Why You Love to Smell Your Baby’s Feet
Have you ever caught yourself sniffing your baby’s toes and thinking, “Why do baby feet smell so good?”
According to science, you’re not unhinged — you’re actually wired to love the aroma of those little piggies.
Love at first bite?
You know that feeling you get when a baby is so cute, you want to gobble them up? Scientists call this cute aggression.
Cute aggression when your feelings of love are so big that your brain mixes them with silly urges — like wanting to nibble on toes.
Another name for this is dimorphous expression. It just means showing two opposite feelings at the same time. In other words, loving something so much that it makes you want to squeeze it tight.
The science of baby smell
A study from the University of Montreal found that when moms smell their babies, the “reward center” in the brain lights up. It’s the same part of the brain that lights up when you taste your favorite food, or when you get to drink a cup of coffee uninterrupted during nap time.
That’s why smelling your baby — even if their baby feet smell a little funky — can feel so good. It makes your brain say “Yes! More of this, please!”
Why baby feet smell different
Grown-up feet… well, we all know they don’t smell great. That’s because adults sweat more, and the bacteria on our skin break down that sweat into stronger odors.
Baby feet are different. Their skin microbiome — the community of tiny germs that live on their skin — is still new. It’s less crowded and less smelly, so their toes typically give off a sweet, light scent instead of a stinky one. If feet were cheese, baby feet are mozzarella, while adults are rocking the Roquefort bleu.
So if you’re wondering, “Why do I love baby feet so much?” it’s because a baby’s skin is making a special mix of natural smells that your brain loves.
It doesn’t even have to be your baby to trigger your brain’s reward center, though women who have given birth are more likely to have a stronger response to their baby’s smell, according to the University of Montreal’s research.
Locking in that sweet baby smell
Babies have us under their spell with their natural aroma, but the wonder of their skin microbiome doesn’t stop there. The skin microbiome is our first layer of defense against germs, and a healthy skin microbiome is linked to immune and skin health.
Keeping your baby smelling sweet — and, dare we say, edible — comes down to supporting their microbiome as it grows up to be strong and healthy.
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Go gentle on baths – Too much soap and bathing too frequently can wash away helpful microbes. Use mild cleansers and skip the long soaks.
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Let skin breathe – Soft, breathable fabrics (like cotton) keep skin comfortable and less sweaty.
- Moisturize – A microbiome-friendly cream or oil helps protect the skin barrier without overloading it.
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Skip harsh antibacterials – These can wipe out the good microbes along with the bad.
- Embrace a little dirt – Everyday contact with the world helps babies build a diverse, balanced microbiome.
Sniff away!
The next time you press your nose against those tiny toes, remember:
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It’s normal (science says so).
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The smell makes your brain feel happy.
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Baby feet smell sweet because of their beautiful new skin microbiome.
Yes — someday those same feet might smell more like gym sneakers than sugar. But for now, enjoy every whiff and giggly gobble. Just don’t nibble too hard!