Dealing With Urate Crystals In Baby’s Diaper

When it comes to babies’ health, uncommon instances often lead to a lot of anxiety in parents. In the initial few days, it is essential to pay attention to all kinds of changes in the baby to ensure he is safe. Issues, such as urate crystals, which appear in a shade of brick or reddish-orange, mostly in diapers, could make the parents hit the panic button. So what are urate crystals, and how are they caused? Read on to know.

What Are Urate Crystals?

Urate crystals are said to be the end product or the outcome of a normal metabolic process. They are made up of uric acid. Parents are most likely to observe a pinkish-orange spot in the baby’s diaper in the first two to three days after his birth. The colour might worry some parents, but these are urate crystals or urate acid crystals.

How Common Are They?

Urate crystals are said to be quite common in newborn babies. In fact, data suggests that as much as 64% of newborn babies might show signs of urate crystals in their urine. However, it is also mentioned that it is not likely to be spotted in their diapers that often.

What Causes Urate Crystals in An Infant’s Diaper?

It is said that Urate crystals are most likely to be found in babies who are breastfed. Breastmilk consists of a nutritious fluid called colostrum, which has immune factors that help boost immunity in babies. As discussed earlier, urate crystals contain uric acid. Because of the high blood uric acid level, urate crystals are most likely to move across the placenta, and that is how they make an appearance in the urine and excreta.

When you find your baby’s urine is concentrated and he’s not producing much urine, it most likely leads to urate crystals. This does not mean that you are not taking care of your baby’s hydration needs; it just means that you need to pay more attention. 

Are Urate Crystals Harmless?

The first three days after you spot these urate crystals in your baby’s diaper are quite harmless. Once parents are informed about this phenomenon, and they know what it means, they need not worry too much if it’s just the first three days when their baby’s urine is showing signs. Knowing this information will help avoid panic and unnecessary tests.

However, if it is seen for more than three days, then it is a sign that your baby might be dehydrated or might not be receiving the amount of milk he needs. In that case, it is best to consult your physician right away.

There are some extremely rare cases as well when these urate crystals might persist for more than a week. There might be chances of some serious kidney problem or metabolic disorders like hyperuricemia, which need immediate medical attention.

How Long Do Urate Crystals Last In Babies?

For first-time mums, urate crystals are increasingly worrisome. But understanding the concept and reason behind its occurrence can help them take the right measures.

This is what parents must remember:

• It occurs mostly in the initial days immediately after the baby’s birth.
• It usually should not last for more than three days. Three days is said to be the normal lifeline of these crystals.
• If these crystals persist for more than three days, it is best advised to get a doctor’s consultation done.
• More than three days indicates that the baby is unable to receive sufficient breast milk or is severely dehydrated, which can be harmful and needs immediate consultation.
• There can be various reasons behind urate crystals lasting for more than a week. It might indicate a serious metabolic disorder or kidney dysfunction and require immediate medical attention.

Few Tips on Keeping Your Baby Hydrated

Since we have established how important it is to keep your baby hydrated as dehydration is one of the main causes for the occurrence of urate crystals in babies, let us look at a few ways that can help you keep your baby hydrated.

• If you are breastfeeding, feed your baby every 2-3 hours.
• Since for the initial few months – breast milk is the only food that babies can have – make sure to breastfeed them regularly in proper intervals and not deprive them of their needed nutrition.
• Baby formula is also an excellent source of nutrition other than breast milk. Try different formulas to know which suits your baby’s needs and prevent them from spitting up too often.
• Consult a paediatrician to know how much feed your baby should be having, and increase the feeds to ensure your little one is hydrated.

These tips will help you deal with urate crystals in case they occur in your baby. Knowing about the causes, symptoms and tips will help you keep stress at bay, seek appropriate medical attention, and ensure your baby’s health.

Also Read:

Side Effects of Diapers on Infants
How to Choose the Right Diaper Size for your Infant?
Cloth Diapers v/s Disposable Diapers: Which Is Better