Life

How Does Your Baby Recognize Your Smell?

For a mom, there's just something about a baby's smell that is simply irresistible (when they're wearing a clean diaper, of course). I can still remember all of the warm and fuzzies I felt whenever I got a whiff of my babies after bath time. If you think you're crazy about the way your baby smells, you should know that he is just as smitten with scent of his mama. But if you've ever wanted to know if your baby's nose would allow him to pick you out of a mommy lineup, you may have wondered how does your baby recognize your smell?

According to Parenting, the sense of smell is baby's most advanced sense from birth. By the end of her first week of life, your baby can tell the difference in the scent of your breast milk from that of another mom's. In fact, studies have shown that fetuses can recognize the scent of their mom's amniotic fluid while still in the womb.

Throughout the animal kingdom, smell is a critical part of the bonding process, and humans are no exception. As their eyesight develops, babies rely on their noses to recognize the scent of their mothers and — if they are breastfed — her milk, according to Baby Center. And because smell is controlled by the same part of the brain that is responsible for memory, as you and your baby get acquainted, she will get used to the fact that your scent is associated with her primary source of food and cuddles. This is why some babies can be comforted by sleeping with a blanket or article of clothing that has mom's scent on it.

But don't think that your baby only loves your scent when you're smelling like flowery soap and essential oils. Even when you haven't found the time to shower, your baby will prefer your natural essence to that of any other scent, as Parenting pointed out.

So while you are getting to know your baby, there's no such thing as too many cuddles. She may not be able to tell you, your baby loves nothing more than the smell of her mother. You know you're in love with someone when you still want to be close to them when they aren't exactly smelling their best.