Infants may seem completely dependent, but science reveals they possess remarkable mechanisms for survival. Big, innocent eyes, velvety soft skin, and adorably chubby cheeks—these features are nature’s way of melting our hearts and instinctively driving adults to nurture them, even amidst the chaos of diaper changes, spit-up incidents, and sleepless nights. And then, there’s that uniquely captivating new baby smell.
The delicate scent emanating from the top of a newborn’s head is arguably one of life’s most delightful aromas, rivaling the comforting smell of freshly baked cookies or the invigorating tang of salty sea air. But your baby’s enchanting fragrance is more than just a pleasant sensory experience; it plays a vital role in fostering a deep connection between you and your little one in these precious early days.
What Exactly Do Babies Smell Like?
Ask a group of new parents to describe the scent of their newborns, and you’ll likely receive a diverse range of answers. This is because every baby possesses a distinct and individual aroma.
Generally, a newborn baby in their first few weeks carries a pleasant, subtly sweet, and slightly cheesy scent. However, the specific nuances of this smell differ from baby to baby. Some mothers describe their infants as smelling like a comforting blend of soap, milk, and freshly baked bread. Others simply characterize their new arrivals as smelling purely “sweet.”
This unique and captivating smell is present from the moment a baby is born, regardless of whether it’s a C-section or a vaginal delivery. It typically lingers for a few weeks before gradually fading away.
This newborn scent exerts a powerful influence on humans. A fascinating research study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology monitored the brain activity of 30 women – half of whom had recently given birth, and half who had never experienced childbirth. During the study, these women were exposed to shirts worn by 2-day-old infants who were unknown to them.
The study revealed compelling results: both groups of women displayed heightened brain activity in areas associated with reward-driven behaviors and stimuli, similar to the brain’s response to delicious food or addictive substances. This indicates that the smell of babies is genuinely intoxicating and triggers a pleasurable response in the brain.
The Mystery Unveiled: Why Do Newborns Have That “Good” Smell?
The precise reasons behind the alluring newborn scent and its exact composition remain somewhat of a scientific enigma.
Research on this specific topic is limited, but many experts propose that the primary source of the newborn smell is the vernix caseosa. Vernix caseosa is the white, waxy substance that coats and protects a baby’s delicate skin while in the womb, effectively locking in moisture. Think of it as nature’s perfect moisturizer, akin to a natural Vaseline.
During childbirth, vernix, which covers the baby’s entire body, is believed to serve as a lubricant, facilitating the baby’s passage through the birth canal. It also plays a crucial role in shielding the baby from vaginal bacteria and aiding in temperature regulation after birth.
Post-delivery, vernix caseosa continues to benefit the newborn’s skin, helping it adapt to the external environment outside the womb. While it’s typically washed away about 24 hours after birth, the distinctive scent may persist on the baby’s hair and skin for a while longer.
As for the evolutionary “why” behind this pleasant scent, it’s highly likely that the newborn smell is intrinsically linked to parent-child bonding. Scent is a powerful sense known to trigger deep-seated memories, serve as a protective mechanism against harmful substances (like the aversion to the smell of spoiled food), and forge strong emotional bonds with things we cherish. From an evolutionary standpoint, it makes perfect sense for babies to smell so appealing – thereby becoming utterly irresistible – to parents and caregivers, especially considering the demanding nature of childbirth and early infant care.
Conversely, some studies suggest a potential link between mothers experiencing bonding difficulties and a reduced preference for their own baby’s scent, as well as a diminished ability to identify it. However, until more conclusive research emerges, this remains an intriguing, albeit still theoretical, area of exploration.
Newborns’ Olfactory World: What Can Babies Smell?
Babies are remarkably equipped at birth with all five senses, and their sense of smell is functional right from the moment they enter the world. In fact, they begin developing their sense of smell remarkably early in the womb!
The ability to smell plays a crucial role in helping newborns learn about their new environment. Recognizing the comforting scent of breast milk instinctively guides them towards feeding, making breastfeeding a more natural and efficient process. Babies can even differentiate between breast milk and other liquids, showcasing the sophistication of their developing senses of taste and smell.
A baby’s sense of smell also appears to be instrumental in fostering the crucial bond with their mother. Research has demonstrated that babies exhibit a clear preference for clothing worn by their own mothers. Furthermore, they tend to bond more readily with strangers if those individuals are wearing something carrying the mother’s scent.
The familiar scent of their own mothers, as well as the smell of breast milk, (specifically their mother’s milk, not that of other mothers or formula) has a soothing and calming effect on babies. Hospitals often utilize this knowledge by placing “scent cloths” imbued with parents’ scents in preemies’ NICU beds. This practice is designed to comfort and reassure vulnerable premature infants during their hospital stay, leveraging the power of maternal scent.
While the distinctive newborn smell will inevitably fade over time, mothers will attest that their love for the unique scent of their children endures far beyond infancy. Many parents fondly recall cherishing the smell of their babies well into toddlerhood and beyond. And while this particular newborn aroma might not persist into the days when your older child returns home sweaty and covered in dirt after outdoor adventures, the cherished memory of that sweet new baby smell is likely to remain vivid and heartwarming for a lifetime.
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
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