Patrick Oconnell
Babies are known to have a distinct scent, often described as a baby smell that is comforting and triggers a strong emotional response in parents. However, newborns can sometimes emit a cheese-like odour, which may be surprising and concerning for new parents. This smell is usually caused by a combination of factors, including moisture, sweat, milk residue, and bacteria accumulating in the folds of the baby's skin, especially in areas like the neck, armpits, and behind the ears.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sweat | Active sweat glands in babies can produce a tangy or vinegar-like odour when mixed with bacteria on the skin |
| Urine | The breakdown of urine when a diaper isn't changed promptly can create a sharp, acidic smell |
| Food or formula | Certain foods or formulas can influence a baby's body odour |
| Breast milk | Breast milk can spoil and get trapped in the folds of a baby's skin, producing a cheese-like smell |
| Moisture | Moisture trapped in the folds of a baby's skin can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and emit a sour, cheese-like odour |
| Skin irritations or infections | Skin conditions can cause unusual smells and should be addressed with a healthcare professional |
| Vernix caseosa | The waxy substance that covers newborns to protect their skin from amniotic fluid may contribute to their unique scent |
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What You'll Learn
Bacteria and moisture in skin folds
Babies are born with a protective coating called vernix caseosa, which has a distinct scent that is not exactly the "baby scent" people expect. As the baby grows, their skin produces sweat, which, when mixed with bacteria, can result in a tangy or vinegar-like odour. This is especially prominent in warmer climates or during hot summer months.
In addition to sweat, moisture can accumulate in a newborn's skin folds, creating an environment conducive to bacterial and fungal growth. This combination of moisture and bacteria can result in a cheese-like smell. Intertrigo, for example, is an inflammatory skin condition caused by skin-to-skin friction, intensified by heat and moisture, that usually occurs in the skin folds. The trapped moisture, often due to sweating, causes the skin surfaces to stick together, increasing friction and leading to skin damage, bacterial and fungal overgrowth, and inflammation.
Candida, a type of yeast or fungus, is commonly associated with intertrigo and can lead to secondary infections. This condition typically occurs in the neck creases, armpits, beneath the breasts, between belly folds, in the groin area, inner thighs, and between the toes and fingers. Babies are particularly susceptible to intertrigo due to their sensitive skin and the moisture from drooling or wearing diapers.
To prevent and manage these conditions, it is essential to keep the baby's skin clean, cool, and dry, especially in areas where the skin rubs together. Regular gentle cleaning and ensuring that these areas are dry can help reduce the cheese-like odour. Applying petroleum jelly or zinc oxide-based cream can also help protect the skin and lock in moisture. Additionally, keeping the baby's environment cool and well-ventilated can help reduce the risk of excessive sweating and moisture accumulation.
In some cases, the cheese-like smell may be related to breast milk spoilage in the baby's fat folds. Breast milk, like other mammalian milk, can spoil, resulting in a cheesy odour if not cleaned properly. Proper skin care and hygiene are crucial in preventing cheese-like smells and potential skin infections.
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Vernix caseosa coating
Vernix caseosa is a white, creamy, protective coating that covers a baby's skin in the uterus. It is a naturally occurring biofilm that begins to cover the baby's skin during the second trimester, at around 17 weeks of pregnancy. The sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing oil in the skin, produce the vernix coating. It is composed of water (80%), lipids (10%), and proteins (10%). The lipids include ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, triglycerides, waxes, squalene, and phospholipids.
The name vernix caseosa means "varnish of a cheesy nature", and it is thought that the vernix caseosa is responsible for the unique scent of newborns. This scent is thought to be nature's way of facilitating the bonding process between parents and their newborns.
Vernix caseosa has several benefits for the baby both in utero and after birth. In utero, it protects the fetus from damaging substances like urea and electrolytes in the amniotic fluid. It also helps with thermoregulation and acts as a lubricant during vaginal delivery. After birth, vernix caseosa acts as a natural moisturizer, protecting the newborn's skin from dryness and cracking. It also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which can help prevent skin infections.
The amount of vernix caseosa on a baby's skin decreases as the due date approaches, and full-term babies typically have more vernix caseosa than premature babies. It is beneficial to keep the vernix caseosa on the newborn's skin for as long as possible after birth, which means delaying the first bath. This allows the vernix to be absorbed into the skin and provides ongoing benefits to the baby's skin and immune system.
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Breast milk spoilage
The unique scent of a newborn baby is often described as a delightful, comforting smell that triggers a strong emotional response in new parents. However, some babies may develop a cheese-like odour, which can be attributed to various factors, including sweat, bacteria, and, in some cases, breast milk spoilage.
Breast milk, like other mammalian milk, can spoil, and if it sits in the baby's fat folds for too long, it can contribute to the cheesy smell. This is more likely to occur in babies who are sloppy eaters, as milk can easily get trapped in their skin folds. To prevent this, parents should ensure they clean their baby's skin thoroughly, paying extra attention to the crevices where milk can accumulate.
To prevent breast milk from spoiling, proper storage is crucial. Breast milk should be stored in clean, sealed containers specifically designed for freezing or refrigeration. It is recommended to use commercially-made milk storage bags or hard plastic or glass baby bottles. The temperature and storage time also play a vital role in preventing spoilage. Breast milk should be refrigerated immediately after pumping and consumed within four to six days. If frozen immediately, it can last up to six months in a separate freezer and two weeks in a freezer attached to a refrigerator.
It is important to note that the scent of breast milk can vary from mother to mother and even across feeding sessions. Factors such as the mother's diet and medications can influence the smell. A simple test to check for high lipase involves freezing a small amount of milk for a week and then thawing it to check for a soapy, metallic, or fishy odour. While high lipase milk is safe for babies to consume, it can be deactivated by scalding the milk.
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Urine and faeces
Breast milk, like other mammalian milk, can spoil, and if it gets trapped in the folds of the baby's skin, it can start to smell cheesy. This is because bacteria break down the milk, producing compounds that contribute to an odour resembling sour cheese. Chubbier babies may have more skin folds and crevices where milk and moisture can collect, leading to a stronger cheesy smell.
As babies grow and begin to eat solid food, their digestive systems face new challenges, resulting in a variety of foul smells. This can be noticeable not only in their faeces but also in their breath and body odour. The introduction of solid food marks a shift in the types of smells parents may encounter.
While the combination of urine, faeces, and milk breakdown can contribute to a cheese-like smell, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and regularly clean and dry the baby's skin to prevent skin irritations or infections. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended if there are any concerns or if the smell is accompanied by other symptoms.
The odours associated with urine and faeces are an expected part of a baby's development, and they can be managed with regular diaper changes, gentle cleaning, and ensuring that the baby's skin is thoroughly dried.
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Natural bonding
The scent of a newborn is often described as a delightful, comforting, and soothing fragrance that triggers a strong emotional response in new parents, making them feel warm and fuzzy inside. This unique baby scent has even been likened to the smell of fresh baby powder, cotton, and a hint of sweetness.
Scientists and researchers suggest that this special smell is nature's way of facilitating the bonding process between parents and their newborns. The scent activates the reward centers in the parental brain, creating a pleasurable response similar to that of an addict getting drugs or a hungry person finally eating. This response is so powerful that it can lead to the well-known phenomenon of parents wanting to "nibble" or "devour" their adorable infants.
The source of this captivating baby scent is a combination of factors. Initially, newborns are covered in vernix caseosa, a protective waxy coating that aids their journey into the world. While this coating doesn't have a particularly strong scent, it gradually absorbs into the skin, contributing to the development of the signature baby smell.
Another factor is the lingering scent of amniotic fluid on the baby's skin, which may play a role in the unique fragrance. Additionally, the natural processes of diaper changes and spit-ups bring their own set of smells, all part of the delightful and messy journey of parenting.
As babies grow and their dietary preferences expand, their scent profile evolves as well. Breast milk breath, for instance, can be sweet, but the introduction of solid foods can lead to a melange of foul smells. Despite these changes, the underlying baby scent remains, continuing to foster the bond between parent and child.
While the scent of a newborn is typically pleasant, there may be times when they emit a less-than-desirable cheese-like odor. This smell is often the result of moisture, drool, milk, or even lint and dust trapped in the tiny wrinkles and crevices of their closed fists and adorable chubby folds. Bacteria thrive in these damp areas, releasing compounds that contribute to the sour scent of cheese. Regular gentle cleaning and ensuring these areas are dry can help mitigate this cheesy smell.
In conclusion, the natural bonding process between parents and newborns is significantly influenced by the unique scent of babies. This scent, designed by nature to create a pleasurable response in caregivers, plays a crucial role in fostering the strong attachment and emotional connection that forms the foundation of the parent-child relationship.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell could be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Milk residue: Milk can get trapped in the folds of your baby's skin, especially around the neck, wrists, and hands, and mix with bacteria, creating a cheese-like odour.
- Sweat: Babies have active sweat glands, and when their sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin, it can produce a tangy or vinegar-like odour.
- Skin irritation or infection: Keep an eye out for any redness, rashes, or signs of discomfort, as these can sometimes cause unusual smells.
If you are concerned about the smell or notice any other symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
To prevent or reduce cheese-like odours, ensure that you regularly clean and dry your baby's skin, especially in the folds of the neck, wrists, and hands, where moisture and milk residue can get trapped. You can use mild soap and warm water, or baby wipes, to gently clean these areas.
Yes, there are a few other common causes of strong odours in newborns:
- Urine: If a diaper is not changed promptly, the breakdown of urine can create a sharp, acidic smell.
- Food or formula: Certain foods or formulas can influence your baby's body odour.
- Spit-up: Milk or breast milk can spoil and create a cheesy smell if it gets trapped in your baby's skin folds and is not cleaned properly.
