What Age Should Your Child Should Start Wearing Deodorant?

In the past, kids didn’t start wearing deodorant or antiperspirant until they were in middle school or high school. Everything has changed because frankly, we’ve realized that kids sweat, too.

The current doctor‘s recommendation is that kids should begin wearing deodorant by the fourth grade. This rule can be bent if your child is overweight, in which case he or she should wear deodorant younger.

Kids can wear either deodorant or antiperspirant – it’s about whatever works for them. Old Spice supplies samples for boys, though some of the Old Spice fragrances can be overwhelming. The advantage to Old Spice is that it is inexpensive and easy to find in any drugstore.

There was once a myth circulated that aluminum in antiperspirant could cause Alzheimer’s, but this has since been proven false, as much more aluminum is ingested in food and water. Therefore, yes, it is safe for your child to wear antiperspirant – just as safe as it is for them to use shampoo and conditioner.

If you are still worried, there is a natural deodorant for kids named Junior Varsity. It contains no aluminum, but it will not prevent their underarms from getting wet stains.

Sweating in children can be a major cause of teasing if your child has noticeable body odor or frequently sports sweat stains. Placing a can of deodorant in their sock drawer can be a low-key and non-embarrassing way to let them know it’s okay to start using deodorant. Replace the can every month or so as needed if they are not yet old enough to make store purchases on their own.

If your child has a serious sweating issue, Secret makes a clinical strength antiperspirant and deodorant. It is the most effective deodorant that you can purchase without a prescription, but keep in mind that it is more expensive than many of the other alternative products.

The key it to allow your child to pick the deodorant with a scent that works best for him or her, so that your child becomes comfortable and confident with personal grooming. Don’t let them allow a natural body function to become a source of teasing and ridicule from their peers.