6 Year Old Girl Growth & Development

Updated on October 02, 2012
K.W. asks from Columbiana, OH
7 answers

My daughter will be 7 this month. I noticed this summer that she gained some weight. She put on about 8 pounds but didn't really get any taller. I figured she was maybe going to hit a growth spurt and grow taller soon. She hasn't yet. She never did this before. She has always grown taller and gained weight in a steady pattern. She doesn't look fat or anything I can just tell she has put on some weight. Her eating habits haven't changed and she is pretty active.

About 2 weeks ago I noticed the hair on her legs has gotten darker and a little thicker. About a week ago I noticed her hair started to look dirty between washings. She currently showers 3 times a week. I think it might be time to start showering more often. Also, a few days ago I noticed that she had a slight odor under her arms toward the end of the day. My husband noticed it yesterday too.

I guess my question is does this sound like normal development or does she seem to be entering an early puberty. She is not quite 7. I will be discussing this with her doctor at her well child visit next month. Do I need to have her start using deodorant? I just want her to be a little girl for as long as possible and not have to worry about grown up stuff. Anyone else go through this? I feel so unprepared for this right now.

She does know what a period is because I have never hidden mine from her and she knows why ladies have them. I just hope she doesn't have to deal with that too soon.

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K..

answers from Phoenix on

I would chalk up the dirty hair & underarm odor to not being bathed frequently enough. 7 year olds are VERY active & sweat a lot. My 6 y.o. DD even sweats in her sleep. I would try daily baths or showers to combat that part of it.

2 moms found this helpful

J.S.

answers from Hartford on

Completely normal. My girls all had to start wearing deodorant at 6-to-7 years old. I try to have my two younger girls shower at least every other day (they're 7 and 9) while my eldest (12) needs to shower nearly every day (thank you puberty).

1 mom found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Body shape, in kids, ALWAYS changes and fluxes.
Normal.
No kid will be the same body shape all their lives.
They go through too many developmental changes and growth spurts.
BUT per weight and growth percentages, only your Pediatrician will know if her's is normal or not and per her BMI. So did she have her annual check up yet?

Kids at 6, do have baby hairs on their legs.
Common.

Arm pit odor, can happen already.

The thing is, the ONLY way to know for sure if it is normal or precocious development/puberty is, to see your Pediatrician. Then from there, if there is a concern, he/she will refer you to a Pediatric Endocrinologist.

The endocrine system, is SO complicated.
And only a professional will know.

Yes, if she has smelly arm pits and you can smell it, then others can too.
My daughter uses the Arm & Hammer "Essentials" all natural deodorant which has no parabens or aluminum in it.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.F.

answers from New York on

My son had armpit stink at 5 years old. Shocked the mess out of me. I'm still wondering how a 5 year old can knock a momma out with the armpit stink. Teaching proper hygene is key and thanks for being a great mom. FYI - I have a very good friend whose daughter got her period at 8 years old. Now that is ever stranger than the armpit stink on my boy.

1 mom found this helpful

C.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

I guess I'd say talk to your doctor. But when our son was that age (he is 8 now) he started getting smelly and had to start taking showers/baths almost daily. If he misses a day he has to wear Toms of Maine deoderant. He totally reeks now if he does not shower a day - whew! Someone told me they get in some hormones (it's natural...not a strange early puberty) around 6-7.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.M.

answers from Cleveland on

gah! I just smelled my baby's pits (9 yo) He Does smell. oh geez no ready for this.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Our bodies are always changing. I think what you are noticing is normal. My son and nephew both put on 10 - 20 lbs and got 'hippy' around age 7-8 without their eating habits changing. As for showering more often, you could try that and see if it helps. My kids (11y and 5y) both shower nightly because I've found that it helps with their allergies and keeps colds at bay.

As for the odor, it may just go back to her body is changing and so her diet needs more or less of something. Maybe more water and less juice/soda.

1 mom found this helpful
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