Body Odor in 5 1/2 Year Old

My little 5 1/2 year old has the same thing. I asked the pediatrician and she said its probably nothing, there are no signs of puberty and not to use deodorant. For now, I dress her on the cool side so she does not sweat (mostly tee-shirts, light dresses) and always have wipes on hand to clean her armpits if she does get warm. Good luck and let me know what else you hear. Right now, I'm just trying to stay ahead of it.

When I got a wiff of my then 5 year old I called the dr. to ask what kind of deoderant they would recommend. They had me bring in my son first. Turns out they wanted to check for themselves if he had onset of early puberty, underarm or genital hair. There was no hair and then they told me to use any deoderant I want. My dr. said plenty of young kids are "stinkers".

Yes, I have experienced the same thing with my daughter, who is the same age, she just turned 6. I shower her everyday and am sure to wash under her arms. I notice under arm odor occasionally, and it is usually when she has had gym at school or an active play day. I have also started using J&J Baby Powder on her after her shower. I was thinking of mentioning it to our Pediatrician, but have not done so yet. Will let you know if I find out anything. Thanks!

My son has the same issue, around 6 he started getting stinky pits. I would suggest checking w/her doctor just to make sure she has no concerns, and pick up a deodorant that doesn't have antiperspirant in it. Some kids just have to start w/the defunking ritual earlier than others

Good luck!

Hi C.,
I had the same problem with my boys since they were about that age, specially the middle one (he is now 10), ever since, I make sure he uses deodorant everyday, even when he gets up he must wipe himself and put deodorant on. If he has taken a shower and goes out to play and comes back in funky, he knows the ritual :) If you do this and don't see any results, then just take her to her pediatrician, or call them and see what they tell you.

C.,
My son was having BO too right around the same age as your son.
Someone suggested the hormones in milk could be causing it. I thought that was crazy, but worth a test...I started giving him ORGANIC MILK and it NEVER happened again!
Scary, huh?
Also, I was using Tom's of Maine aluminum-free deodorant for him at the time. You don't want to get something with aluminum.
Try the milk switcheroo for a few weeks!

Children are maturing a lot earlier than in my day. I would have her use deodorant, or if you are concerned there may be some underlying condition, have her pediatrition check her out.

My three-year old had armpit odor since she was two. I was shocked when last summer she smelled like a a professional player after a very hectic game. My Mum told me to just wipe her often and put talcum powder under her arms. This seemed to help some but I am dreading those hot months when she will reek. She's actually quite proud of her smell and gleefully raises her arm for me to sniff in the middle of the day. Stinky? She asks with mischief all over her face? I wrinkle my nose, wipe her with a damp cloth and dot her under arms with some sweet smelling baby talcum.

I'd like to concur with Jamie B.'s answer as well,we've seen a rising trend in "puberty" related issues in teens and growing children vs stress related topics.I do believe that your daughter may need to wear a deodorant,it might be a good idea to have a check up as well just in case it is an underlying medical issue.
It's probably just stress with her daily routine,school,peers and the emotional/mental suppressed way that we live.Much different than a life of hard labor and emotional freedom.

I would call your pediatrician's office and asked to speak to one of the nurses about it. I wouldn't worry about it but I think it is good to get a medical opinion.

Hi C.,

I wouldn't suggest anti-bacterial soaps. That could upset the bacteria/yeast balance on the skin. It could also cause the bacteria to be immune to the anti-bacterial properies of the soap. I'd just use plain soap and a salt underarm cube. You can get them at natural foods/health stores.

Good question for the pediatrician.

Good luck,
: ) Maureen

ask your dr. This could be a sign of other problems. Untill then, suggest she drinks more water, (which isn't easy) and eat yogurt. Also, make sure you help her keep self confidence up. It could be stress related.

There is good bacteria that helps control odor so perhaps in using the antibacterial soap you are killing that as well. I would recommend stopping the antibacterial soap for a few weeks and seeing if there is a difference.

Hi C.:

Any mal-odor from the body can indicate something in the diet that her body may not be processing well. I believe it is best for you to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner to find out exactly what's going on.

All the best to you,
N.
Holistic Healthcare Practitioner
www.WholeCreations.com