Are Candles Bad for Babies? What New Parents Should Know
You love burning candles, but now there's a baby in the house. Is it safe to keep lighting them? Should you give up candles entirely until your child is older?
The short answer is that you don't have to quit candles completely, but you do need to be more careful about what you burn and where. Here's what new parents should know.
Why Babies Are More Sensitive to Candles
Babies have developing respiratory systems. Their lungs are smaller, they breathe faster than adults, and their bodies are still learning to filter out irritants. What might be a minor annoyance to an adult can be more significant for an infant.
When candles burn, they release particles and compounds into the air. For most adults, this isn't a problem. But babies, especially newborns, can be more reactive to:
- Soot and particulate matter
- Strong fragrances
- Chemicals released from certain waxes
- Smoke from improperly burning wicks
This doesn't mean all candles are dangerous. It means the type of candle and how you use it matters more when there's a baby around.
Candles to Avoid Around Babies
Paraffin Wax Candles
Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct. When burned, it can release chemicals like toluene and benzene. While the amounts are small, babies are more sensitive. If you're burning candles in rooms where your baby spends time, paraffin isn't the best choice.
Heavily Scented Candles
Strong fragrances can irritate a baby's airways. Candles loaded with synthetic fragrance are more likely to cause issues than lightly scented or unscented options. If you notice your baby sneezing, coughing, or seeming congested after you burn a candle, the fragrance might be the problem.
Candles with Poor-Quality Wicks
Cheap wicks can smoke, flicker, and produce more soot. That soot ends up in the air your baby breathes. Old candles might even have lead-core wicks, which were banned in 2003 but could still exist in vintage or imported products.
Safer Candle Options for Homes with Babies
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax is the cleanest-burning candle wax. It's natural, produces minimal soot, and some studies suggest it actually releases negative ions that can help purify air. If you're going to burn candles around a baby, beeswax is your safest bet.
Soy Candles
Soy wax burns cleaner than paraffin. Look for 100% soy rather than soy blends, which might still contain paraffin.
Unscented or Lightly Scented
Skip the triple-scented, room-filling fragrances when your baby is around. Lighter scents or unscented candles reduce the chance of respiratory irritation.
Cotton or Wooden Wicks
These burn cleaner and more evenly than cheap wicks. Wooden wicks in particular produce a nice ambiance with less soot.
Safety Tips for Burning Candles Around Babies
- Never burn candles in your baby's nursery or bedroom
- Keep burning candles in well-ventilated areas
- Limit burn time to a few hours at a time
- Trim wicks to 1/4 inch to reduce soot and smoke
- Never leave candles unattended, especially with curious toddlers around
- Place candles well out of reach on stable surfaces
- Consider using candle warmers instead, which eliminate the flame and reduce airborne particles
Signs a Candle Might Be Bothering Your Baby
Watch for these reactions when candles are burning:
- Increased sneezing or coughing
- Congestion or runny nose
- Fussiness or difficulty settling
- Rubbing eyes or face
If you notice these signs, extinguish the candle and ventilate the room. Try switching to a cleaner-burning option or avoid candles in that space when your baby is present.
The Bottom Line
You don't have to give up candles when you have a baby, but you should be thoughtful about it. Choose clean-burning waxes like beeswax, avoid heavy fragrances, and never burn candles in your baby's sleeping area. With the right candles and smart habits, you can enjoy a cozy, good-smelling home without compromising your baby's health.
