Deodorants for Kids: Yay or Nay?
My 8-year-old kid smells funky. Should I consider giving him a deodorant?
You worry that your child grows up so fast he hits puberty in an instant.
One minute he smells like the morning fresh and rose petals the other he becomes a stinky little monster after a play at the park. As a parent, the initial reaction is to find a solution on how to fix this.
You probably never thought of buying deodorant for your child to solve this problem because you might think it's too early for him. As a matter of fact, it is quite normal for his age to be using deodorant to address body odor.
Body odor is a common sign of puberty. This typically happens in the pre-teens. When the sweat comes into contact with dirt and normal skin bacteria, body odor can result.
Making sure your kid takes a bath or shower every day, teaching him to thoroughly wash armpits, feet, and crevices, and ensuring your kids are wearing clean clothes would reduce body odor.
If all else fails and the body odor persists, it is time to start introducing deodorants on a daily basis. This will aid in the start of instilling good hygiene habits.
So what deodorant is to be used?
Natural deodorants will not just ease your mind because of their healthy ingredients but they also help reduce body odor! Not all deodorants are created equally the same. When searching for the perfect natural deodorant for your kid, look for what's in it and what's not. Choose the ones that are packed with healthy, all-natural ingredients that are safe for your little kid's sensitive armpits. Avoid the ones that have harsh chemicals. Some of which are; Aluminium, known to have been linked with Alzheimer's disease, and Parabens, as studies suggest, can disrupt hormones in the body.
Natural deodorant is as it is, natural. With so many deodorants nowadays, be wise in choosing the one that is natural and effective. Look for a deodorant that has tea tree oil and baking soda- they have antibacterial properties that neutralize odor caused by bacteria. Deodorants with coconut oil and cocoa butter are proven to help protect and moisturize the skin.
It is not uncommon for pre-teens to be experiencing body odor and to use deodorants at an early age. Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns and if general hygiene and natural deodorants don't seem to help.