Many new parents wonder if having something with their scent, like an old t-shirt, will help their baby sleep better. Research suggests that a baby’s sleep can indeed be positively impacted by the scent of their parents. In this article, we’ll explore the evidence behind using parental scent to improve infant sleep.
Why would parental scent help babies sleep?
There are a few key reasons why a parent’s scent might lead to better sleep for babies:
- Scent is comforting. A parent’s scent reminds the baby of closeness and affection. This can help the baby feel relaxed and comforted, making it easier for them to fall and stay asleep.
- Scent reduces separation anxiety. Babies experience separation anxiety when apart from their parents. Smelling their parent’s scent can trick the brain into thinking the parent is nearby, reducing separation stress.
- Scent regulates breathing. Studies show scent helps regulate breathing in babies. Since steady breathing is key for good sleep, scent can reinforce healthy sleep breathing rhythms.
- Scent reduces crying. Crying is both physically and emotionally stressful for babies, and interferes with sleep. Scent has been shown to decrease crying during sleep, enabling better rest.
Based on these effects, using a parent’s scent while the baby sleeps independent of the parent may assist in creating a calmer, less anxious sleep environment.
What does the research say about scent and infant sleep?
Several scientific studies have specifically looked at the impact of parental scent on infant sleep.
One study published in the Journal of Pediatrics in 2003 found that infants cried less and slept longer when exposed to their mother’s scent during sleep. Researchers had 30 infants sleep with their mother’s scent, a stranger’s scent, and no scent over 3 nights. Infants exposed to their mother’s scent cried less – 21% vs 28% of the time – and slept longer – around 68 minutes longer on average.
Another study in 2007 worked with 29 infants sleeping in their own cribs, rather than co-sleeping with parents. They were exposed either to their mother’s scent or no scent during afternoon naps over multiple days. The babies exposed to their mother’s scent cried less – 11% vs 21% of the time – and spent more time in deep, quiet sleep compared to no scent – around 10 minutes more on average.
More recently, a 2018 study followed 80 mother-infant pairs and found less night waking when infants slept with the mother’s scent. Over 3 nights, infants woke up on average 2.2 times with their mother’s scent, compared to 3.2 times without scent.
While more research is still needed, these studies show promise that an infant’s sleep can be improved by the presence of the mother’s scent.
Should fathers try using their scent as well?
Less research has focused specifically on the father’s scent. However, one small 2018 study suggests that a father’s scent may also be beneficial.
This study followed 18 infants over 3 nights. They were exposed to their father’s scent, their mother’s scent, and no scent while sleeping alone in a crib. There were no significant differences found between the effects of the father’s scent versus the mother’s scent. Both decreased the amount of crying during sleep compared to no scent.
This early evidence implies that father’s scent may also have benefits for infant sleep. More studies specifically including fathers are needed to confirm the effects.
What’s the best way to use parent scent for sleep?
If you want to try using your scent to improve your baby’s sleep, here are some tips:
- Use something you’ve worn. An unwashed t-shirt or blanket you’ve used carries your odor most effectively.
- Place it in the crib/bassinet. Put the scent cloth under the crib sheet near baby’s head so they can smell it through the night.
- Recharge the scent. Replace the cloth with a newly worn item every few nights to restore your fresh odor.
- Try during challenging times. Use scent support during periods of separation anxiety or sleep regression when baby needs extra comforting.
- Consider both parents. Alternate clothing from Mom and Dad to allow baby to become accustomed to both scents.
With these tips, you can use your natural scent to create a soothing sleep environment for your infant.
What ages does scent help?
Here’s a breakdown of when a parent’s scent may be most effective in promoting better sleep:
| Age | Benefit of Scent |
|---|---|
| Newborn | Reduces crying and supports self-soothing |
| 3-6 months | Eases separation anxiety during sleep regression |
| 6-12 months | Comforts when transitioning to own room/crib |
| 1-2 years | Calms night wakings and bedtime resistance |
While scent can be helpful at any age, the reasons babies struggle with sleep change as they develop. Tailor when you use scent support to the specific sleep challenges your baby is facing.
Are there any risks or downsides?
Using a parent’s scent is generally very safe and effective. But there are a couple points to keep in mind:
- Allergies – If parents have allergies or asthma, their clothes could trigger reactions. Stick to 100% cotton or other hypoallergenic materials.
- Safety – Don’t use loose cloth that could pose a strangulation risk. Sew scent cloths securely to crib sheets instead.
- Dependency – Fading out scent support gradually can prevent babies from becoming too reliant on mom or dad’s smell to sleep.
With proper precautions, scent can be used without concern as part of a healthy sleep routine.
Conclusion
Research shows that a parent’s scent – especially mom’s – can lead to reduced crying, increased sleep time, and fewer night wakings for babies. While more studies are still needed, the evidence so far suggests this simple, natural tool can be recommended to help infants achieve better sleep. Using scent takes advantage of babies’ innate attraction to their parents to create an environment that promotes self-soothing and a peaceful transition into slumber.