My 8 - almost 9 - year old either needs to wash better (a possibility, he's indifferent to hygiene) or start wearing deodorant.
I can make sure he washes better, but if it turns out he needs deodorant, I'd like to be ready.
Do you have good experience making or buying something natural and gentle? Or perhaps a natural soap that did the trick?
The natural deodorants have *never* worked for me, but he's not even 9 yet, and he's very small, so I'd like to start with the most gently possible option.
Also, and not incidentally, I never had brothers and my husband is incredibly uncomfortable about such things, so - can Moms of boys clue me in - is this a sign of early puberty? I started at about 9 - and my puberty pre-dated growth hormones in our food; early puberty runs in my family. I'd like to be aware, since he has a growth disorder and we need to be VERY aware of when he enters puberty.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks all! This is very helpful.
ETA: I mentioned his size, because things that say "safe for age X" are usually weight based. I assume hat's true for body care products too. Anyway....everyone's input is appreciated. I'll re-teach him to wash his underarms, and there are lots of good suggestions if that doesn't work.
Tom's of Maine. It's effective AND sensitive. Regular deodorants give me a rash, Tom's does not, and it works.
I just started making my own deoderant, my only regret is that I didn't start it sooner! It is amazing even after a hot yoga class, I still smell fresh! Here is the link to make this simple deoderant in less than 5 minutes. I do keep mine in the refrigerator to keep its shape. http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2009/08/natural...
For natural deodorant, my oldest son used Tom's of Maine when he was around age 10 (might have been as early as 9, I don't remember). It did the job for him but he was not super-stinky.
Regarding puberty, I don't know. I would think that the doctor who is treating the growth disorder would be able to give you a clear set of signs to look for. When my oldest was 14, he grew 7 inches in a year, sprouted facial hair and his voice changed and that's what I would consider puberty for a boy but in the case of someone like your son where knowing is important, there may be earlier signs that are not as obvious.
I have a 9 year old boy and we've run into the same situation. He takes nightly showers. We buy Dial antibacterial soap and that helps a lot. I also bought Tom's of Maine deodorant for him and it has helped a lot. He just needs the reminder to put it on.
He doesn't need deodorant until he hits puberty. He needs to wash better. Have Dad watch him and show him how he cleans himself. Make corrections as necessary.
If he has hit puberty, he still needs to know how to wash better and then use deodorant. I suggest Tom's of Maine.
This is normal. He just needs to take showers morning and night since they go through this stage. Whole Foods has a number of deodorants without aluminum. Some are better than others. Trader Joe also has some,,you just need to try them. Also, I suggest you get a soap that has tea tree oil in it. It is naturally antibacterial. Don't use any antibacterial soap (the ones that say antibacterial),,not even to wash your hands..they are awful.
umm some kids do wash really well and still smell! my son is only 7 but has needed deodorant since he was in kindergarten. its so humid and hot here he would sweat really bad. my son scrubs himself for a good 30 mins in the shower, sometimes i have to drag him out! with that said i agree with toms, however my son uses degree clinical strength. he prefers that.
Sounds totally normal. My DD uses Tom's of Maine natural deodorant. No harsh chemicals. Before going to deodorant, Dial deodorant soap helped a lot too.
I like Tom's of Maine.
Toms of Maine is aluminum free, and aluminum is the "issue" with most deodorant products.
Some kids get stinky early. I've noticed with my older daughter that if she is under stress (tests at school, ballet performances coming up, etc), she smells a lot worse. One of my kids doesn't worry about anything, and has never needed deodorant, and my other kid is a total type-A stress case (no, I have no idea where she got THAT from! ;) who has needed deodorant since she was 7. It really varies from child to child.
That being said, if natural deodorants don't work for you, they're not likely to work for him. Just use what works so he's not the stinky kid at school. Also, maybe some antibacterial soap like Dial could help. My daughter uses Secret Naturals (I doubt it's natural, but it sounds reassuring), and that works well for her. As a side note, my daughter needed deodorant about 2 years before she really started puberty.
I love this natural deodorant. http://www.poofscloset.com/servlet/the-513/*Poofy-Organic...
I bought the peppymint tea scent also and don't like the strong tea tree oil scent, but the other scents are great!
Arm & Hammer "Essentials" natural deodorant.
It is paraben and aluminum free.
My daughter uses this.
MANY kids, even younger than yours, already use and need, deodorant.
The "Tween" or Pre-teen ages, are from 9-12 years old.
When my daughter was in 3rd grade, the Teacher spoke to the class about their body odor and need for deodorant.
If you can smell your child's body odor, then OTHERS can too. And the teacher and other kids.
Even if your kid took 5 showers a day, they would still, have armpit odor.
Being small or big, doesn't matter as to when a child's armpit odor starts.
Size has nothing to do with it.
