Even a newborn’s tiny button nose is keen to different odors. As they grow older, babies use their senses of smell less and begin using their other four senses more when recognizing things and people.
Able to identify Mommy’s smell right from birth, and this gives them great comfort
Can pick up new odors
Begin to associate smells with specific objects and match good smells with good feelings
Red Flags The sense of smell greatly affects a person’s memories and feelings, well-being, and overall happiness. For very young kids who are just beginning to discover the world, temporary loss of smell can cause frustration. A bad cold is noted to be the most common cause of temporary smell loss or disruption. Although smell disorder is not nearly as detrimental as the loss of sight or hearing, it severely affects a child’s development. In most cases, underdevelopment or damage to the sense of smell goes undetected.
Problems associated with safety, eating, and feelings of insecurity (imagine not being able to smell your own body odor!) all come from the inability of the brain to properly analyze, screen, or respond to olfactory stimuli. Our nose perceives food flavors, helps identify most beverages, and detects danger and hazards—from spoiled food to leaking gas. Studies show that olfactory dysfunction can also weaken a person’s immune system and indirectly cause digestive disorders.
Sources: l Mae Catherine Sadicon, certified speech pathologist, Philippine Association of Speech Pathologists l 365 Days of Creative Play, by Sheila Ellison and Judith Gray l Brain Games for Preschoolers, by Dr. Dorothy Einon l Infant and Toddler Development, by Kay Albrecht and Linda Miller l The Developing Child, by Helen Bee
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