According to Dr. Kelley Yost Abrams - a child development psychologist (USA), when newborn, babies will be familiar with the characteristic scent of their parents. Babies can even distinguish the scent of breast milk from the milk of other women.
When parents recognize their scent, young children will feel safer. Parents can also help them distinguish their scent by not using scented skin care products.
When parents caress their babies and smell each other's scents, both experience higher levels of oxytocin hormone. This hormone called love hormone helps parents bond with their babies.
1-month period
Young children are gradually getting used to many different scents but may still be uncomfortable with strong scents. Strong scents can even affect the baby's taste buds. Continue to avoid using strong perfumes and strong-smelling products because they can overwhelm your natural body odor.
3-month period
Children are gradually becoming more aware of those around them. Children will use their sense of smell to distinguish between acquaintances and strangers. If children feel scared or threatened by the smell of strangers, they may cry or kick their feet.
6-month period
When your baby starts weaning, they will use their sense of smell and taste to decide if they like a new dish or not. If they like the aroma of the food being cooked, they can react by smiling, signaling, or making sounds.
Your baby's scent preferences may be similar to your parents', especially because your baby is used to the smell of some of your favorite foods when they were still in your womb.
12-month period
Around 12 months old, babies may be less excited to try different foods. Olfaction helps babies decide what they definitely don't like. If babies don't like the smell of that food, they will let you know!
