Finding the right deodorants for children

Have you started to notice a certain unpleasant odour from your child? Then it’s time to consider child-appropriate deodorants. As children approach puberty, hormones cause an increase in sweating which then results in body odour. If your child’s body is changing and you notice this smell, it is safe for him or her to use a deodorant. Deodorants work by making the skin more acidic, unfriendly environment for the bacteria.

Just about every parent expects their child to start wearing deodorant by their teenage years. But some children develop certain body smells at a much younger age. It’s not uncommon for a girl or boy to need deodorant earlier than their peers. You may feel your child is too young for deodorant. But the truth is, there’s no specific age for a child to start wearing deodorant. Each parent has to make a decision based on what they feel is best for their child. For children who are much younger, simply get deodorants that are not for the correction of bad odour, but just for a pleasant fragrance.

On the other hand, if you don’t want to expose your child to the ingredients in antiperspirants or deodorants, you can also make your own deodorant at home using a variety of ingredients like coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils. A basic concoction might include mixing 1/4 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of arrowroot powder, 4 tablespoons of coconut oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of an essential oil like tea tree or lavender. Combine all ingredients, and then melt and pour into a used deodorant tube or another container. Since homemade and natural deodorants are mild, these products may not be as effective as other types of deodorants, but would definitely go a long way and leave your child smelling fresh and nice all day.