In this study the effect of the smell of the own mother, the smell of another mother and a neutral smell on the sleeping behavior of infants (n=23) in daycare was investigated. Infants who attend...Show moreIn this study the effect of the smell of the own mother, the smell of another mother and a neutral smell on the sleeping behavior of infants (n=23) in daycare was investigated. Infants who attend daycare have higher stress levels, and for the regulation of their stress, sleep is very important. Previous research showed that the smell of the mother can have a soothing effect on the child during pain; children stopped crying sooner when they smelled their own mother, but is their also an effect when infants are falling asleep in daycare? Does the temperament of the child have an influence on this effect? Results showed no significant effect of type of smell on the sleeping behavior of the child. In addition, no significant effects were found of temperament on the effect of type of smell on sleeping behavior. The lack of significant results can be explained by the fact that the infants in this study were young and not used to daycare yet, and there was little variance in difficult temperament. Further research with a larger sample and older children, who are attending daycare at least twice a week and for a longer period of time, is needed, because the smell of the own mother may work as an intervention.Show less
