Fragrance incorporation is widespread in perfumes and cosmetics. According to North America’s Fragrance Association, the perfume industry will reach a whopping $51 billion by 2022.
Although there is a lack of research on the health effects of wearing perfumes around babies, some studies show that it can cause dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, allergies, and asthma.
Because infants are more sensitive to chemical reactions, they can develop allergies and asthma. Therefore, it is best to avoid wearing concentrated perfumes and scents around babies. That way, you can protect your child from the risk of health complications.
Risks of Wearing Perfume around Babies
Many moms want to enhance their moods by wearing perfumes. Several studies have validated that fragrance can change your mood and improve behavior in various ways. It provides some sort of help in mitigating the effects of postpartum depression.
However, moms who love to wear perfumes can pose risks to their infants. When you hold and love your child, it means he or she is breathing the fragrance all day. Some perfumes like eau de toilette have stronger scents that can affect your baby’s senses and cause coughing, sneezing, headache, and even asthma.
Phthalate is another potent ingredient found in perfumes and cosmetic products. Studies show that this ingredient can put your young one in trouble and disturb various body functions. It is somewhat synonymous with second-hand smoking.
According to the U.S National Library of Medicine, second-hand perfumes’ fragrance can profoundly affect both male and female children. Phthalates inhaled by children can develop testosterone problems when they reach puberty.
Moreover, babies exposed to second-hand perfume can develop respiratory problems, allergies, and even obesity. Another study shows that babies exposed to perfumes have lower IQ levels in adulthood.
It is primarily due to suppressed neuronal function and synapse numbers caused by Ethyl Acetate, Aldehydes, Acetones, and Phthalates. Remember, all these chemicals are harmful to both the mother and the child, and if you want to ensure your child’s healthy development, make sure you avoid stronger scents.
How to choose the safe perfume?
Even if you want to wear perfume, we recommend choosing a product made of natural ingredients. These include essential oils, natural aromas extracted from flowers and leaves, waxes, and flavors sourced from plants.
Natural perfume products do not contain synthetic chemicals like aldehydes, phthalates, and parabens. Some natural fragrances are also vegan, meaning they don’t have formulations based on animal products.
Modern natural perfumery and scents use high-quality rose, orange, and jasmine extracts. These perfumes are made with the steam distillation process. When choosing a fragrance for yourself, make sure you read the label and select the one that lists “essential oil blend,” “lavender extract,” “rose extract,” or “rosemary essential oil.”
Final Words
Some moms find it challenging to resist perfumes as they believe “old habits die hard.” In general, we discourage mothers from wearing perfumes around babies to avoid health complications. However, if you still want one, make sure you choose a scent that labels “natural.” It contains organic ingredients that do not cause eye, skin, or throat irritation when inhaled by your child.
