Has anyone ever heard of "brick dust" in diapers. I believe it has something to do with uric acic crystals. My 5 month old son has had a couple of diapers with this in it. I called my ped and he said he may have been dehydrated? Has this happened to anyone?
it may be what others have said, or it may be nothing at all. If it's the overnight diaper or one that was left on for a while then the disposable diaper breaks down and the crystals that absorb the pee show up where you can see them. If this is happening when it's just a little bit wet then I would suspect dehydration but if they are soaked when it is happening then it's just the diaper breaking down.
This did happen with me and my son. At the time he was under two weeks old and I was trying to breastfeed. He had two diapers with "red brick/brick dust". I called my pedi as well. When the doc said that it was due to dehydration, I immeadately started to supplement my son with formula.
Of couse this is not what I would suggest for you if you are well established with breatfeeding, or currently formula feeding. I would say, increase his feedings. Try to feed him for often and more oz/for a longer amount of time (if breastfeeding) so that the brick dust does not reoccur. You may also want to up your intake of water as well.
I hope all is well with your son. If this keeps up you may want to visit the doc, or call to see if they have any suggestions.
It's seems to happen more often in newborns if I remember correctly. Nothing to be super concerned about- a normal thing that can happen.
As a RN on a Mother/Baby and Pediatrics Unit, this is called Urates. An orange discoloration of urine related to decreased oral intake. If breastfeeding exclusively, contact your pediatrican to see if he/she wants you to supplement until your child's wet diapers appear more yellow and clear. I hope this helps. This is not uncommon.
It is a sign of dehydration. Are you nursing exclusively? A close friend of mine had this happen with her baby and had to start supplementing the nursing with formula to get more fluid into the baby. Don't wait on this - take him in to the dr to be sure he isn't dehydrated, and get their advice surrounding his current feeding habits and what possible changes need to be made. Dehydration is very serious, not to freak you out of course, but I'd make an appointment today to be sure.
We had the crystals in the diaper when my firstborn was not getting enough milk (supply problems.) Has he been sick? Make sure he's getting enough breastmilk or formula.
The coloring is due to a chemical reaction from the diaper.
This is especially common when a child is getting a little dehydrated, although even healthy babies can have them. Is he breastfeeding? If so, then a lactation consulatant might also be helpful to evaluate his mother's milk supply and make sure he is latching on and sucking well.
If he is being fed baby formula, then you should make sure that you are preparing it correctly and that he is eating enough each day. Check his weight.
Hope this helps.
