The orange or reddish spots in a baby's diaper often cause concern in first-time parents. The most common suspicion is that it is blood in the urine, but in most cases, what is observed are urate crystals. This phenomenon is common in newborns and, in most cases, does not represent a serious health problem. In this article, we will explain in detail what are the urate crystals, why they form and when it is necessary to go to the pediatrician.
What are urate crystals?
The urate crystals are accumulations of uric acid and mineral salts that can appear in the urine of newborns. These manifest themselves in diapers in the form of orange or reddish spots, with an appearance similar to fine sand or brick dust.
Uric acid is a substance produced by the metabolism of nitrogen compounds in the liver. In newborns, the excretion of uric acid and its high concentration in urine can lead to the formation of these crystals.
Why do urate crystals appear in diapers?
The presence of urate crystals in the baby's urine is a normal phenomenon in the first week of life and is due to several factors:
- Concentrated urine: In the first few days, newborns urinate relatively little compared to the amount of liquid they ingest. This makes the urine more concentrated and facilitates the precipitation of crystals.
- Maternal colostrum: Colostrum, the first breast milk that a baby receives, is highly nutritious and has properties that acidify urine, promoting the formation of these crystals.
In most cases, urate crystals They will disappear when the baby begins to consume greater amounts of breast milk or formula, increasing their fluid intake.
How to differentiate urate crystals from blood?
It is important for parents to know how to distinguish between urate crystals and blood in the urine. Some key points to differentiate them are:
- Color: Urate crystals appear in a pale shade. orange or reddish, while blood in the urine is usually a deeper red or dark brown.
- Texture: When dry, the crystals take on a crystal-like appearance. fine sand or brick dust, which crumbles easily to the touch.
- Distribution: While urate crystals usually mix with urine, blood may appear in the form of clots or threads.
When to worry and go to the pediatrician?
Although urate crystals are normal in the first days of life, there are certain warning signs that may indicate a problem. dehydration or difficulty in breastfeeding:
- Persistence of crystals beyond the first week.
- Decreased amount of urine (less wet diapers than expected for his age).
- Baby irritable or excessively sleepy.
- Signs of dehydration: dry lips, skin without elasticity, absence of tears when crying.
- Weight loss greater than 10% of birth weight.
How to prevent the presence of urate crystals
To prevent the persistence of urate crystals in the baby's urine, some recommendations can be followed:
- Secure a adequate and frequent feeding, especially in breastfed babies.
- Check that the baby has a good grip on the chest to maximize milk transfer.
- Observe the amount of wet diapers as an indicator of hydration.
- In cases of difficulty with breastfeeding, consider consult a breastfeeding consultant.
If there are doubts about the hydration If your baby is having trouble feeding or if you notice any worrying signs, do not hesitate to consult your pediatrician. In most cases, simply ensuring proper feeding will resolve the problem without complications.
This knowledge is essential for parents and caregivers, as it will allow them to correctly identify the urate crystals and avoid unnecessary alarm. As the baby grows and his fluid intake increases, the orange stains on the diaper will gradually disappear.