Urine is a clear or pale yellow, with a mild smell in most babies. However, there can be instances when you notice strong-smelling urine in babies. If your baby is well-hydrated and urine is pale, occasional strong-smelling urine is not a cause for concern. Sometimes, a strong urine odor can be due to inadequate feeding. However, it is advised to seek pediatric evaluation if your baby has persistent foul-smelling urine. Read this post to learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of strong-smelling urine in babies.
Risk Factors And Causes Of Smelly Urine
The smell of a baby’s urine may change due to various factors ranging from diet to illnesses. Babies may have smelly urine due to the following reasons (1).
Not getting enough milk and dehydration may cause dark and strong-smelling urine due to increased concentration of urine.
Urinary tract infections may cause foul-smelling urine in babies. You may also look for other UTI symptoms, such as fever, since all babies with foul-smelling urine may not have UTI. Image: Shutterstock
Maternal diet may influence the smell of urine in breastfed babies. Although scientific evidence is lacking, certain foods, such as onion, asparagus, and garlic, in a mother’s diet may cause an unusual smell in the baby’s urine.
Maternal medications, such as antibiotics, may also cause a strong urine odor in breastfed babies.
Diabetes (increased blood glucose) or maple syrup urine disease may cause a sweet urine odor.
Liver failure may also cause smelly urine in babies. This is usually associated with jaundice (yellow skin).
Dr. Sharon Wiener, a Texas-based board-certified pediatrician, says, “If your baby’s urine smells like vinegar, it is generally due to mild dehydration from not taking in fluids (breast milk) overnight. But it can also be due to something mom has eaten; for example, asparagus. If the odor is persistent and does not resolve quickly, it is always better to present it to your pediatrician to ensure it is not a urinary tract infection.” Sometimes urine may smell different as babies grow older. Not changing nappies for a long time may also cause smelly urine. Some babies could have foul-smelling urine without any other issues. You may consult a pediatrician if you are concerned.
Symptoms And Signs That May Occur With Smelly Urine
You may notice the following signs and symptoms of possible underlying conditions in babies with persistent smelly urine (2).
Foamy or cloudy urine Dark urine such as bloody, tea-colored, or pink-tinged Dribbling of urine Oliguria or no urine Fever Edema Symptoms of dehydration, such as sunken eyes and dry mouth Weakness Irritability Crying Lethargy
These signs may arise due to conditions that are also the reason behind smelly urine. Seek pediatric care if your baby has any of the above-listed symptoms with a strong urine smell.
Treatment For Smelly Urine
Occasional cases of smelly urine may not require any treatment. Babies with persistent strong- or foul-smelling urine should be evaluated and treated. The treatment options may vary depending on the underlying cause.
Rehydration therapy with intravenous (IV) or oral fluids for dehydration
Frequent bottle or breastfeeding suggested for maintaining hydration Image: Shutterstock
Antibiotics for persistent and recurrent urinary tract infections
Removal of bladder stones
Control of diabetes and other metabolic disorders
Maternal diet modifications
Changing maternal or infant’s medications that may cause abnormal color and smell of urine
Prevention Of Smelly Urine In Babies
Meeting the baby’s fluid requirements through feeding and fluids can dilute urine and reduce the intensity of its smell. Babies will have at least five wet diapers per day with pale or straw yellow urine if they are hydrated well. Diapers should be changed on time to prevent them from stinking. Treating and controlling underlying conditions also help to prevent foul urine odor.
Bladder stones Dehydration Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
An occasional ammonia smell in a baby’s urine is normal. However, if it persists, pediatricians may order tests to look for kidney or bladder issues.
