Should My 8yr Old Be Using Deodorants?

The other day I was like "what's that?" when I picked up my 8yr old
daughter's school uniform and "inhaled some sort of mature odour".

Days later when my husband asked me if I had noticed the strong body
odour from my daughter I knew something had to be done about this
situation.

Getting to puberty already? But it's kind of early... I didn't have
any experience like this when growing up till I was 11/12.

Daily baths, regular change of clothes, beddings and diet help to
check body odour. Onion, garlic and spicy foods can contribute to body
odour.
You may also consider using an anti-bacterial deodorant soap for your child.
But when these are taken care of and there's still no improvement
then it's possible your eight year old is approaching puberty (8-13yrs
for girls, 9-14yrs for boys).

So early?

There is a theory that states that exposure to chemicals in the
environment and processed foods causes children to experience puberty
quicker.
Other studies have linked early puberty to exposure to artificial
light from TV and computer screens.

So how do you deal with the body odour since you now understand your
child is getting more mature?

Give your child deodorants rather than anti-perspirants.
Deodorant products without anti-perspirants are usually termed
"natural"; they stop the odour and not the sweating.

Experts advice that products with phthalates should be avoided for children.

"Phthalates (pronounced "thah-lates") are chemical plasticizers that
have been widely used to soften plastics that would otherwise be
brittle and crack when bent.

Phthalates are found in an amazing array of products. In personal care
items, they're used to help lubricate other substances, help lotions
penetrate and soften the skin, and help fragrances last longer.
They're also used in toys, electronics (such as personal computers),
car-care products, insecticides, and many household products,
including adhesives, plastic wrap, plastic containers, flooring,
furniture, wallpaper, shower curtains, and other things made of vinyl
or PVC

Here's a list of the most common phthalates, which may come in handy
for checking labels:

DBP (dibutyl phthalate)

DNOP (di-n-octyl phthalate)

DiNP (diisononyl phthalate)

DEP (diethyl phthalate)

BBzP (benzyl butyl phthalate)

DEHP (di 2-ethylhexl phthalate)

DiDP (diisodecyl phthalate)

DnHP (di-n-hexyl phthalate)

DMP (dimethyl phthalate)

DnOP (di-n-octylphthalate)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is another plasticizer."

There are now special deodorant products available for even 6yr olds.

You can also get good advice from your pharmacist concerning the best
decision to make.

Happy Parenting!