Smelly 10 year old

[MommyX3]

My 10 year old is starting to smell.Does anyone know when they can start using deodorant?I thought that they tell you not to start it to young because it can clog the sweat glands under the arms and cause problems,but he smells awful and I'm wondering if he might be starting to go through puberty :(

[MommaC]

I remember our gym teacher telling us in fourth grade that we all needed to think about deoderant. I don't remember smelling. Maybe he was talking to the boys. ;) But I did tell my mom, and she did give me some. If you're concerned, just put in a call to your doctor (or his nurse) and ask what their recommendation is.

[cay8099]

Our gym teacher told us to start using deoderant in 5th grade.

[APEMBERTON]

If You Are Worried I Might Call My Ped,but My Sister Used To Teach 4th Grade & All The Little Boys Used It.. I Don't Think It Is Too Early!! GooD luck!!!

[SpinMom]

I would definately ask my pediatrician. There is a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Pasted from a website:

"Deodorant allows the release of perspiration, but prevents odor by combating it with antiseptic agents, which kill odor-causing bacteria. Many consumers do not realize how deodorant works, assuming it is simply a fragrance that covers up body odor. Some choose antiperspirant, because rather than cover the odor, they prefer to eliminate it."

I've heard there may be adverse results from long term use of antiperspirants because they contain aluminum. Just in case (and because deodorant would probably suffice for a 10 year old) if you're going to let him use something, I would recommend deodorant rather than antiperspirant.

Good luck!

[nnylarac]

I read somewhere that little girls were getting their periods sooner. The article was talking about whether or not you should give your child organic foods such as organic milk. The reason cows give milk is because they should be breastfeeding their young. In order to keep the cow giving milk, the farmers pump them with all kinds of hormones like estrogen so that they produce more milk. Needless to say our little girls are getting that hormone and as a result they are developing sooner!! I switched to organic milk right away. Sure its more expensive but $3 more is like what? not buying yourself that cookie when you go to the mall on saturday? It's worth it, not just for your daughter but for your figure as well!

[Crystal1040]

My son started smelling at the ripe old age of 6. It happened last summer while he was at home playing video games. Granted he doesn't sit still when he plays. I panicked and thought all the terrible things that any panicky mom could. I made an appointment with the pediatrician expecting them to have to draw blood. Mind you, my 6 year old cowers under chairs and beats walls at the thought of shots.
However, the dr. said to start using deoderant and that was that. I wondered how it could be that simple. I guess it might have something to do with the fact that my boy is 4" 2 and weighs 68 lbs. I have a future linebacker in my home. At least, it's not a stinky one. I don't know if it was a phase but I don't smell him now when he forgets to put it on. However, we do remind him just in case it's a stinky day.
Therefore, don't fret. Take your child to your pediatrician and see what he/she says. I hope no blood has to be drawn and that it is as simple as my case. Good luck!

[brandie1127]

I agree with spinmom - some deoderant is better than anti-perspirant. It'll say so right on the stick which one it is. I would check out the teen type stuff it's alittle more mild I would think. Your ped should be able to recommend a brand. If you are uncomfortable with deoderant - an after shower powder should do the same trick. I haven't been wearing deoderant while I'm pregnant and the powder works really well.