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A Sense of Smell


Smells are converted to electrical signals which reach areas of the brain involved in emotion and memory. This is why smells experienced in early infancy can bring on a flood of emotive memories in later life. No other sense has the same power to do this.


The newborn soon discovers which smells delight, settle and soothe them and which ones are unpleasant. In fact, babies use their keen sense of smell to learn about every facet of the outside world.


By fifteen weeks gestation, brain connection to the olfactory nerves in the nasal passage is complete. Studies show that the foetus can detect smells in the amniotic fluid and that these same smells will be recognised by the newborn in the breast milk.


The sense of smell enables the newborn to locate the nipple and to perceive differences between the smell of the mother’s breast milk and the milk of a stranger. Incredibly, the baby can also detect the mother’s smell when she is in another room.


Most babies are responsive to smells that they encounter daily such as breast milk, mother’s perfume or a familiar blanket. Such smells are associated with comfort and security.


Unless a baby is overly sensitive to a particular odour, there are numerous opportunities to learn more about the environment using the sense of smell. In the spring and summer months, take them outside and introduce them to the smell of cut grass and the fresh smell of rain, vegetables, fruit and flowers. In the autumn and winter months, introduce them to the earthy odour of damp soil, fallen leaves, apples, pine needles, cinnamon and spices. Other experiences might include a trip to a farm, or to the herb section at a supermarket.


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Most babies learn best when they see, hear, feel, touch, taste and smell.


An odour does not have to be very strong to have an effect, so avoid over exposure. Offer ‘smells’ in moderation and alternate them to increase perception. Although it will be trial and error finding out which ones appeal most, facial expressions should indicate whether or not a particular odour is preferred to another. Remember that smell sensitivity varies between individuals. The experiences of no two babies will be the same.


Avoid essential oils, which may contain a high phenol content which can irritate the skin. Always check out the smell or scent that you are going to use.


The smells that you introduce can leave a long- lasting impression. If the experiences are good, they may be associated with fond memories in years to come!


Author, Dr. Lin Day. Contact Clare Wilson, Baby Sensory, Email: hemel@babysensory.co.uk


Editor, Helen McClorry, Babies on board Magazine.


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