Child health experts have warned parents not to use perfumes on babies, especially newborns, as it can cause breathing problems, skin irritation, and other health risks.
The warning came from paediatricians who told PUNCH Healthwise that many perfumes contain strong chemicals that are not safe for babies. These experts said that while many baby products like soaps and powders already contain safe fragrances, using extra perfume can expose babies to too many scents.
Prof. Ben Onankpa, a paediatrician at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, said babies are sensitive because their skin and lungs are still developing.
Onankpa said, “Skin irritation can happen because the baby’s skin might not be able to absorb some of the ingredients in perfumes.
“Also, when they inhale it, it can cause lung irritation. Some babies may start coughing or have respiratory distress, and the parents may not even realise the perfume is the cause.”
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He also warned against putting camphor or naphthalene balls in baby wardrobes, saying the chemicals in them could cause jaundice or even brain damage in newborns.
Prof. Onankpa advised parents who insist on using perfume to make sure it is baby-safe, and to spray it only on clothes — not on the baby’s skin — and only minutes before dressing them.
Onankpa said, “Babies don’t have a strong body odour. When they are well bathed, they are okay.
“It is best to avoid baby perfumes completely. Soap and a little powder are enough.”
Also speaking, Dr. Hauwa Makarfi, a paediatric dermatologist and secretary of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, said perfumes could lead to allergic reactions, skin burns, and breathing problems.
Makarfi said, “If it is sprayed directly on the skin and there are some chemicals that the child is allergic to, it can cause contact dermatitis or even burns.
“Proper hygiene is the best way to prevent body odour in babies. You don’t need perfume.”
Dr. Makarfi also warned that chemicals like parabens and phthalates, which are common in adult perfumes, could harm children by disrupting hormones and causing skin problems.
The doctors urged parents to choose safety over style and focus on keeping babies clean rather than using perfumes that may harm them.