Health

Experts Warn Against Using Perfume on Babies: Risks of Breathing, Skin, and Health Complications Highlighted

Child health experts have issued a strong warning to parents, particularly those with newborns, urging them to stop using perfumes on babies due to serious health risks. According to paediatricians, exposing infants to perfumes—especially those not designed for babies—can lead to breathing difficulties, skin irritation, and even long-term respiratory complications.

In interviews with health reporters, paediatricians and dermatologists emphasized that babies’ delicate systems are ill-equipped to handle strong chemical fragrances. They stressed that although many baby soaps, creams, and powders already contain safe and approved scents, adding perfumes introduces an unnecessary and potentially harmful fragrance overload.

Perfumes Pose Serious Risks to Baby’s Health

The medical professionals expressed growing concern over a rising trend where parents use perfumes—often adult brands—on their babies to enhance their scent. While the intention may be to keep babies smelling fresh, experts warned that such actions could harm a child’s health.

Paediatricians noted that infants, particularly newborns, have fragile respiratory systems still in development. Introducing strong or synthetic scents into their environment may result in airway irritation, uncontrollable coughing, and even respiratory distress.

“Perfumes contain volatile compounds that can be too harsh for a baby’s underdeveloped lungs,” explained Prof. Ben Onankpa, a paediatrician from Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto State. “The skin of a newborn is also still maturing, and it cannot properly absorb or resist the chemical ingredients found in most adult perfumes.”

Common Reactions: Coughing, Rash, Breathing Trouble

Prof. Onankpa identified common side effects of perfume exposure in babies. These include:

Skin irritation and rashes from ingredients not tested for baby-safe use
Coughing and wheezing caused by inhaling airborne fragrances
Respiratory distress, where the baby struggles to breathe normally due to lung irritation

He explained that these conditions often confuse parents, who might not initially associate them with perfume exposure. Some parents turn to fragrances as part of their baby care routine, unaware of the risks posed by applying or spraying perfumes near or on their babies.

“There’s no need to place perfume directly on your baby’s skin,” he said. “Even using it on clothing could be risky if done in large amounts or too frequently.”

Chemical Dangers: Endocrine Disruption, Jaundice, and More

Adding to the warnings, PUNCH Healthwise previously reported that many conventional perfumes contain hazardous chemicals such as parabens and phthalates. These substances are endocrine disruptors, known to cause skin irritation, hormonal imbalances, and even increase cancer risk over prolonged exposure.

Some other fragrance ingredients are linked to conditions such as:

Allergic rhinitis (constant sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose)
Contact dermatitis (skin inflammation and blistering)
Liver and brain damage in vulnerable babies due to exposure to harmful chemicals like naphthalene and camphor, often found in wardrobes or perfumes

“Parents should completely avoid exposing babies to chemicals like camphor and naphthalene,” Prof. Onankpa warned. “These are especially dangerous when used near newborns. They’ve been linked to jaundice and even brain damage in severe cases.”

He further advised that parents who insist on using baby perfumes should only apply baby-formulated fragrances in very minimal amounts, preferably on clothing and not directly on the skin, and only a few minutes before dressing the child.

Baby Hygiene: A Safer Alternative

Dr. Hauwa Makarfi, a paediatric dermatologist and the Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, echoed these warnings. She cautioned parents against using perfumes at all, insisting that maintaining basic hygiene is far safer and more effective than masking body odour.

“Babies don’t even develop body odour until much later,” Dr. Makarfi explained. “As long as they are bathed regularly and dressed in clean clothing, they won’t smell unpleasant.”

She noted that modern baby products—such as soaps, powders, and oils—are already formulated with mild, tested fragrances that are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.

“Parents need to understand that not all fragrances are safe,” she stressed. “Many perfumes include complex chemical compounds that can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and even enzyme-related disorders in some babies.”

Dangerous Chemicals and Health Disorders

Dr. Makarfi further cautioned against using products with camphor or naphthalene in baby environments. She explained that these chemicals can trigger Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a genetic condition in some individuals that may lead to repeated jaundice and other health complications.

“Many of these substances are still in use despite their dangers,” she said. “That’s why education and awareness are vital.”

The specialist advised parents to speak to their healthcare providers before introducing any scented products into their baby’s care routine, stressing that prevention is far more effective and less costly than treating avoidable complications.

Social Influence Driving Harmful Trends

According to Frontpage Health, the increasing popularity of baby perfumes appears to be fueled by social influences. Many parents adopt the use of perfumes through the recommendations of friends, social media influencers, traders, and relatives—often without understanding the risks involved.

This societal pressure can make new or young parents feel the need to “keep up” with beauty and grooming trends, even at the expense of their baby’s health.

Medical professionals argue that the allure of having a “good-smelling” baby should never override the child’s well-being.

“There is no shortcut to keeping your baby healthy,” Dr. Makarfi affirmed. “The safest and most effective way is to maintain proper hygiene, use products recommended for infants, and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals.”

Final Advice: Let Your Baby Be Naturally Clean

Both Dr. Makarfi and Prof. Onankpa concluded that the best approach to baby care is simplicity and medical guidance.

“Wash your baby regularly, use mild, approved baby soaps and powders, and avoid layering them with unnecessary scents,” Prof. Onankpa advised. “Good hygiene, not fragrance, is the key to a fresh-smelling, healthy baby.”

Ultimately, the experts advised that when in doubt, parents should consult their paediatricians before introducing any new product into their baby’s skincare or hygiene routine.

Key Takeaways for Parents: