Newborn scent
Why do newborns smell so good?
Explore research on natural newborn smell, reward-related brain responses and parent bonding — including what the evidence cannot tell us.
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Scent, connection
& the memories we keep.
A closer look at natural newborn scent, the beginnings of a bond and the ways familiar smells can bring us back.
Early connection
Can newborns recognise your smell?
What a small study of maternal odour tells us about newborn sensory learning, with NHS guidance on bonding and safe, natural closeness.
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Memory & keepsakes
Why a familiar scent can bring a memory back
Discover original research on smell and emotional memories, and why feeling transported by scent is different from preserving a memory forever.
Read articleOur journal links to original research and explains its limits. Research on natural scent is not evidence that a reconstructed keepsake improves bonding or preserves memories.