When should kids start using deodorant??

[aprilgail2]

I have to admit, I'm rather surprised that there hasn't been a deodorant almost killed me or made me homicidal story yet.

 

[maxiesmom]

Thanks for all the replies. He doesn't smell but I kinda feel if hes asking , he must be a little self conscious so I should get it. I just worry about the chemicals. I like the suggestions of a more natural product. I'll check out Trader Joes. I try to limit if I can the chemicals they are exposed to ~ no diet soda (limited reg soda also) only buy organic milk etc..

Off topic, but after my yearly vist to the doctor, she told me she would rather I drink diet soda than regular. I too thought all the stuff in diet soda was bad for you. She said drinking regular soda is a fast way to diabities, and that was a much more real risk than anything you may do to your body with diet soda.

Just wanted to throw that out there, for any other soda drinkers.

 

[browneyes106]

I think it depends on when they start to smell or sweat more during the day. I started using deordant when I was 9 because I started to sweat more. I had friend that didn't start using it until she was 12 because she didn't sweat much.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

I agree with your husband. Let him use it.

 

[nephthys43]

my nephew is 9 and he wears deoderant. if he forgets and he's at my house and he stinks, i make him use mine. ick! i'm not smelling that kid for the entire day.

 

[Tooblessed]

My DS9 just started wearing deoderant. We made sure it wasn't anti-perspirant just deoderant.

 

[KAMKIM]

dd8 wears deodorant too

 

[SB1]

We started using a deoderant that is not an anti perspeirant and it helps a lot.

 

[LuvOrlando]

My DS had to start in 1st grade. Like many other people here we stayed away from anti-prespirants which is easier for boys than girls, men have dozens to choose from. Mini vent - For some reason nearly every product on the market geared towards young girls is an antiperspirant which is bad news since the chemicals have been implicated in breast cancer, same goes for women. The only non-spray one out now that I like is Tom's Apricot and both my DD10 and I use it.

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

The teachers at my school say that around the end of 3rd grade...the rooms start stinking after P.E. and recess! LOL That's when the "take a shower and wear clean clothes...and use deoderant!" talk comes in.

 

[Disney Doll]

When they start to sweat and smell.

 

[Becky2005]

When they start to smell.

I don't remember when DD started using it, probably middle school.

However, my older DS, UGH...I do believe he was end of 3rd grade/beginning of 4th grade he started using it. He needed it. He didn't ask, I told him he was going to start using it.

My current 9 year old doesn't have the need to start yet.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

If your kid asks for deodorant its because he's being teased about it. Would you rather spend $3 a month, or have him be teased by his teammates?

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

i'd say if he's old enough to know what it's used for, then let him use it. if he thinks he needs it, let him.

i think i started around 9-10 years old and i didn't have any problems with the "chemicals"

 

[shortbun]

If you're worried about the chemicals, get him Tom's or another non-aluminum based deodorant. My son uses a stone and Tom's and he's a 14 yo athlete with hairy armpits. He showers daily and sometimes 2X a day depending on his game schedule versus social schedule. He never stinks of BO. Btw, he started using Tom's and a stone when he was 9.

 

[maslex]

My boys probably started wearing deodorant around age 10 or so. I have a cute story about my youngest though. He finally wanted to start wearing deodorant. I told him to take his shower for the night and when you're done, to make sure you put deodorant on. So he gets out of the shower and this is the conversation we have.......

ME: I see you're all done your shower, did you put deodorant on too?

DS: Sure did, I got both arm pits and LEG PITS!!!!

ME: Leg pits? What are you talking about?

DS: Ya know....your leg pits....(as he's pointing to behind his knees)

That was about 2 years ago and I still get a kick out of that one. Only out of his mouth, I swear.

 

[cocodog]

So funny... my dd started needing it (and I mean NEEDING it) around age 9. I really had to repeatedly encourage her to wear it. My ds, who is 10, does not need it yet. It must be a status thing, though, beacuse he smuggled his dad's deodorant to school in his bookbag when he was in 1st grade. I let him wear it even though he still does not need it.

 

[SB1]

So glad we got started using it before it became an issue at school... My daughter's teacher took the boys and girls into separate groups this week and talked to them about the need to shower everyday and use deodorant

 

[a1tinkfans]

My Dh and I are having a difference of opinion (). My 9 yr old is in a sport camp and sweats. He see us use deodorant and he thinks he needs it because he sweats. I say he is too young to start with deodorant. That he doesn't need it until he has hair in his arm pits. My Dh says just let him use it no big deal. I'm not thrilled to start the whole chemical use thing with him. What do you think???

My simple answer is...IF you or the child are even thinking/discussing it, its prob time Nothing worse then a Smelly person........UGH!!
By the way, if the chemical issue bothers you, there are naturals... over the counter or you can google it for natural alternatives...

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

When the perspiration leads to body odor.


Congrats on having a boy, especially at age 9, that is even thinking about hygiene. Most of us boy parents are trying to encourage the use of a shower and soap on a daily basis and that 3 days of dirt is not a badge of honor. Don't discourage him - you have a very, very rare gift there

AMEN!!!