Anisha Riggs
Many new parents are concerned about the potential health risks of exposing their babies to perfume. While there is little scientific evidence to suggest that perfume is directly harmful to babies, some infants may be sensitive or allergic to certain chemicals commonly found in perfumes and fragranced products. It is also important to consider that a newborn's sense of smell is important for bonding with their parents and other family members, and strong fragrances may interfere with this process. Additionally, the global market for fragrances and perfumes is projected to exceed $51 billion by 2022, with some companies even marketing perfumes specifically for babies, raising concerns about the potential health risks of exposing infants to unnecessary chemicals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can perfume make babies sick? | Unlikely to cause serious health issues, but can cause skin irritation and allergies. |
| Risks | Perfumes contain chemicals that can be harmful to babies, such as phthalates, which are suspected hormone disruptors. |
| Exposure | Babies are more sensitive to chemicals and can have stronger reactions. They also have a heightened sense of smell, which can be affected by perfumes. |
| Recommendations | Avoid wearing perfumes around newborns and young children. Use unscented or fragrance-free products. |
| Fragrance in baby products | Some companies market fragrances and perfumes specifically for babies, but these products may contain chemicals that have not been evaluated for safety. |
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What You'll Learn
Allergies and skin irritation
While it is unlikely that babies coming into contact with perfume will cause serious health issues, it is still advisable to avoid wearing perfumes around newborn babies. This is because perfumes contain a complex mixture of natural and synthetic chemicals, which can be harmful to babies.
Perfumes and colognes often contain a blend of chemicals that are hidden from the consumer. In 2010, an EWG analysis of 17 fragrance products found ingredients associated with allergies and hormone disruption. Many fragrance ingredients have not been evaluated for their possible effects on health.
Babies have sensitive skin, and there is a risk of skin irritation from perfume. Dr Orchard notes that there is a "variety of different fragrances we can become allergic to". While this occurs rarely, it is still advisable to protect infants from unnecessary chemicals.
In addition to skin irritation, strong scents can be confusing and unsettling for babies. Smell is important for newborns in bonding with parents and other immediate family members. Professor Dahlen, a professor of midwifery at Western Sydney University, explains that nature has created an important connection mechanism for mother and child, so it is best not to interfere with it.
Some people also experience migraines and nausea from artificial fragrances, so it is best to avoid wearing perfumes around newborns to reduce the potential risk of any adverse effects.
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Hormone disruption
While it is unlikely that babies coming into contact with perfume will cause serious health issues, it is generally advised that perfumes and fragranced body products be avoided around newborns. Perfumes and colognes often contain a mixture of natural and synthetic chemicals, which can be harmful to babies.
One of the main concerns with exposure to perfumes is the presence of phthalates, which are suspected to be a hormone disruptor, particularly in males. Phthalates are found not only in perfumes but also in plastics and many other daily objects. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in synthetic fragrances can impair body functions such as growth and repair and have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer and reproductive system disorders.
In addition to the potential health risks, smell is important for newborns in bonding with their parents and other immediate family members. Exposing babies to perfumes can be confusing and unsettling, as nature has created an important connection mechanism through smell. During pregnancy and labour, birthing parents may also experience a heightened sense of smell, and strong scents can be off-putting.
Several studies have simulated infant and child inhalation exposures to fragrance ingredients, and exposure and risk models have begun to estimate aggregate exposure to components in personal care products. However, additional data is needed to accurately calculate inhalation exposure to volatile and semi-volatile fragrance chemicals from baby products.
Overall, while the risk of serious health issues is low, it is generally recommended to avoid exposing newborns to perfumes and fragranced products due to the potential for hormone disruption and other health concerns, as well as the importance of smell in bonding and connection.
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Inhalation exposure
While the effects of perfume on babies through inhalation exposure have not been extensively studied, there are a few key points to consider. Firstly, perfumes contain a mixture of natural and synthetic chemicals, including phthalates, which are suspected endocrine disruptors. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with the body's hormone system, potentially affecting growth, repair, and other vital functions. Infants are particularly sensitive to chemicals in their environment, and their exposure to perfumes can occur through inhalation, especially when in close contact with perfumed individuals or when using fragranced baby products.
One of the main concerns regarding perfume and babies is the potential for allergic reactions or skin irritation. While serious health issues are unlikely, babies have sensitive skin, and perfumes can contain allergens that may cause reactions. Additionally, the strong scents of perfumes can interfere with the bonding process between newborns and their parents or caregivers, as newborns rely heavily on smell for recognition and attachment.
To refine risk estimates and guide future safety assessments, studies have been conducted to estimate infant and toddler inhalation exposure levels during the use of fragranced baby products. These studies involve simulating exposure through controlled laboratory experiments or using robotic surrogates like the Pre-toddler Inhalable Particulate Environmental Robotic (PIPER) sampler. The air concentrations of common fragrance ingredients in an infant's breathing zone can range from <1 to 5 μg/m3, while that of toddlers in bathrooms may be ≤ 1μg/m3.
It is important to note that the effects of perfume on babies through inhalation exposure may vary depending on the type of perfume, the amount used, and the duration of exposure. While there is no definitive answer on whether perfume can make babies sick through inhalation, it is generally recommended to limit their exposure to unnecessary chemicals and strong fragrances. This can be achieved by avoiding excessive use of perfumes and opting for fragrance-free baby products to reduce potential health risks associated with inhalation exposure.
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Breastfeeding difficulties
While there is no definitive answer to whether or not perfume can make babies sick, there are some considerations regarding breastfeeding difficulties.
Firstly, it is important to note that infants have a strong sense of smell, and their olfactory receptors and brains are still in early development. This means that they may be more sensitive to chemicals in their environment, including those in perfumes and other fragranced products.
Some sources suggest that new mothers should avoid wearing perfume, especially during the first month of breastfeeding, as the scent may interfere with the baby's ability to recognize their mother's natural scent and latch onto the breast. Additionally, the chemicals in perfume can be absorbed through the skin and may pass into breast milk, potentially exposing the baby to unnecessary toxins during skin-to-skin contact or through ingestion.
Furthermore, fragrances can irritate both the mother's and the baby's skin, as postpartum hormonal changes can cause skin sensitivity. Fragrances are also common allergens and can act as hormone disruptors, which can cause disturbances during prenatal development and other stages of life.
To minimize these risks, some mothers opt for fragrance-free products or limit the use of perfume and other fragranced items, such as lotions and deodorants. However, it is important to note that even unscented items may contain additional chemicals to mask scents. Ultimately, the decision to wear perfume while breastfeeding depends on personal comfort levels, and consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended for specific guidance.
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Confusion and unsettling effects
Perfumes can cause confusion and unsettling effects in babies. Professor Dahlen, a professor of midwifery, explains that smell is important for newborns in bonding with parents and other immediate family members. She suggests that in an ideal scenario, babies would not be handed around in the first few weeks, instead staying close to their mother or primary caregiver.
Babies can become confused and unsettled when they are exposed to different smells from multiple people. This can disrupt the bonding process and make it difficult for the baby to recognise their mother or primary caregiver.
In addition, the chemicals in perfumes can be irritating to a baby's skin and respiratory system. Dr Orchard states that parents should protect their children from unnecessary chemicals, as they can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Some people also experience migraines and nausea from artificial fragrances, and these negative effects may also be experienced by babies.
Furthermore, the strong scent of perfumes can interfere with the natural connection between a newborn and its mother. During pregnancy, labour, and breastfeeding, parents have a heightened sense of smell, and strong perfumes can be overwhelming and unpleasant.
Overall, while the effects of perfumes on babies may not cause serious health issues, it is best to avoid their use around newborns to prevent confusion, skin irritation, and potential allergic reactions.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is advised to not wear perfumes around newborn babies. While it is unlikely to cause serious health issues, it can be confusing for the baby as smell is important for newborns when bonding with parents and family members.
Perfumes contain a complex mixture of natural and synthetic chemicals, which can be harmful to babies. Some of the chemicals in synthetic fragrances can disrupt the hormone system and impair body functions such as growth and repair.
Signs of an allergic reaction can include skin irritation, redness, and swelling.
Some alternatives to wearing perfume include using unscented products or opting for natural fragrances derived from essential oils. It is also important to be mindful of other sources of fragrance, such as air fresheners, fabric softeners, and scented candles.
