Can you give a baby magnesium topical

Transdermal magnesium supplementation is ideal for children. It’s a wonderful solution for babies, toddlers and children of all ages who need magnesium , but often don’t get enough in their diets.

Most children have sensitive skin, so you’ll want to start with a very dilute solution. Our Magnesium Spray is ideal for kids because it’s prediluted and sprays on in a thin layer. You can also try our half-strength Magnesium Gel, but because it goes on in a thicker layer, use sparingly.

Magnesium Chloride Liquid is full strength. For children you can add a capful to a bath or mix the liquid with a natural oil and rub it into the skin.

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Massaging your baby. Using aromatherapy. Giving him/her a relaxing, warm bath. You’ve tried all these natural remedies that claim to do the trick, but you still can’t get your baby to sleep. This one is for parents who are desperately in need of a solution that will get their fussy kids to settle down for the night: the answer lies in magnesium oil.

How does magnesium oil help with sleepless nights?

In a study of magnesium-deficient babies and children, it was shown that participants who had their intake of magnesium boosted experienced less irritability and anxiety, and fell asleep more easily. How does magnesium (and magnesium oil) work? In a nutshell, magnesium soothes your baby’s central nervous system and acts as a sedative. It even diminishes nighttime twitching and jerking, and ensures that your little one sleeps through the night without disturbances.

How is magnesium oil used, and is it safe?

Magnesium oil, which is applied topically, is a safe and effective way to increase the magnesium levels of babies and children who do not face any pre-existing medical conditions. Usage is easy: simply purchase a magnesium baby sleepy Toes Towelettes, and rub it in as and when they need some calming down.

Psst: It’s okay even if you’re heavy-handed – your baby’s body will absorb the amount it needs, and then excrete any excess magnesium via its urine. (In comparison, it’s more difficult for your baby’s body to deal with excess magnesium when the magnesium is taken orally – so skip the tablets and pills, and opt for a magnesium oil spray instead!)

Can my baby get magnesium through his/her diet instead?

If your baby is old enough to start having solid foods, by all means, go ahead! Do note, though, that most foods which are rich in magnesium are dark, leafy greens (such as spinach and swiss chard) – and your baby might not fancy the taste.

Can you give a baby magnesium topical

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On top of this, you’ll also have to take into consideration the fact that your baby’s body will quickly deplete its supply of magnesium if they also consume a lot of sugary, processed foods, or animal protein. Here’s what’s happening: because sugary foods and animal proteins create an acidic environment internally, your baby’s body will quickly “buffer” the acidity with magnesium, in a bid to restore balance.

What should I take note of when purchasing magnesium oil?

Can you give a baby magnesium topical

Always try to look for a brand which is 100% pure – such as this specific one, which is made with magnesium chloride organically sourced from the salt lakes of Australia. Whilst most parents use magnesium oils on their babies and children nearing bedtime, it’s also perfectly fine to use them during the day – it’ll simply help them feel more relaxed and less tense.

Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452159

I have been asked this questions numerous times from people when they are considering using Magnesium for their kids.  I think that it is because it is not recommended nearly as often as pharmaceutical medications by doctors which, in my opinion, is depressing.

Instead of turning to one of the safest minerals on the planet, doctors will often recommend things like Miralax, Ritalin, Anti-depressants, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and even Anti-psychotics without even thinking about trying Magnesium.  It is the out-dated mentality of a “pill for an ill '' and this at best covers up the symptoms and at worst causes side effects, imbalanced biochemistry, and a messed up gut.

Can you give a baby magnesium topical

Why Magnesium is Important

Magnesium is essential for our health.

It is the 4th most common mineral in the body and is necessary for over 300 enzymatic reactions that help with: 

  • Production of protein, DNA and RNA
  • Growth and development of bones
  • Proper function of muscles, bones, nerves, and hormones
  • Regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure, and energy
  • Mood regulation, calmness and relaxation

Yet as much as 68% of Americans do not get enough magnesium in their diet to meet the minimum daily requirement of this important nutrient. [1],[2]

Getting enough magnesium is especially important for children because almost half of our peak bone mass develops during childhood and adolescence. And bone density is related to magnesium levels in our bodies.

Can you give a baby magnesium topical

How Much Magnesium Does A Child Need?

Minimum daily recommended amounts of magnesium depend on your child’s age and sex.

  • Infants from birth to 6 months require at least 30 mg/day
  • Infants from 7 to 12 months require at least 75 mg/day
  • Children ages 1 to 3 years old require at least 80 mg/day
  • Children ages 4 to 8 years old require at least 130 mg/day
  • Children ages 9 to 13 years old require at least 240 mg/day

For more information about the minimum recommended daily allowance of magnesium for your child, please see the Magnesium Fact Sheet for Consumers available from the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Causes of Low Magnesium in Kids

Child’s Diet May Lead to Inadequate Intake

Kids can be picky eaters and may not eat magnesium rich foods such as nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and green vegetables - especially dark leafy greens.  

Diets High in Salt, Sugar and Soft Drinks

Salt, sugar, and phosphoric acid (found in soft drinks) all increase magnesium excretion. 

Constant Growth and Development, High Activity Levels and Stress

Our bodies need more magnesium during periods of growth, development, physical activity, or illnesses that cause excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. Because kids are constantly growing and always on the move, their bodies need higher levels of magnesium for good health.


I routinely use Magnesium on my adult and pediatric patients.  Its safety profile has been well established.  Of course, too much of anything, can be a bad thing (too much water can actually kill you) but it is very difficult to get too much Magnesium.

The main side effect that children get when consuming Magnesium orally is diarrhea, which is also why it is  so great for constipation.  While this is not a major problem, it can definitely decrease compliance and there is a limit for how much the gut can absorb (this is called bowel tolerance).  That is why for kids I am now recommending trans-dermal Magnesium (applied to the skin).  This doesn’t cause the same diarrhea side effects, but still provides the benefits.

The beauty of trans-dermal Magnesium oil is that it is a gentle way to get kids the Magnesium that they need.  Roll-on Magnesium oil is one of the most effective delivery systems for children because it isn’t a nasty tasting liquid you have to fight with them to swallow. Simply roll it on.

When applying Magnesium to the skin, it is absorbed through the skin and into the blood.  Since this happens fairly quickly most of the time children will notice an improvement in their symptoms in 20-30 minutes.

Can you give a baby magnesium topical

However, like I said earlier, there can always be too much of a good thing. 

The problem with most Magnesium oils is that they are super concentrated.  We are talking about 3000mg/ounce of magnesium.  While great for adults, this is too concentrated for kids.  Not only may they get too much magnesium into their blood, but the super-concentrated magnesium will also cause their sensitive skin to burn and itch.

When formulating our Raise Them Well Magnesium Oil, we wanted to use enough Magnesium to still have an effect, but balance it with Aloe Vera so that it is gentle on the skin.  Our magnesium oil has around 2000mg/ounce which seems to be the right concentration to balance efficacy and tolerance.

I would still recommend testing the Magnesium oil on a small part of skin (like the bottom of the feet) just to make sure that it interacts well with your child since everyone is unique.

So, if your child is dealing with any of these conditions:

  • Constipation
  • Anxiety
  • Hyperactivity
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pain
  • Muscle cramps
  • Headaches
  • Aggression

Can you give a baby magnesium topical

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Magnesium Oil

I would recommend trying a Magnesium Oil.  You have potentially a lot to gain and very little risk.  Just make sure you choose one that is specifically formulated for kids.

If you’re interested in trying our Raise Them Well magnesium oil you can purchase it directly from us using this link.  Enjoy and please touch base with us if you have any questions at all.

Blessings!

TAKE OUR QUIZ AND DISCOVER IF YOUR CHILD COULD BE DEFICIENT IN MAGNESIUM!

1.  Schwalfenberg, Gerry K., and Stephen J. Genuis. “The Importance of Magnesium in Clinical Healthcare.” Scientifica, Hindawi, 28 Sept. 2017, [Source].

2.  Peterson, Melissa A. “Magnesium: A Vital Nutrient for Children.” FX Medicine, 25 June 2018, [Source].

Is topical magnesium safe for infants?

One of the key benefits of this form of Magnesium is that it bypasses the known side effects of Magnesium supplementation, as it is not absorbed by the digestive tract, making it completely safe to use for children!

Is magnesium balm safe for babies?

LIGHT and GENTLE: SOOTHING and CALMING This ultra-light magnesium cream moisturiser can be used for young infants as natural skin protection, relaxation massage for calming, and to promote better sleep. Let's not forget mums too, who can share it with bub and use it as a daily face cream.

Can you put magnesium oil on babies?

Magnesium oil is just as safe for babies as it is for adults. In fact, it provides a safe, gentle and easy way to help your baby get the magnesium they need. Though it is not recommended to use magnesium oils combined with essential oils on those under 12 months.

Can children use magnesium cream?

Our Nourished Life Naturopath says magnesium is a useful supplement for children who tend to push themselves either academically or athletically as it helps to manage a healthy response to stress as well as provide relief from restless legs and growing pains. The Elektra Magnesium Cream is great for growing kids.