Personal hygiene for children

Some children could happily play in the bathtub for hours, while others can only be persuaded with great difficulty to even set foot under the shower. As parents, this can sometimes make us despair. However, personal hygiene, especially during elementary school age and the early or pre-puberty phase, is an important topic that we want to address.

Contents:

At what age do children develop body odor?

Toddlers and children who are not yet in puberty generally do not develop body odor because their sebum production is still low. Body odor occurs when bacteria in the skin flora break down sebum.

Due to hormonal changes in the early and pre-puberty phase, which often begin around 8 or 9 years of age, sebum production is also stimulated. This process, which starts with the activation of the adrenal cortex before the actual central onset of puberty, heralds puberty, so to speak, and parents wonder why their child suddenly smells of sweat. But there is absolutely no cause for concern: this is an absolutely physiological process.

Why does my child sweat?

As with us adults, sweat fulfills a vital function: thermoregulation. The evaporation of sweat allows the body to cool down and thus protect itself from overheating and dehydration. In addition, sweat strengthens the skin's acid mantle, thus protecting it from further environmental influences.

Body odor occurs in all people, and there is no purely physiological reason to suppress the production or odor of sweat. However, some people are bothered by their own scent, and children can also suffer from suddenly smelling different. Gentle educational discussions can help here, making it clear to everyone how normal this process is and that regular personal hygiene and the use of a mild children's deodorant are often enough to feel comfortable again.

How often should children bathe or shower?

Toddlers: approx. one to two baths per week
Elementary school children: two to three times a week
School children: at their own discretion, two to three times a week or every 2 days

Please note that these are only rough guidelines. Individual needs of skin and hair can and should vary. Mild bathing and showering products that are not overloaded with ingredients are always suitable for children. We recommend our boep Kids Shampoo; it is a mild 2-in-1 shampoo and shower gel for small and older children. It cleans gently and has a subtle and fresh scent – naturally without synthetic fragrances, silicones, and with few, carefully selected natural ingredients. Our natural bubble bath provides great splashing fun for babies and children. The velvety soft bubble bath brings fun to the tub and delights not only the little ones!

Should I moisturize my child after bathing?

That really depends on your child's skin. For example, if your child has very sensitive and dry skin, you should moisturize their skin with an extra dose of moisture after bathing. For dry skin, our rich med Basic Cream can be a helpful option. Many children enjoy our Body Lotion, as they can easily dispense it themselves with the practical pump dispenser in the maxi size.

What to do about body odor in children?

If body odor persists despite regular washing and the children find it unpleasant, a mild children's deodorant can be used to help. Make sure to choose mild deodorants without perfume or synthetic preservatives like parabens, as these ingredients could potentially cause allergies in sensitive children's skin.

Our med Deo Stick contains carefully selected ingredients and is formulated without aluminum. The fragrance-free formula reliably protects against unpleasant odors and is particularly gentle on the skin – ideal for children with sensitive or dry skin and those with fragrance allergies. – sounds good? Then give it a try!

What to do if my child doesn't like showering or bathing?

Use favorite colors: A bathrobe, towels, and washcloths in your child's favorite color can increase their anticipation of bathing or showering and work especially well with younger kids. If the child knows they can slip into their cozy, colorful bathrobe after bathing, it might be easier for them to get into it.

Hourglass for shower grumblers: An hourglass that your child can easily see during bathing or showering can help them keep track of time. This ensures that bathing or showering doesn't take too long and gives your child a clear temporal orientation.

Use audio plays: An exciting audio play during bathing or showering can make time fly by. When the audio play ends, your child knows it's time to rinse off and finish the bath. This makes your routine not only more entertaining but also gives it a clear structure.