Five reasons your baby may have body odour
Body odour is usually associated with adults, particularly those going through puberty, but it can also be a concern in infants.
While it is uncommon for babies to have persistent body odour, it does happen, and many parents are often left puzzled about its cause.
A baby’s scent is usually pleasant and mild, but when it changes to an unpleasant smell, it could indicate underlying issues.
Understanding the causes of body odour in babies is crucial for effective management and ensuring the well-being of your child.
Here are five potential reasons your baby may be experiencing body odour.
Hygiene practices and environmental factors
One of the most common reasons for body odour in babies is poor hygiene or environmental factors.
Babies do not sweat as much as adults, but their skin folds, especially around the neck, armpits, and groin, can trap moisture, leading to bacterial growth and an unpleasant smell.
The accumulation of sweat, milk residue, or moisture in these areas can create an environment where bacteria thrive.
A paediatrician, Dr Adebayo Oladimeji, explained that babies have delicate skin and their sweat glands are not fully developed.
“However, when moisture gets trapped in skin folds or when a baby is not bathed regularly, it can cause odours due to bacterial breakdown,” he noted.
Additionally, Nigeria’s humid climate can exacerbate this issue. The combination of heat, sweat, and environmental dirt can cause babies to develop a musty or sour smell. Ensuring that babies are bathed regularly, wear breathable fabrics, and keep their skin folds dry can help prevent body odour caused by hygiene issues.
Early bathing practices
In many cultures, including parts of Nigeria, there is a traditional belief that delaying a newborn’s first bath can lead to persistent body odour.
Many parents bathe their newborns immediately after birth, believing it prevents odour and keeps the baby clean.
However, research suggests that early bathing can disrupt a newborn’s natural skin barrier.
A study published in the International Breastfeeding Journal found that delaying a newborn’s first bath allows the vernix caseosa, a protective waxy coating on a baby’s skin, to be absorbed properly.
This substance acts as a natural moisturiser and protects against bacteria. Removing it too soon may lead to skin dryness and increased susceptibility to odour-causing bacteria.
Metabolic disorders
In some rare cases, body odour in babies may be linked to metabolic disorders, which affect how the body breaks down certain nutrients.
Conditions such as trimethylaminuria (commonly known as “fish odour syndrome”) and isovaleric acidemia can cause a distinct, strong odour.
Trimethylaminuria occurs when the body cannot properly break down trimethylamine, leading to a fishy smell. Meanwhile, isovaleric acidemia results in an odour that resembles sweaty feet. These metabolic conditions are rare but can significantly impact a child’s development if left undiagnosed.
Oladimeji stated that if a baby’s body odour is particularly strong and persistent, parents should consider consulting a doctor to rule out metabolic disorders.
He said, “Early detection can make a significant difference in management and treatment.”
Screening for these conditions is not always routine in Nigeria, so if parents notice a persistent unusual odour despite maintaining good hygiene, they should seek medical advice.
Dietary Influences
A baby’s diet, especially after introducing solid foods, can significantly impact body odour.
Some foods contain sulphur compounds or strong-smelling nutrients that may be excreted through the skin and sweat glands.
Medical experts and nutritionists say garlic, onions, fish, dairy products, and cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage and broccoli) are common culprits.
A nutritionist, Mr Kelvin Dike, noted that garlic and onions are known to cause a noticeable change in body scent.
He said, “Fish may contribute to a slightly fishy smell in some babies. Also, some babies may have difficulty digesting certain dairy proteins, leading to odour. Vegetables like cabbage and broccoli contain sulphur compounds that can lead to an unusual scent.”
Additionally, Dike says breastfeeding mothers’ diets can influence the way their baby smells.
“When a mother consumes foods with strong odours, some of those compounds may pass into breast milk, altering the baby’s natural scent.
“If parents notice a strong body odour after introducing new foods, it may help to keep a food diary and observe any correlations. Adjusting the baby’s diet accordingly can sometimes resolve the issue,” he added.
Medical conditions and infections
Body odour can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, research has shown.
Skin infections, fungal infections, and certain types of bacteria can cause an unpleasant smell in infants.
Conditions like intertrigo, a type of skin rash that occurs in skin folds due to moisture and bacteria, can produce a musty or sour smell.
Bromhidrosis, a condition where sweat interacts with bacteria to produce an offensive odour, can also be a rare but possible cause. While this condition is more common in older children and adults, in some cases, babies with excessive sweating and bacterial overgrowth may exhibit a similar odour.
A consultant paediatric dermatologist, Dr Samuel Eze, explains, “If parents notice a persistent bad smell that does not improve with bathing or hygiene adjustments, it may be time to check for underlying skin conditions. Sometimes, a simple antifungal or antibacterial cream can resolve the issue.”
When to see a doctor
Although most cases of body odour in babies are harmless and can be addressed through proper hygiene and dietary adjustments, Eze noted that certain signs indicate the need for medical attention.
“If your baby has a persistent and strong odour despite regular bathing; accompanying symptoms like skin irritation, redness, or rashes; vomiting, diarrhoea, or poor weight gain; unusual sweat patterns or excessive sweating; or a fishy, acidic, or ammonia-like smell that does not go away, please see a doctor,” he advised.
