Yes, it is normal for a big kid to have body odor. However it is less common for a 5 to 8 year old kid to have it than a 12 year old. It is within the normal range for a young grade schooler to need deodorant.

At this age, body odor is an indication that the body is maturing and the hormones are changing. As your child matures, sweat can come into contact with dirt and normal body bacteria. This can result in body odor just like adults.

It also depends on how active the sweat glands are. If your child is on the higher end, she will sweat more and  and  develop body odor when the body changes.

How to deal with body odor in kids

Ways to deal with body odor in kids include the following :

• daily bathing
• clean clothes
• regular washing towel and sheets

It may also help to avoid certain aromatic foods such as

• onions
• garlic
• spicy dishes

If all these methods prove not to be helpful, it is okay to let your child use  deodorant. In most cases, a mild deodorant should be enough.

If you were thinking of using  antiperspirant, you have to know they are considered safe but stops sweating itself.  However sweating can be a good thing because it helps the body cool down.

You may want to use natural deodorants. You can do an internet search for “natural deodorants to find common natural brands that you can either order locally or buy online.

Avoid products that contain  phthalates. These chemicals are common in many personal care products but may be harmful to kids.

In rare cases, body odor may be a sign of precocious puberty  in which a child experiences puberty at a younger than normal age. If your child has signs such as breast development  or underarm or pubic hair, contact your doctor.