Baby comforter and the smell of breast milk: how does it work?
A baby comforter can keep a familiar smell: that of the parents, or that of breast milk. This guide explains how the Love Scent comforter works and what studies say. It does not replace the advice of a health professional.
Why smell matters to a baby
From the first weeks, an infant perceives the smell of their mother. A 1985 study tested two-week-old babies. Those who were breastfed told their mother's smell apart from that of unknown women. In that study, bottle-fed babies did not.
A 1998 study gave newborns a gown worn by their mother or by another mother. Crying babies calmed down in both cases.
What these studies do not show
They look at the smell of the mother, not at a comforter. No study looks at Love Scent. We therefore promise no effect on your baby.
How the Love Scent comforter keeps this smell
Each comforter holds a removable, washable textile insert. It is designed to keep a familiar scent, for example that of breast milk or of the parents. A few moments are enough to scent it. You wash the insert, not the comforter.
Why have several inserts
A washed insert is an insert that is away for a few hours. We advise having several, to keep continuity. The set of 2 inserts fits the 3 models of the Love Scent comforter.
Infant sleep: what the authorities recommend
The French health insurance and the French National Authority for Health advise laying an infant on their back, flat, with no soft object in the bed. Comforters and soft toys are part of them. Do not leave the comforter in your infant's bed during sleep.
Offer it while your baby is awake, during cuddles and calm moments. For any question, ask your doctor or paediatrician.
Choosing your comforter
Ours Zen, Ours Éveillé or Lapinou: which one to choose?
See the Love Scent baby comforter
Sources
Assurance maladie: How to lay a baby down safely
Haute Autorité de Santé: prevention of positional skull deformities and sudden infant death