and making breathing feel more comfortable. Here's a simple breakdown of the mechanism:

• Essential oil vapours are released into the surrounding air when drops are placed on a tissue or cloth.
• The child inhales these vapours naturally during normal breathing.
• Eucalyptus and cajuput oils act as mild decongestants, helping to open up the nasal passages.
• Menthol contributes a cooling sensation that can make breathing feel easier and less laboured.
• The combined effect provides temporary symptomatic relief — it doesn't treat the underlying infection, but it does make your child more comfortable.

It's worth noting that this product does not contain any antihistamines, paracetamol, or ibuprofen. It is purely an aromatic inhalant, which is why it's considered suitable from 3 months of age when used correctly.

Who Should Use Olbas for Children and Who Is It Suitable For?

This product is intended for babies and children experiencing nasal congestion related to colds or minor upper respiratory tract infections. It is not a treatment for serious respiratory conditions. Suitable users include:

• Babies aged 3 months and over experiencing cold-related nasal stuffiness.
• Toddlers and young children who struggle to sleep due to a blocked nose.
• Children who cannot yet blow their nose effectively.
• Families looking for a non-medicated, drug-free inhalant option.

It is not suitable for premature babies or infants under 3 months. Children with asthma, whooping cough, or other respiratory conditions should not use this product without first speaking to a GP or pharmacist. If your child has a high fever, difficulty breathing, or symptoms that are worsening rapidly, seek medical attention rather than relying on symptomatic relief alone.

How Does Olbas for Children Compare to Other Children's Decongestants?

How Should You Store Olbas for Children and Is It Clinically Appropriate?

Store the bottle below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. The cap should be replaced firmly after each use to prevent evaporation of the volatile oils. Do not store near an open flame or heat source, as the essential oils are flammable.

Clinically, Olbas for children is appropriate for short-term symptomatic management of nasal congestion in young children. It is not a substitute for medical treatment if your child is seriously unwell. If you're also managing other childhood ailments, our cold and flu range includes a variety of products suitable for different ages and symptoms.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Olbas for Children and What Is It Used For?

Olbas for children is an aromatic inhalant oil formulated specifically for babies from 3 months of age and young children. It contains a blend of essential oils — including eucalyptus, cajuput, juniper berry, wintergreen, clove oil, and menthol — at concentrations lower than those found in the adult Olbas Oil product. This makes it gentler on young, sensitive airways.

It is used to provide temporary relief from nasal congestion caused by colds and minor upper respiratory tract infections. It does not treat the underlying cause of a cold — it simply helps your child breathe more comfortably while their immune system does its work. The NHS notes that most colds in children clear up on their own within 7 to 10 days, and symptomatic relief products like this one can help manage discomfort in the meantime.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Olbas for Children?

Before using this product, read the following contraindications and warnings carefully:

• Do not use in babies under 3 months of age.
• Do not apply directly to the skin, especially on or near the face of babies and young children.
• Do not place drops directly in the cot, on bedding, or on clothing that is in direct contact with the child's skin.
• Do not use near an open flame — the essential oils are flammable.
• Do not use in children with asthma, whooping cough, or other chronic respiratory conditions without first consulting a GP.
• Avoid contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Do not use if your child is allergic to any of the listed ingredients.
• Keep out of reach of children — this is a medicine, not a toy.

Regarding drug interactions, no significant interactions have been identified for this product when used as directed via inhalation. However:

• Concurrent use with other aromatic inhalants is not recommended.
• If your child is using any prescribed respiratory medicines, consult your pharmacist before use.

How Should You Use Olbas for Children Correctly?

Always use this product exactly as described on the packaging. Never exceed the recommended number of drops. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Shake the bottle gently before use.
2. Place the recommended number of drops onto a tissue, handkerchief, or cloth.
3. Hold the tissue near (but not touching) the child's face, or place it at a safe distance — for example, tucked under the corner of a mattress, away from the child's direct reach.
4. For older children (3 years and above), drops may be added to a bowl of hot water for steam inhalation — always under close adult supervision and ensuring the water is not scalding.
5. Replace the cap firmly after use.
6. Wash hands after handling the oil.

If you're looking for additional support for your child's cold symptoms, our ear, nose and throat range includes a variety of products suitable for children and adults alike.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Olbas for Children?

When used as directed, side effects are uncommon. However, as with any product containing essential oils, reactions can occasionally occur. Stop use immediately and seek medical advice if your child shows signs of an allergic reaction, including rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Common side effects (may affect some users):

• Mild skin irritation if the oil accidentally contacts the skin.
• Watering eyes if used in a small, enclosed space.
• Sneezing or temporary increase in nasal discharge.

Less common side effects (rare when used correctly):

• Respiratory irritation or coughing in children with sensitive airways.
• Headache in enclosed environments with high vapour concentration.
• Contact dermatitis if the oil is applied directly to skin.

If your child has asthma or any reactive airway condition, the inhalation of essential oil vapours may trigger bronchospasm. Do not use without medical guidance in these cases.

How Should You Store Olbas for Children Safely?

Proper storage helps maintain the product's effectiveness and prevents accidents. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use to prevent evaporation.
• Do not store near heat sources, open flames, or electrical equipment.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children at all times.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle.
• Do not transfer the contents to another container.

For broader family health needs, you might also find our first aid collection useful — it covers a wide range of everyday health essentials for households with young children.