Scents and sensibility: A guide to baby’s sense of smell

While a baby's vision is still blurry at birth, their sense of smell is amazingly sharp! This superpower helps them find their parents and quickly recognize the comforting scent of their mother and the sweet smell of breast milk.

It might surprise you to learn that babies start experiencing scents even before they're born. The wonderful aromas from the foods and environments their mothers encounter during pregnancy actually make their way into the amniotic fluid, giving babies a sneak peek into the world of smells.

This incredible sense of smell isn't just for fun, though. Research shows it plays a big role in helping babies feel calm and safe in their new world. The familiar scent of their mother, for example, can be incredibly soothing and help them feel less afraid. 

Your baby's sense of smell is incredibly sensitive, especially during their first few months or when they're not feeling well. It's best to steer clear of products containing artificial ingredients and synthetic fragrances, such as those often found in perfumes, cosmetics, personal care items, and many air fresheners, candles, and oils.

These products often contain alcohol and release harmful, sometimes even toxic, chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The strong odours from these artificial scents can irritate your baby, confuse them, or even lead to a loss of appetite.

That’s why it’s a good idea to use products formulated especially for mums – like our body wash, skin oil and balm. Not only are they all made with non-harmful, natural ingredients, but the natural scents won’t overpower your own special smell.

Can smells soothe baby?

The scent of mum is undeniably soothing for your baby. If someone else is caring for your little one, leaving them with a piece of your clothing can provide a comforting sense of familiarity.

Similarly, a beloved cuddly toy or blanket will develop a comforting scent for your baby. That's why they might protest when you wash it, no matter how much you think it needs cleaning!

The smell of natural remedies, such as scented essential oils, may also help soothe your baby. One study found that babies with colic responded well to a massage with lavender oil and appeared to find it soothing. However, it's not clear from the research whether it was the massage or the lavender oil that caused the calming effect.

Our Baby candle, infused with a calming blend of chamomile, lavender, frankincense, and mandarin essential oils, is perfect for soothing your baby and encouraging restful sleep. Light it while reading a bedtime story or during night-time feedings to create a peaceful atmosphere.

FAQ

Can babies recognise their mother by smell?

Babies have an incredible ability to recognize their mothers by scent, as long as mum isn't masking her natural aroma with heavily scented products. Even with perfumes or lotions, frequent skin-to-skin contact helps babies distinguish their mother's unique scent from others.

Do babies have a sense of smell in the womb?

Yes, babies develop their sense of smell while still in the womb. This early development is likely due to the fact that everything a mother consumes passes through to the baby. Even though these foods and drinks are broken down into nutrients, they still retain distinct scents that the baby can perceive.

Can babies smell mother's milk?

Probably the one smell that a baby will instinctively know first, is the smell of their mother's milk. Similar to how animals instinctively know what not to eat, it is the smell of the mother's milk that seems to be genetically encoded with newborns - no training is required for newborns to know that mother's milk is nutritious and fulfilling. 

Discover how Cradle & Tonic’s essential oil products, including aromatherapy candles and all-natural skincare, can nurture the bond between mother and baby through relaxing and comforting aromas.