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Updated: Jun 5, 2025
The Olfactory System as a Model to Study Axonal Growth Patterns and Morphology In Vivo
Published on: October 30, 2014
The Effect of Olfactory Stimulation on Growth Parameters in Newborn Infants: A Systematic Review
Oyku Bali Bilgi1, Ayfer Acikgoz1, Merve Cakirli1
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Child Health and Disease Nursing, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey.
Insights
Maternal odors, like the scent of a mother or her milk, may positively influence newborn growth. This systematic review suggests these olfactory stimuli can enhance weight gain and physical development in infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care and development
- Sensory science
- Evidence-based medicine
Background:
- Olfactory stimulation is recognized for benefits like comfort and improved sleep in newborns.
- Limited research exists on the impact of olfactory stimulation on newborn growth parameters.
- This study systematically reviews existing literature to assess olfactory stimulation's effect on infant growth.
Approach:
- A comprehensive systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
- Searches were performed across major databases: Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline, with no date restrictions.
- Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, analyzing various olfactory stimuli including maternal odor and milk odor.
Key Points:
- Olfactory stimulation, particularly maternal odor and milk odor, showed a positive effect on newborn weight gain in three studies.
- Maternal odor and milk odor significantly impacted newborn height in two of three evaluated studies.
- Maternal milk odor demonstrated a significant effect on head circumference in one of two relevant studies.
Conclusions:
- Maternal odor and maternal milk odor show potential as beneficial olfactory stimuli for enhancing newborn growth parameters.
- Evidence suggests a positive correlation between specific maternal-related olfactory stimuli and infant physical development.
- Further rigorous research is recommended to confirm and expand upon these findings regarding olfactory stimulation in neonates.
Abstract:
Objective: Olfactory stimulation can be used for many purposes, such as providing comfort, improving sleep, and reducing pain in newborns. However, there are only a few studies in the literature examining the effect of olfactory stimulation on newborn growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of olfactory stimulation on growth parameters of newborns. Method: This systematic review used the PRISMA checklist. No date limitation was applied, and all studies were considered for inclusion. Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline databases were used for the search. Results: A total of 367 publications were found in the search. Eight studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The olfactory stimulations applied were maternal odor, maternal milk odor, cinnamon, aniseed, vanilla, and formula milk odors. Olfactory stimulation was found to have a positive effect on the weight gain of newborns in three of the eight studies, and maternal odor and maternal milk odor were used in these studies. In two of the three studies evaluating the effect of maternal odor and maternal milk olfactory stimulation on the height of newborns, the result was found to be significant. The effect of maternal milk olfactory stimulation on head circumference was found to be significant in one of the two studies. Conclusion and Recommendation: Maternal odorand maternal milk odor may have a positive effect on newborn growth parameters. Further studies on this subject are needed.
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