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. Puberty can hit any time after the age of eight, so the armpits can smell from then on.
Some kids develop body odor before the usual age of puberty. Talk to the doctor if your child has body odor and is younger than 7 or 8 years (for a girl) or 9 years (for a boy). The doctor can check for signs of puberty starting early, which sometimes needs treatment with medicine.
When are they old enough to start wearing deodorant? There's no specific age for a child to start wearing deodorant or antiperspirant. Many start in their teens. Some start as soon as puberty starts to cause body odor, which can be as early 8 or 9 years old for some children.
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.
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.
Regular bathing, which can be either every day or when they get dirty, sweaty or start to have B.O. Eating a healthy diet that includes fresh, leafy vegetables. For some children, drinking soy or almond milk instead of cow's milk can also make a difference.
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.
The skin under your child's arm is delicate, sensitive, and still developing. To ensure that their deodorant doesn't cause a rash or otherwise irritate them, opt for a formula that is free from harsh chemicals, like Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! Natural Deodorant.
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.
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.
Deodorant for Kids
Around this time, they become more aware of their bodies and may begin to develop body odor. They may feel self-conscious about sweating and smelling. 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.
Body odor change usually is a sign of puberty
“Body odor signaling the start of puberty can start as early as age 7 for girls and age 9 for boys,” said Dr. Kathryn Schaus, a Marshfield Children's pediatrician. If body odor starts before age 7-9 or smells strange, make an appointment with your child's pediatrician.
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.
The two B-vitamins that might have some connection to body odor are vitamin B-1 (thiamin) and the B vitamin choline, Jasonides tells Lucy.
Sweat and Body Odor
You might notice this odor under your arms in your armpits. Your feet and genitals might also have new smells. The best way to keep clean is to bathe or shower every day using a mild soap and warm water. This will help wash away any bacteria that contribute to the smells.
The best way to prevent smelly armpits is to wash daily and after sweating. Using antiperspirant or deodorant and shaving the armpits can also help. Avoiding alcohol and certain foods, such as onions and garlic, will also help prevent smelly armpits in some cases.
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.
There's no need to be impolite about it! You can simply explain that it's important to wear deodorant to avoid body odor. You can also suggest that they try a natural deodorant if they're concerned about chemicals.
Most of the time body odor isn't a problem and a shower will quickly wash it away. But if you notice a change in body odor or you're sweating much more than usual, it could be a sign of a medical condition that needs treatment.
Body odor is caused by a mix of bacteria and sweat on your skin. Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.