Written by Sindhuja Prabhu
Yes, urine smells, but have you noticed how there is hardly any smell in a baby’s urine? You can’ t really make out they have wet themselves unless you notice a full diaper or wet underwear. This is because they are on an exclusive milk diet and not ingesting other foods.
On the other hand, does your baby’s urine have a strong odor? Should you be concerned? Read this to know all about it before you start worrying.
The body digests and processes all the foods your baby ingests. The kidneys filter it all and send out the wastes and extra water content as urine. This is bound to smell depending on the food you eat. When it comes to babies, the reasons for their urine to smell strong could be:
If your baby is passing foul-smelling urine, and also has a fever, it could be a strong indication of an underlying UTI.
If your baby is not drinking enough water and other liquids, it can strain the kidneys to function properly. Dehydration can result in a deep yellow urine along with a strong odor.
If the baby is exclusively breast-fed, then what the mother eats can influence the smell of the baby’s urine. Many vegetables and pungent herbs, when eaten by the mother, can cause the baby’s urine to have a strong smell.
Diapers use different chemicals to help with absorption. Your baby’s urine can react with these chemicals and emanate a strong smell.
If your baby is unable to digest all that milk due to intolerance towards the lactose content in the milk, it can cause the urine to smell. This is usually accompanied by a bloated stomach or crying out of discomfort or indigestion.
If your baby has been introduced to solid foods, then what they are eating can influence the smell of their urine. Asparagus can cause a strong smell in the urine – for both babies and adults.
Urine tends to have high ammonia content if the baby is dehydrated or is passing urine after a long gap – first urine in the morning after waking up. There is no need to worry here unless the urine tends to have a strong ammonia smell all the time. However, if it continues and the baby seems to be in distress every time they pass urine, you must consult your doctor immediately.
Is your baby sick? Do they have a cold or are they suffering from reflux? These can cause the urine to carry a vinegar smell. The smell can also indicate your baby might catch a cold. The smell is the result of those viruses in the body.
Now, if they pass stool and it smells, it’s understandable, but urine smelling like poop? Definitely a cause for concern! Such a strong odor in their urine is a strong indication of a UTI. If you have been wiping their bum from back to front after a poop session or during a diaper change, bacteria from the anus could have entered the urinary tract. This can result in an infection causing urine to smell like poop and pain or discomfort for the baby while peeing.
When the baby has high sugar content in their blood, the urine can smell sweet. This is caused by an accumulation of Ketones and sugar in the body can cause the urine to smell strong. Juvenile diabetes is not an uncommon occurrence anymore. In fact, doctors check the baby’s blood soon after birth to rule out juvenile diabetes.
However, if you notice your baby’s urine to carry a sweet smell despite being tested negative for diabetes, it is always better to get it confirmed by a doctor. High sugar content in the blood, if left unchecked, can cause serious damage to the organs, and also have a severe impact on the overall health of the baby.
Ok. So your baby’s urine smells different than it usually does and you are understandably concerned. What can such a strong odor in your baby’s urine indicate after all?
Strong odor in the urine can be a symptom of:
There is no scientific backing for this claim by a few parents over the generations. Teething is usually expected to cause indigestion and loose stools as the baby might nibble on non-eatables or may not chew the food properly due to the pain and discomfort. If the food is not digested properly, it might cause the urine to smell different.
When you feel something is off with your infant’s body, it is advisable to consult a doctor rather than panicking or self-diagnosing.
Some of the instances that require immediate medical attention are:
Always pay attention to your baby’s soiled diaper or underpants. They can tell you a lot about your baby’s health. When you feel something is not right, do consult a doctor right away before the issue can get serious. Most times it may not be something to worry about, but it is always better to rule out any possibilities.
The kidneys are working all the time to help the body absorb essential nutrients and discard all that is not needed. If this urine smells strong, it is a strong indication that you need to check for the cause.
Try increasing your baby’s water intake. In the case of very young babies who are on an exclusive milk diet, increase their milk intake. Increasing the liquid content in their bodies can resolve the issue in no time.
A doctor will prescribe some tests to be done on the baby’s urine to determine the actual cause for the smell and change in color.
Sindhuja, a mother of two, is an obsessive mom with a keen interest in psychology, especially child psychology. Her quest for knowledge and way with words led her to become a passionate content writer. She transformed her love for writing into a full-fledged career which incidentally also turned up being the perfect stress buster for the last 5 years.Read more.
Pistachios For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits and Side Effects
Newborn Breathing Fast – What To Know
Baa Baa Black Sheep Rhyme For Babies
Cyclopia in Babies – What is it , Symptoms and Risk Factors
Tips and Ideas For Selecting Baby’s First Birthday Dress For Boys
Musical Toys For Babies – How it Helps in Baby’s Development
Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.