Most kids should start using deodorant at the onset of puberty. However, some kids develop body odor in the year’s prior. If that’s your kid, it may be time to invest in a safe kids deodorant to rid armpit stink fast.
Eww, What’s That Onion Smell – Is It Time For Kids Deodorant?
The average onset of puberty is between 10 and 12 years old, though it could be as early as 7 or 8. When kids go through puberty they experience hormonal changes that tell the body to produce underarm sweat and more sweat in general. With the onset of underarm sweat comes body odor. The bacteria that live on the skin feed off sweat and produce an unpleasant smell. While it’s often quite embarrassing, it’s completely normal.
The onset of body odor is a better time than ever to introduce some simple steps to prevent it:
- Encourage regular showers and teach kids and tweens how to wash from head to toe, including their underarms and groin areas
- Drink plenty of water. Hydrating well will help the body flush out toxins that contribute to body odor
- Avoid pungent foods like garlic, onion, and some fish, that may increase body odor in some people
- Introduce a safe kids deodorant and teach your child to apply before school, and to reapply before and after sports activities.
Time for a Tween Hygiene Upgrade
When kids are little giving them a full-blown scrub down isn’t easy. So we often fall back on, “this will have to be good enough.” As kids get older, good enough is not going to cut it anymore.
Teaching your kids proper hygiene habits will help mitigate any future body stink. Without learning proper habits, covering up with deodorant is not a long-term solution.
Remind your kids to shower daily. And if they take part in sports or other physical activities, twice per day may be necessary. When they’re in the shower, provide them a scrub brush to help them reach areas and wash away dirt, bacteria, and debris. Teach them to scrub their underarms, feet, and groin area where sweat and odor tend to occur most.
Help them keep their bathroom stocked with soap, shampoo, and other products they need to cleanse their bodies daily by teaching them to let you know when they’re running low.
How to Introduce Deodorant to Your Kids
There are so many things that need to happen from the time a child wakes up in the morning through when it’s time to head out the door for school. Expecting them to remember all of those things may be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Help them be successful in their morning hygiene routine by creating a checklist that includes everything from applying deodorant to brushing their teeth and combing their hair. Show them how to put on deodorant as you would teach them how to accomplish all the other hygiene tasks on their list.
Use books and other resources to facilitate discussion and get them involved. Some books to look into include American Girl Co. books, Body Book for Boys, and The Care and Keeping of You for Girls. Get them involved in picking out hygiene products that are safe and made just for kids. Have them keep one tube of deodorant at home and one in their backpack, locker, or gym bag.
Is Your Kids Deodorant Working?
The only way to know if your kid’s deodorant is working (besides giving them a sniff) is to ask them. Check in with your kids and ask them if they feel their new deodorant is working for them. Is it causing any skin irritation or allergic reactions? Do they like the smell or prefer something else?
Some natural deodorants can take up to two weeks to begin working. Refrain from asking if the product is working until this time span has passed.
Plus, kids with sensitive skin may experience a reaction to natural hygiene products. This is usually due to the baking soda in natural deodorant. If this is the case for your child, most of the top brands offer a baking soda-free version of their deodorants for kids with sensitive skin.
The good news is that TBH Kids is launching a Baking Soda Free Deodorant in the summer of 2022. Give TBH Kids Deodorant a try now and grab the Baking Soda Free version soon! Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss the release date!
