How old were your kids when they needed to start wearing deodorant? I noticed my dd needs to and she is 7. Is this normal? I'm all worried now that she is going to have early puberty.

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 11:39 pm:

Mine were about 8-9 and pretty darned stinky. One got her period at 11-1/2 and the other got her period at 12.

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 09:16 am:

8 for my DS.

My DD(9) doesn't wear it, but I don't think she needs it yet. She is a small 9, and has not shown any signs of puberty as of yet.

By Tsa on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 10:08 am:

My daughter is a small 10 and I think I've got about 2 years before puberty. However, she does wear deodorant for Christmas concerts, or recitals or gymnastics competition. She doesn't need it on a daily basis. If it is the smell that makes you think that maybe she needs to start to wear it she might have a colony of bacteria in that area making it stink. Try antibacterial rub (the alcohol based they sell at bath and body works) under there for a day or two. See if that helps.

By Dana on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 10:40 am:

My DD is nine (and I doubt anywhere near puberty) and just started wearing it when she feels like it. I think she usually forgets. But yes, she has odor now.

I think I will try the idea of antibacterial rub. I don't really like her wearing deodorant so young.

By Happynerdmom on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 07:28 pm:

My dd had body odor very young, I think she was about 7, too. I used to get something from the health food store, some kind of deodorant made from mineral salts, I think. I forget exactly what it was. That worked until she was older. Also, she didn't start puberty too young. She was 12 or 13 before she got her period.

By Mommmie on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 10:49 pm:

My son was 12.

By Mrsheidi on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 11:43 pm:

Antibacterial soap in the bath/shower and more water in her diet will definitely help. Sometimes diet is the main culprit. Is she getting enough fresh fruit and vegetables?
(Mine is not, so please don't think I'm judging...I'm a biologist and just know that what you eat, you sweat. Eat cabbage and you'll see...LOL.)

By Bobbie~moderatr on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 08:32 am:

One of my girls started puberty at 9 years old. She started shaving this summer at 10 and she was wearing deodorant at 7 years old. My other girls is 10 and she has just started wearing deodorant and she has yet to start puberty. Funny that they are twins. They are so different both physically and "mentally". It is interesting to watch the differences. You would think, same age, same time line.. Nope totally different.

I think that it should be based on the child. I would look into a health food store and see what you can find in a all natural deodorant. I think it is a good habit to start early with body care.

By Cybermommyx4 on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - 10:38 pm:

Right around 4th or 5th grade for mine....it's funny how one day they have that "little kid" smell, and the next day they NEED deodorant all of a sudden ;)