Babies have a strong sense of smell and can recognize their mother's scent from a distance. While the exact distance varies, sources indicate that a baby can smell their mother from 1 to 2 feet away.
Here are some additional insights from research:
- Babies can smell their mother's milk and will turn their head towards it. [1, 3, 5, 7, 8]
- A mother's diet can affect the taste of her breast milk. [7]
- Babies can differentiate between their mother's scent and other scents. [4]
- Babies who can smell their mother are more socially receptive to unfamiliar women. [5]
- The influence of smell on face recognition declines as babies grow. [6]
The ability to smell their mother helps babies bond with their mothers and provides a sense of security and comfort.
