The baby odor is said to be an early method of communication

A study has identified the chemical composition of odors produced by the heads of new born right after birth and shows its importance in the mother-child relationship. "Babies attract us with all of our senses," which notes that smell is essential. Also, the effects of babies on our senses are shown in the same way in men and women and whether we have children or not. For the researchers, it would be a biological tactic intended to elicit attention and affection in adults, without whom newborns could not survive. "It's a feeling that triggers reactions of simple pleasure in the brain, a bit like when you listen to music or when you eat a good meal,". An explanation for this irrepressible desire to bite into our children's little feet?

A recognizable smell

Why do moms love to smell their baby's head? This is the question a researcher asked himself. The researchers performed chemical analysis of baby odor and amniotic fluid odors in five new born, accompanied by their mothers during sampling. Volatile odorous components were found in these samples, among them were aldehydes, carbon oxides and hydrocarbons.

Researchers also found that the smell of a new born baby's head one hour after birth was different from how it smelled 2-3 days after. These results therefore suggest that a baby can strongly express his individuality through his scent soon after birth.

The researchers invited around 60 students to smell artificial samples based on head odors and amniotic fluid. In more than 70% of cases, the smell of a baby's head is more easily recognized than that of amniotic fluid. In addition, girls recognize this smell more easily (73%) than boys (36%).

This musty smell could be an early non-verbal mode of communication between mother and baby, as this study suggests, which would allow for the formation of a better relationship between parent and child. This discovery could also play a role in preventing infant neglect or attachment disorders.

Over 100 chemicals

A study shows that the smell of babies contains around 150 different chemicals. It’s better than a perfume! In fact, the study shows that all 30 women who smelled hats worn by babies had their brains reacting like they did after taking depression medication.

Recognize your baby

The musty smell also helps moms recognize their babies: 90% of them do, and it works the other way around too. Smelling your baby releases dopamine, the feel-good hormone. So, no hesitation, we can continue to smell them all day, all night, to our greatest happiness. This addiction is not dangerous, on the contrary!

But where does this smell come from?

Researchers believe that, like touch and sight, scent helps young mothers’ bond with their babies from birth (including when it comes from dirty diapers). Because each inhalation contains signals and information intended for our brain. And it also works the other way around. Babies can tell the difference between milk from their mother and milk from another woman. They even have a preference for the smell of clothes worn by their mother.

However, they still don't know what produces this famous baby smell. “Some people think it's from their sweat glands, or it's the lingering scent of vernix caseosa, the substance that coats babies when they're born and is washed off afterward,”. So, there are still many mysteries to be explored to understand the strange passion of adults for the smell of new born.

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Theodordoctor Joined: January 11th, 2021