The Comfort of Mom’s Scent: Why It Matters for Newborns
Why Babies Are Drawn to Mom’s Scent
Newborns enter the world with a strong sense of smell—long before their vision fully develops. From birth, babies instinctively recognize their mother’s unique scent, creating a comforting connection that supports calm and familiar routines.
Research shows that infants:
- Recognize their mother’s scent within days of birth
- Cry less and may appear calmer when exposed to familiar smells
- Use scent cues to help guide feeding
- Sleep more peacefully when near clothing or blankets carrying mom’s scent
For tips on using scent to support bottle-feeding, see our Bottle Refusal FAQ page.
The Science Behind Mom’s Scent
A baby’s olfactory system begins developing in the womb, which is why they recognize their mother’s scent so quickly. This recognition provides a sense of safety and reassurance, reminding babies they’re near the person who nurtures and cares for them.
Learn more about the science supporting scent-based comfort on our Science Behind the Scent page.
How to Harness Mom’s Scent to Soothe Your Baby
Here are practical ways to use your scent in everyday life:
1. Sleep Helpers
Place a small blanket or muslin you’ve worn near your baby’s sleep space (safely outside the crib, following safe sleep guidelines).
Babies may respond positively to familiar scents during feeding. Tools like the Bottimals bottle-lovey include a heart-shaped scent pad that attaches to the bottle, helping make breast-to-bottle routines feel more familiar. Even if your baby is not hesitant with bottles, having mom’s scent nearby can help create a calm feeding environment.
3. Transition Moments
When you’re away, leaving a shirt or cloth with your scent can help your baby feel more secure and supported during separation.
Final Thoughts
A baby’s connection to their mother’s scent is a natural and comforting way to promote calm and familiarity. Incorporating scent into feeding, sleep, and soothing routines can help your baby feel secure and supported.
Tools like Bottimals™ Bottle-Loveys® extend this sense of reassurance into bottle-feeding, making breast-to-bottle moments feel familiar and comforting for both baby and caregiver.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician, lactation consultant, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding concerns about your baby’s health, nutrition, or feeding.