Ah, preteens—the age of endless energy, constant snack cravings, spontaneous questioning and… a new, not-so-sweet smell? If you’ve started noticing a certain funk wafting from your child’s room or catching a whiff of something when they hug you, don’t worry— just read on!
Body odor is a natural part of growing up, but for many parents, it sneaks up like an uninvited guest.
The good news? Tackling preteen body odor doesn’t mean spending a fortune on specialty products. There are simple, affordable tricks that keep them fresh without breaking the bank.
Remember, every kid goes through this stage, and with these easy, wallet-friendly tips, you’ll both get through it without the extra drama.
A kid’s body odor can happen at any age, but usually between 8-13 when they develop smelly armpits and start using natural deodorants. Hormonal changes are thought to contribute to increased odors.
Let’s dive into some mom-approved solutions that will keep it at bay—so you can focus on enjoying the hugs, and have those room visits, without holding your breath! 😜
First, keep the area clean and dry. Consider wearing deodorant. Deodorant limits the presence of bacteria on your skin. Deodorant helps boost confidence too.
Wearing a child-friendly deodorant can give kids the extra confidence they need, especially as they navigate the challenges of pre-teen life. They’ll feel better about themselves when they know they don’t smell, during school or extracurricular activities where they interact with others frequently. Unpleasant body odour can lead to awkward or uncomfortable moments, especially when friends or classmates make comments.
Take a bath regularly.
Try to ensure the kids shower at least twice a day. Also, they should not forget to take a shower after exercising/working out and after a long day at school. This will help keep their bodies clean and prevent any bacterial growth that can result in body odour.
Rub Lemon on Armpits
The natural, antiseptic (agents that slow or stop the growth of microorganisms) and antimicrobial properties of lemon help eliminate unpleasant odours of the body and control bad odour caused by bacteria.
The acidic properties of lemon juice help to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin. Also, as an immune booster, lemon removes harmful toxins, including bacteria in the body.
You could rub one half of a lemon over their armpits to prevent perspiration (sweating) and avoid body odour.
Drink Adequate Water
Another effective home remedy for body odour is drinking a lot of water. Being a great solvent, water removes toxins from the body and helps flush out bacteria and pathogens that can result in body odour.
In addition, water is also the best neutralizer which prevents bacteria from forming in the intestines.
Wash Underarms With Baking Soda
Baking soda helps absorb moisture from the skin, thus, reducing odour. Apply baking soda to your kids’ underarms and wash it off after a few minutes.
If you have any burning sensation on applying baking soda, do not continue further and wash off immediately.
Some kids will naturally adopt these habits, while others may struggle. So, proper guidance and keeping the lines of communication open is important. The goal is not perfection but consistency. The more you talk about hygiene in a supportive way and model it, the more likely they are to make good decisions on their own.
Encouraging your kids to take ownership of their hygiene is not only about smelling nice—it’s about helping them feel empowered and confident.
Now you’re ready to say goodbye to the mystery smells and hello to more confidence—for them and for you!
So, breathe easy, Mom. You’ve got this (and so do they).
XOXO
Yours Truly
Nikimandi
