Why does my 3 year old's armpits smell like onions?

Author: Blake Lebsack Sr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

It's not actually uncommon for younger kids to have armpit smells. This smell is due to bacteria, sweat, and hormone changes. And as long as your child doesn't have any other signs of puberty, and they're under the age of eight, it's not a concern.

Why do my toddler's armpits smell like onions?

As hormones change, specialized sweat glands under your kiddo's arms secrete oil — interacting with the normal bacteria on the skin. You've likely experienced this same pubertal symptom, your child is just going through it earlier than usual.

Is it normal for a 3 year old to smell of BO?

Talk to the doctor if your child has body odor and is younger than 7 or 8 years (for a girl) or 9 years (for a boy). The doctor can check for signs of puberty starting early, which sometimes needs treatment with medicine. If there are no signs of early puberty, body odor isn't usually a health problem.

Is it normal for a 3 year old to need deodorant?

Is it ok for kids to use deodorants? Yes, it is perfectly fine. This is a very common question that we get asked during office visits. Kids can start getting body odor around 8-10 years, sometimes even earlier. Many kids and tweens use deodorants and it is perfectly fine.

What can I give my 3 year old for smelly armpits?

Deodorant and antiperspirant can help reduce odor, including odor or armpit smell caused by sweating in active kids. Children can use an unscented product if they are sensitive to fragrances or don't like the smell of scented deodorant.

Get Rid of Child's Body Odor & JV Naturals Kid's Deodorant Review

Is it normal for a 3 year old to have sweaty armpits?

Sweating is the body's way of cooling down and getting rid of some chemicals. But some children have a condition called hyperhidrosis that makes them sweat too much. It can affect any part of your child's body, especially the head, armpits, hands, and feet.

What vitamin deficiency causes body odor?

A zinc deficiency may occur due to underactive thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) that produces few thyroid hormones and affect the detoxification process, resulting in body odour.

How to remove body odor permanently naturally at home for kids?

To remove bad body odor naturally, try using baking soda as a natural deodorant, showering regularly with antibacterial soap, and wearing breathable fabrics.

Can I use lume on my toddler?

Lume Deodorant isn't just for puberty pits. Lume is safe to use anywhere on your external body and works wonders for young children who may not have odorous underarms yet, but whose cute little feet could wilt a daisy.

How do you tell a child they need deodorant?

How To Encourage Your Child to Use Deodorant?
  1. Make it fun: Take them shopping for deodorant. ...
  2. Casually introduce it. ...
  3. Put it where they can't miss it. ...
  4. Create a routine. ...
  5. Send a roll-on to school. ...
  6. Explain the benefits in simple terms. ...
  7. Start with a conversation, not criticism. ...
  8. Keep the conversation going.

How to get rid of onion smelling armpits?

Garlic and onions are sulfur-rich and can give bacteria a feast. So, if you smell like onions when you sweat, especially after eating these foods, that's why. Washing your body and underarms regularly will help. As well as a swipe of deodorant to help you manage the smell.

What does diabetic sweat smell like?

Diabetes: Diabetes is one of the most well-known health conditions linked to changes in body odor. People with uncontrolled diabetes can experience a fruity or acetone-like smell (think nail polish remover) on their breath or skin.

Is it normal for a 3 year old to have body odor?

It's not actually uncommon for younger kids to have armpit smells. This smell is due to bacteria, sweat, and hormone changes. And as long as your child doesn't have any other signs of puberty, and they're under the age of eight, it's not a concern.

What bacteria causes armpits to smell like onions?

3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol (3M3SH) is a thioalcohol, produced by Staphylococcus hominis, which makes the underarms smell like rotten onions or meat.

Why does my toddlers breath smell like onions?

Eating Pungent Foods

Digestion actually starts with that first bite of food, and whatever your child eats begins breaking down in their mouth, which can cause an unpleasant smell. Sulfur-producing foods like garlic and onions are especially notorious for causing bad breath in kids (and adults).

Can 3 year olds wear deodorant?

There's no specific age for a child to start wearing deodorant or antiperspirant.

What is the downside of Lume?

A: Lume has an acidic taste. While Lumē is non-toxic, it is not considered edible. We recommend making Lumē part of a regular hygiene routine a few times a week rather than before anticipated intimacy no one is the wiser you or your partner is using it.

Is the Lume suitable for kids?

Is THE LUME MELBOURNE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN? There is no minimum age to visit Leonardo da Vinci - 500 Years of Genius and child-friendly dishes are available at the café. All children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible person. Baby change facilities are available inside the venue.

What does thyroid sweat smell like?

While thyroid disorders don't directly cause sour-smelling sweat at night, a change in thyroid hormone production can impact the rate of sweating. In turn, more sweat can result in body odor.

Why does my child smell like onions?

Sweat itself doesn't smell, but when the bacteria on your skin mix with your sweat, it causes an odor. Body odor can smell sweet, sour, tangy or like onions. The amount you sweat doesn't necessarily impact your body odor.

Is Lume safe for kids?

Little kids should be treated with a gentle remedy that can stand up to the varsity stink they can deal out. Lume is full of gentle ingredients and has a pH that protects your skin's acid mantle, instead of disrupting it like baking soda-based deodorant.

What autoimmune disease causes body odor?

Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a rare disorder in which the body is not able to metabolize the chemical trimethylamine, and this causes body odor.

Does magnesium help with armpit odor?

Neutralizing Odor-Causing Bacteria: Magnesium helps balance the skin's pH levels, creating an environment where bacteria responsible for body odor struggle to thrive.

Why do I keep smelling cigarette smoke in my nose?

Phantosmia is a condition that causes you to detect smells that aren't actually in your environment. It can happen in one nostril or both — and the odors may be foul or pleasant. Common causes include colds, allergies, nasal polyps and dental issues.

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