Diffuser and directly appling essential oil on baby, which one is more efficient or both to be carried out at the same time?

For babies, I prefer using a diffuser. I had reactions to certain kinds of essential oils (clove being one of them). Maybe I didn't dilute them properly but I wouldn't risk it on a young baby. Diffusing one or two drops when baby is old enough sounds safer than applying directly to baby's skin. Just my two cents.