Kids start to have
We all know armpits stink, but we don't expect it until puberty. It's not actually uncommon for younger kids to have armpit smells. This smell is due to bacteria, sweat, and hormone changes. And as long as your child doesn't have any other signs of puberty, and they're under the age of eight, it's not a concern.
By 10 weeks, the receptors that your baby will use to detect smells have already formed. Babies start using their sense of smell while still in the womb. As they breathe and swallow amniotic fluid, they become familiar with its scent.
Best roll-on: Fresh Kidz Natural Roll-On Deodorant
Fresh Kidz makes easy-to-apply roll-on deodorants for boys and girls. The manufacturer claims that the ingredients are non-staining, and the effects can last up to 24 hours. The deodorant is cruelty-free and vegan, and free from the following: aluminum.
It's certainly not unheard of for active prepubertal children, even those who practice good hygiene, to need to use deodorant. Since they're a little younger than average to need deodorant, talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns or if general hygiene tips alone don't help.
Parents can act subtly by leaving a deodorant on their bathroom counter or by opening up the conversation during a shopping trip while picking up deodorant for themselves. How you approach the subject will depend on your child and his/her personality. Explain the changes and reassure them it is normal.
Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant
This formula is designed to be gentle, containing 0% aluminum and 0% alcohol, which will help avoid itchy, red underarms–a great option for any teens who shave their armpits. In fact, Dr. Zeichner recommends this aluminum-free deodorant to his own children.
Deodorant for Kids
Deodorant is safe for your kids to use when they're ready. In fact, many brands make a deodorant that is specially formulated for younger wearers.
Your child's hormones are changing, which stimulates their glands and increases perspiration, especially in the underarm and groin areas. That increase in perspiration combines with the bacteria that live on the skin creating the odor. To be clear, we all have bacteria that live on our skin.
Perspiration, or sweat, comes from sweat glands that you've always had in your body. But thanks to puberty, these glands not only become more active than before, they also begin to secrete different chemicals into the sweat that has a stronger smelling odor. You might notice this odor under your arms in your armpits.
"It's all about association, and kids often sniff things that conjure up pleasant memories that they find comforting." These soothing smells can simply help a child feel more safe and secure—or relaxed enough to facilitate sleep.
Encourage your children to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Drinking organic, Soya or almond milk instead of cow's milk is helpful to prevent body odor in children. Avoid foods that can cause body odor and increase the intake of fresh, green leafy vegetables and herbs.
Children ages 6 to 11: Guidelines for bathing
If your child is in this age group, taking a daily bath is fine. However, children in this age group may not need a daily bath. Children aged 6 to 11 need a bath: At least once or twice a week.
When the sweat from your glands meets the bacteria on your skin, it breaks down into products called thioalcohols. The thioalcohols give off a strong, often sulfurous scent that can also be comparable to onions or meat.
Allow your body to sweat naturally
Aluminum-free deodorants do not block perspiration, so your sweat flows freely with no blockages or interruption to your natural body function.
All ingredients are safe to use and all products have been through Safety and Toxicology screening. Under normal usage the product is safe to use, however the product should be used in well ventilated areas and prolonged spraying should be avoided.
To help them get into the habit of wearing deodorant, set up reminders. Write a sticky note that says something as simple as “deodorant” and leave it on their bathroom mirror. Or set up a reminder on their smart phone. Even a verbal reminder helps.
“Lead with something about the importance of moving our bodies and nutrition, then transition into showering and body odor,” she says. “There's a high likelihood they've seen either parent use deodorant, and you can suggest the two of you go and pick out something of their liking.”
But a young grade-schooler who needs deodorant is within the normal range of development, says Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician and author of Baby and Child Health. "Body odor at this age is usually a sign that the body is maturing and the hormones are changing," says Shu.