How the Olfactory Epithelium Affects a Child's Development

Long before words arrive, a baby knows their mother by smell — that quiet sense is doing more developmental work than we often realise.

In short

The olfactory epithelium is the small patch of smell-sensing tissue high inside the nose. In early childhood it helps a baby recognise their mother, feel calm, feed well and bond — all of which support healthy emotional and sensory development. It works as one part of your child's wider sensory system, not on its own, and most differences in smell are not a cause for worry.

How smell shapes early development

From the first days of life, a newborn uses smell to find the breast, settle during feeds, and recognise familiar caregivers. This early smell-based bonding supports secure attachment and calm regulation. As children grow, smell links closely with taste — so it can influence how willingly a child accepts new foods. For some children, strong reactions to everyday smells, or seeming not to notice them, can be part of a wider sensory processing picture worth gently observing alongside how they respond to sound, touch and movement.

When to mention it

Most smell-related quirks are normal variation. Do raise it with a professional if your child consistently avoids or seeks out smells in ways that disrupt eating, sleep or play, especially alongside other developmental concerns. This is something a developmental check looks at as part of the whole child, never in isolation.

The Pinnacle way

Developmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional., under qualified clinician care — never from an online form. We look at smell as one thread in your child's full sensory profile. Learn more about the olfactory epithelium, explore occupational therapy for sensory support, or see how the AbilityScore works.

Trusted sources

WHO nurturing-care guidance on early sensory and emotional development; CDC and AAP healthychildren.org resources on infant senses and bonding.

Next step — Curious about your child's sensory development? Book a developmental check with a Pinnacle clinician.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.