CBD and Parenting: Understanding The Best Options For Your Child

Written by Cathy Rozyczko — Edited by Jason Brett on September 27, 2021 — Reviewed by Dr. Rosie Carey, GP

CBD (short for cannabidiol) has become an alternative consideration for many parents around the world. Countless families swear by CBD in online testimonials for help easing the symptoms of many childhood diseases, from epilepsy to anxiety. (Disclaimer: Online testimonials about CBD are anecdotal evidence and should not be treated as medical advice.)

Discover the potential natural benefits of CBD oil for children. We’ll discuss what specific issues CBD may be able to address, the pros, cons and risks, and choosing the best CBD product for your child.

Health Benefits of CBD For Children

CBD works with the body's natural endocannabinoid system, which helps the body maintain an internal balance. Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, and those in the central nervous system control movement, memory, and mood, among other functions. Endocannabinoid receptors found in the peripheral nervous system affect pain and inflammation.

There are numerous natural benefits for adults, children, and even pets using CBD. While there is still much research to be done regarding the effects of CBD on the human body, current studies have uncovered remarkable information.

Research is still in the early stages for CBD use in children, but so far, the studies that have been done are promising. According to the World Health Organization, pure CBD is both safe and effective for children. CBD has proven to be helpful in treating a few specific childhood ailments. Researchers are hopeful that when they are able to focus on a broader array of illnesses, it will continue to be an effective option.

What childhood disorders respond best to CBD?

Epilepsy

According to the CDC, in 2015 about 470,000 children were affected by epilepsy. This neurological disorder causes seizures and loss of awareness due to abnormal brain activity.

Children with epilepsy often experience seizures differently. Some seizures may be severe while others simply look like the child is daydreaming. Sometimes children become injured due to a fall during a seizure.

Two particularly severe forms of epilepsy, called Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, have responded well to a medicine in which the active ingredient is CBD. A study funded by the maker of the medication showed that seizures were reduced by nearly 50% in the groups that received the treatment.

Nausea and Pain

Children receiving chemotherapy treatments may benefit from CBD to reduce nausea and vomiting. Some parents report that CBD has helped ease their children's pain, from migraines to chronic pain.

Anxiety

Research studying the effects of CBD on anxiety in children are very limited. Studies on animals and adults show some evidence that CBD may be able to reduce anxiety and have a calming effect.

In 2016, a study involving a 10-year-old girl had positive results, indicating that CBD helped to improve her anxiety and insomnia. CBD could be used to reduce the severity of several types of anxiety, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, and social anxiety.

Autism

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects a child's communication and behavior. Children often experience sensory difficulties, aggression, and unstable moods, among other issues.

A 2018 study of 60 children using CBD to alleviate some symptoms associated with autism showed positive results. Top benefits included reduced anxiety as well as improved behavior and communication.

Pros and Cons of Using CBD For Children

It's normal for parents to be hesitant when giving something new to their child. Since CBD use in children is a relatively recent trend, there hasn't been a lot of research completed on the effects. It is also very ethically challenging to enroll children into clinical trials, so evidence for efficacy and safety of CBD in children will take far longer to emerge than that for adults. However, CBD has been found to have relatively few side effects when compared to prescription medications used to treat a variety of diseases afflicting children.

If you are considering using CBD in your child, it is imperative that you do so under the guidance of a medical professional. Just as there are with any treatment, CBD use has both pros and cons.

What are the risks of using CBD for children?

There are reports of a few mild side effects associated with CBD use in children. Diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in appetite are the most common side effects. One important factor to consider is any potential interactions CBD may have with other medications your child is taking.

The important thing to remember is to start out slow. Begin with small doses and give it a little while to start working. According to Consumer Reports, it can take 6 to 12 months to determine the proper dosage and truly understand what works best for your child.

What are the benefits of using CBD for children?

Many times, parents choose CBD for their children because it has milder side effects (if any) than a lot of medications or because traditional medications have shown poor efficacy. CBD can alleviate several ailments, including nausea, vomiting, pain, inflammation, depression, and seizures.

Choosing A CBD Product

CBD is available in several forms and a variety of doses. From CBD tinctures to CBD gummies, you can take a look at the top-rated CBD products here.

What are the best CBD products for children?

There are a number of ways you can give CBD to your child; it just depends on your child as well as your and your child's preference.. Some parents prefer water-soluble CBD drops that they can mix into food, while other children are more than happy to take edible gummies. Older children who don't mind swallowing pills can take a CBD capsule. If your child is suffering from joint pain and muscle aches, you could also try a topical CBD oil.

As a parent, your child's health and well-being is your first concern. It can be difficult to see your child in pain, and sometimes strong prescriptions carry strong side effects that make things even worse.

Research about CBD oil is still in the early stages, but the information that has been studied so far is very optimistic. CBD has been determined to be fairly safe, with relatively few side effects. Most of the time, these side effects are mild and may go away within a few weeks of use.

Once you decide that CBD is right for your child, choosing the right product is the next daunting task. It is important to involve your doctor or paediatrician in this decision in order to ensure your child's safety.

With so many options to choose from, how do you know which is best? CBD Oil Review uses a five-badge methodology to rate each product, helping you find exactly what suits your needs.

We will point you in the right direction for top-quality, five-star verified brands that we’ve personally reviewed agnostically. so you can be comfortable knowing you're getting the safest, most transparent products.

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