Deodorant at 9 Years Old?

My son started getting underarm funk last year when he was 10. At least that's when I noticed it. He told me it had been that way for a "while." I found some deoderant that did not have the antiperspirant component in it...I heard somewhere that was better when they are so young?

I believe it would be ok. My son started using deodorant at age 10; maybe he would have started earlier if he were playing a sport such as tennis instead of or in addition to swimming.

It is normal. I too noticed my daughter at 9 needed deodorant last summer. I asked around and many of my friends said the same thing, no worries.

I have many friends that have needed to start their kids on deodorant at an early age. Kids are going through puberty at younger and younger ages and this is a first sign of it. I currently have a 7 year old foster child that I am considering getting her started on deodorant. I am in disbelief that she could be going through this so early, but considering what she has possibly seen it isn't unheard of. There is nothing wrong with making sure that you child had good hygiene at an early age including deodorant. However: I am not a big fan of antiperspirant considering how much aluminum is in them and how harmful that can be to your body.. let alone a 9 year old.

I went through this with my daughter when she was 8! I think it is more common as kids are maturing earlier these days. She had very strong odor at the slightest activity, and she didn't seem to smell it. I had her wash her pits as often as necessary and bought her deodorant (without anti-perspirant). I thought she was doomed to having heavy odor, but she is now 11 and it is hardly noticeable. I've talked to other Mom's and one who is married to and Endocrinologist and it seems that when they first get this rush of hormones that causes the odor it comes on very strong, then after a couple years it will balance itself out and not be so bad. I thought this would come up again starting middle school and having gym class (their not allowed to shower afterward). I don't notice any odor anymore, her body has adjusted and it's not an issue any longer. She does still use deodorant and I know she forgets to use it many a time, but those early stinky times were not and indication of a forever problem. There is light at the end of this tunnel, it just may take a couple years, buy the deodorant. Good luck.

I am not a fan of deodorants for pre-teens because I have read studies that show a higher correlation to cancer with prolonged use. However, I have three very active soccer players (all girls) so I also understand the need to use deodorant.

I would try switching deodorants. The odor comes from the bacteria that attacks the sweat. I believe deodorants should have expiration dates because they "go" bad and and not all are as effective as others. -L., Long Beach

Diffenetly not too old for deodarant. My daughter is 11 now and she too started having under-arm odor at 9. I just figured....if I could smell it, so could everyone else. I remember when I was in 5th grade and my dad was the one who told me I need it. Embarrassing circumstance because he told me infront of three of my cousins and my brother and sister who all could not stop laughing. I imagined my daughter going through the same embarrassment but with her friends at school and immediately thought, NO WAY...she will not be embarrassed. So,I took her with me to the store so she could pick out her own. Deodorant isn't an "age appropriate" thing...it's simply, "when you need it, you need it....please use it" kind of thing! =) One thing... make sure you remind him until he gets use to the idea to use it every morning. My daughter would forget at times and would come home from school smelling really bad. =( yikes. Goodluck!

Margarita,

My son is 8 and also is experiencing some under-arm odor. He plays soccer, baseball, and is a typical active and sweaty boy! lol. He started becoming self concious about his under arms and asked me to buy him deodorant. I was concerned that he was far too young, but when seeking advice from other moms, I found out that many children of his age are now experiencing the same thing. I went ahead and bought him the "Tom's Farm" brand all natural deodorant. This gives me peace of mind that I am not exposing him to the harmful chemicals that many believe are in our deodorants and antiperspirant. I just keep it in the medicine cabinet and tell him to apply as needed. If it is a super hot day and he knows he has PE or will be playing sports to put some on if he chooses, if not then no need. I hope this helps.

T.

At nine, he could be starting puberty in the very early stages, so it is possible. Whether it is just "stinky kid smell" or if he really has the body odor that kids get that is like the adult body odor smell, I don't think deodorant is a bad idea. If you're at all concerned about chemicals, then there are several that are more natural that you can use. However, I know the kids like to use Axe because it makes them feel grown-up. Either way, being smelly is usually not the end of the world, and is fixable through bathing and deodorant.

I don't think that there is an age limit on deoderant. If he needs it, I would let him use it.

You could always try an "all natural deodorant"! I don't think he's too young - if you feel he needs it than listen to your instinct and give it a try. It if doesn't seem to work or he doesn't like it than you can always stop an try again later...

If you are going to start using deodorant, I recommend using all natural deodorant. Visit Lavanila at http://www.Lavanila.com for everything from deodorant to all natural lip butter.

You can just give him parsley and that is a natural deodorant. We use the capsules and it is great!
Good luck!

Better to put on a deoderant then to have the little guy suffer with body oder. My grand daughter is a little over weight and tends to sweat more them the normal child. She really gets into her activities. Her mother uses it on her and when she spends the night here if she needs it after her bath my daughter puts it on her. I have no done a big old research about it but when i was young if there has been more little boys and girls that use it they would have had a much happier school life. I am a 55 year old grandma and i say if it doesn't hurt the child use it.

I think it is a sign of the time....My now 9 yro started when he was about 8. He doesn't get b.o. just that sweaty kid smell, but enough that he needs it. There are natural deodorants at Trader Joes. My son uses green tea by Dove and he has not had any reactions. Just one swipe on each armpit! I too was shocked when my first child was ready to wear deodorant....They grow up too fast! Good luck!!

Try to feed him whole foods. I don’t mean by that just go do grocery shopping in the store with the same name:) the least amount of unprocessed food and drink he consumes, the better his "smelling" scene will become. To get some ideas use this book: The Healing Power of Whole Foods by Beth Loiselle. Check it out from the library before investing in it:
Try to feed him whole foods. I don’t mean by that just go do grocery shopping in the store with the same name,’ ) the least amount of unprocessed food and drink he consumes, the better his “smelling” scene will become. To get some ideas use this book: The Healing Power of Whole Foods by Beth Loiselle. Check it out from the library before investing in it
http://www.worldcat.org/#tab2
Good Luck
V.

Good Luck
V.

We have been learning so much about chemicals in our systems and one of the issues is pre mature puberty. Go to www.kygoldmine.com and click on the area where it says harmful products. There are some websites there that will connect you with plenty of assistance about the various chemicals that we are not aware of in our bodies. When I read some of the other responses, I was even more spurred on to tell people about these assaults on our bodies. Please go to these sites and get informed. If you have to get deordorant get one that they reccommend. It is a sign of the times as one mom said and that is not always good.

Also make sure his shower soap is "deodorant" type like Zest or even Irish Spring. I know they aren't very glamorous, but big difference in body odor.

Seems kid's are maturing much faster than we did. I would have him start using deodorant, before he starts developing a complex about it, and before the other kid's start noticing. It's a possibility they will tease him. Then it will be your fault lol...

yea get him some deodorant thats the best idea.. 9 yrs old isn't to young, as long as he doesn't eat it... it won't hurt him..just make him smell better Yipeeeee !!!

9 is more than old enough to start using deodorant...My daughter just turned 8 but last sommer I had her using the little pink soft and dry because she was sweating a lot after dance class etc.. no big deal, your baby is growing up. My neighbor had her duagher use it at 5!...
Teach them responsibility and how to take care of their bodies... :)

Let him use a deodorant. He's a very active kid with sports and find a brand that's light for him to use.
Good hygiene is great especially if they started at the early age.
Just pay attention if a rash occured switch brands.

good luck !

I know several kids who use deodorant at that age. Have him take a daily shower, use deororant a couple times a day, and if it's the middle of the day and he already took a shower in the morning, have him "wipe down" with a wash rag.

Nothing wrong with that...deodorant is fine...!!!
Better clean than stinky..

He's a good age for deoderant, if you need it yor need it, he's active and it is still very hot in some areas. J. L.

I am dealing with the same issue. I have chosen to have him use deodarant, hypoallergenic and no scents. We tried one brand of natural but it was ineffective. (Should probably try others to avoid chemicals) Our original struggle was for him to use it and for me to not make it a critism when he did not. sHe has had to get into the habit of putting it on. I compliment him for smelling good and we talk about how his obdy is changing to attend to more "grown up" habits. He has also increased his showers and is now more mindful of cleanliness. I have found too that the the body odor comes and goes. There may be times when he is not as active where the body odor disappears. Hope this helps! H.

Get him some deoderant/antipersarant 9 is not that young.
They grow up in some ways so fast. D.

As a mother of three grown sons, your son does indeed need deodorant now. Some boys develop earlier than others.

When my oldest son was 10 yrs old, his teacher sent a note home asking me to have him use deodorant; needless to say I was embarrassed nearly to death. I didn't realize that he was old enough to need deodorant.

I feel yeah with the stinky kid thing. My son is 6 months old and his poor feet started stinking at about 4 months old. It's so bad I have to hold my breath when I kiss his adorable feet. I can only imagin how it's going to be once he starts to wear shoes.

My advise is to try some natural type of deordant like you would get at Whole foods or Trader Joes if you have access to them in your area. Or you could order some online.

Not to early at all! Try Arm and Hammer deoderant - it has no aluminim etc

Hi, Margarita. A little late on the response, but I just wanted to mention that Raley's sells a deoderant in their Natural Foods/Health section that is made from sea salt and water. It's really gentle and works really great and best of all - no chemicals!