What Smells Do Newborns Prefer?
Infants are adapting to the world around them, but even at the newborn stage, they are developing preferences. The child's nose begins to recognize smells almost immediately, according to KidsHealth.org. Parents can use this information to their advantage as they try to adapt to taking care of their new bundle of joy.
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Milk
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Newborns can distinguish between their mother's milk and milk from other mothers. An infant just a few days old develops this survival skill because the smell of the milk makes him happy and content. How long to breastfeed a baby depends on personal choice and doctor recommendation, but after his first birthday, your baby should be able to handle whole milk as a dietary substitute.
Mother
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Brand-new to the world, infants often rely on their sense of smell to help identify those around them, especially Mom. Babies pick up certain odors based on what is around them and associate those smells with certain people in their lives. Because the amniotic fluid is filled with different smells, newborns develop their powerful sense of smell in the womb. Much of this special bond depends on how much skin-to-skin contact the baby has with Mom after she is born. The identifying sniffer sense only increases as she grows older, and her mother's scent also becomes more preferable as time goes on. By 1 year old, your baby will be able to recognize most adults and children by smell, but will soon lean toward her other senses like hearing and sight as identifiers.
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Vanilla
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It seems that babies tend to develop a sweet tooth early. Newborns love vanilla because it brings them a sense of comfort. Certain smells like the aroma of a vanilla cake baking could help calm a baby and help him find satisfaction. You could also use vanilla-scented candles or air fresheners to help fill your home with the sweet-smelling fragrance.
Other Fragrances
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Babies are attracted to sweet smells and fragrances. Things that smell good are associated with positive feelings and comfort. Jasmine and lavender and are both examples of smells that could actually soothe your baby. Many baby lotions and soaps use these ingredients in their formulas because they have such a positive effect on infants.
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References
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