Is there clear evidence that olfactory stimulation benefits preterm infants based on recent reviews?
Olfactory stimulation involves exposing preterm infants to smells like maternal breast milk to encourage feeding and development. A 2025 systematic review assessed the evidence but found it uncertain whether this practice provides clear benefits. The review highlights the need for more rigorous studies before recommending olfactory stimulation as standard care.
What the research says
A 2025 systematic review evaluated randomized controlled trials on olfactory stimulation in preterm infants, comparing various odorants (e.g., maternal breast milk) to no intervention or standard care 2. The review found that the evidence for benefits such as reducing apnea, shortening hospital stay, or improving breastfeeding rates is uncertain due to small sample sizes and varying study designs 2. No clear conclusions could be drawn about the effectiveness of olfactory stimulation for any critical or important outcomes 2. Other recent research on preterm infants has focused on different interventions—such as extended caffeine therapy to reduce intermittent hypoxia 5 or closed-loop oxygen control to shorten ventilation 6—but these do not address olfactory stimulation. Therefore, based on the most recent systematic review, there is no clear evidence that olfactory stimulation benefits preterm infants.
What to ask your doctor
- What does the current evidence say about using smells like breast milk to help my baby feed?
- Are there any risks or downsides to trying olfactory stimulation in the NICU?
- What other methods are proven to help preterm infants transition to oral feeding?
- How does our NICU decide which sensory interventions to use for preterm babies?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Pediatrics and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.