It's a typical night at home, and you catch an unexpected whiff of body odor in the air. First, you give your own pits a sniff check. Phew. Not me. Then, you look around for the culprit. Sitting innocently on the other side of the room is you dear, sweet child. But no, it can't be them?!
There comes a time for every parent when your adorable little baby no longer smells like rainbows and rose petals. No, your "little" baby is now a sweaty, stinky mess after play time at the park. Did you know B.O. can pop up as early as eight years old?
Read on for more facts about body odor and kids, plus tips on how to tackle it.
Growing Up & Other (Sometimes) Stinky Things
• Kids' first experiences with body odor often signal the start of puberty. This typically happens in the pre-teen years.
• Eating an abundance of pungent foods like garlic and onions can also cause an odor similar to B.O. to be given off by the skin.
• Body odor can be linked to poor hygiene habits. If your child refuses to bathe, or does not wash sweaty areas thoroughly, bacteria can come in contact with sweat, causing a bad odor.
• Finally, some situations and odors can indicate an underlying medical condition. See "When to Consult a Doctor" below.
Help Your Kid Say Bye-Bye to B.O.
• Not all kids who start to get smelly need to start wearing deodorant.
• Make sure they take a bath or shower every morning to limit bacteria on their skin. Teach kids to thoroughly wash areas that contain sweat glands like the armpits, genitals and feet.
• Add another bath or shower after playing sports or vigorous exercise.
• Ensure kids are wearing clean, dry clothes every day. (Some have been known to recycle favorite items of clothing when parents aren't looking.)
• If all else fails and the body odor persists, it may be time to start using deodorant on a daily basis. Health food stores are a great source for natural deodorants, or try a DIY version.
When to Consult a Doctor
Some medical conditions can cause a distinctive smell. Early onset of body odor or excessive perspiration may also signify an underlying medical condition. If you notice your child is experiencing body odor before the age of eight, or if their B.O. smells at all unusual, be sure to consult a doctor.
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