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Original poster

MIL’s perfume

30 replies

Garethkeenansstapler · 15/05/2023 15:18

I have an 8 week old baby that MIL loves to cuddle. The problem is she absolutely reeks of overpowering perfume. It’s really choking and every time she cuddles DS it’s no exaggeration to say he smells of perfume for days afterwards (seriously). He also comes out in a bit of a rash on his face where he lies on her upper chest (no idea if this is the perfume though, I suppose it could be her fabric softener or something).

I realise this is all a bit PFB but I just feel for DS as it’s really very strong and she likes to cuddle him so he is lying facing her with his face pressed into her chest/neck area.

I can’t say anything can I 😬

OP posts:
MrsDoylesDoily · 15/05/2023 15:30

What do you mean you can't say anything?

It gives your baby a rash! The only question on my mind is why haven't you said anything?

It's not like you're asking her to stop wearing clothes Confused

Upanddownthemerrygoround · 15/05/2023 15:28

Still gutted that my newborn lost his newborn smell to my mum’s disgusting perfume at two days old. I’d ask her not to wear it.

Cas112 · 15/05/2023 15:26

I think this is a new mum thing.. I hated anyone holding my baby with strong perfume on and I was actually gutted when he smelt like perfume and not his baby smell afterwards.

I think this is actually quite common, just maybe mention it to her but say it's happening with a few visitors so your asking everyone to not wear strong perfume just for any home visits for the first few months

UsernameNotAvailableNow · 15/05/2023 15:24

I think you can actually,specifically about the rash. Phrase it as possible contact dermatitis and being careful of keeping his exposed skin away from strong perfumes and fabrics. Mention you're having to be careful with what you wash clothes in etc.

Then when she presses his face in, you can gently ask her not to because of his skin.

It won't alleviate it completely,but it will help.

I stopped wearing perfume completely when mine were young fir the same issue.

FortofPud · 15/05/2023 15:23

Could you tell her that unfortunately DSs skin seems to be reacting to female relatives cuddles and you're thinking it's probably down to perfume. You've stopped wearing it completely around him, and would she mind doing the same for anything other than a quick squeeze.