What Can Cause Strong/foul Smelling Urine in a 2 Yr Old?

Updated on October 11, 2011
S.A. asks from Chicago, IL
17 answers

I just went to change my 2 yr old's diaper and I could smell him from across the room. It smelled so bad that I thought my cat had peed in the living room. His urine smelled normal yesterday and last night, so what could be the cause of this sudden, foul smelling stuff? He is not on any medication. I know that a urinary tract infection can cause urine to smell, but he does not have a fever, he's eating normally, acting normally...I don't know. If it continues, I'll call the pediatrician but has anyone seen this before??? Thanks!

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⊱.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Has he eaten any cruciferous vegetables recently? Could be that. (broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, etc.

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R.Y.

answers from New York on

A UTI is possible or a strong smelling food. Also the overnight diaper often smells if it is very full and it is warm to hot weather. At least I notice this with my 2 year old.

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R.D.

answers from Richmond on

Make sure he's getting plenty of fluids. If his urine smells and he has a fever, get him in to see the doc immediately.

Also, remember, certain foods cause your urine to smell awful, like asparagus.

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M.M.

answers from Fresno on

Maybe he needs more water!

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T.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I agree with giving him more water and seeing if that helps.

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K.W.

answers from Seattle on

Not enough water was my first thought. Asparagus, definitely, but if you can smell it you'd recognize it! Vitamin B can make the pee darker, but I'm not sure about the smell. Have you just started vitamins?

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R.B.

answers from La Crosse on

Not enough water can cause urine to have a strong smell. Even if he isn't dehydrated he might not have had enough to drink. Give him some extra water and see if its better tomorrow.

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C.P.

answers from Columbia on

First and foremost, being dehydrated can cause strong smelling urine. Be sure he's getting enough water.

Second, some foods can cause urine to smell strongly. Broccoli, asparagus, onions, cabbage, etc.

I'd make sure he's getting enough water throughout the day.

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L.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Well I know that asparagus makes for some stinky pee. I imagine other foods can have this effect as well. When in doubt, call the pediatrician.

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S.A.

answers from Kansas City on

I hope you already have your boy to see the doctor. If not, please do it rightaway. As some of mama mom mentioned, it is likely a UTI. I have a daughter. One day, I notice her urine smell bad and it is cloudy and very dark yellow. And she cried when she go potty. I took her to urgent care immediately and we went home with her and an anti biotic for 10 days straight because of UTI. She has no fever at all. I glad we caught it and take it seriously.

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J.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I would say he might need more water.

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R.Z.

answers from Chicago on

I would take him to the Dr ASAP. Although uti's are fairly uncommon in 2yr olds, especially boys (so I've been told), it is still possible. My 2 yr old daughter was hospitalized for 4 days because of one. She didn't have a fever until it just got really bad. I noticed a foul odor in her urine, but I
thought it was becausr she was getting older (we were having trouble potty training so we stopped thinking she wasn't ready yet). But, it became very serious after several days. It turned into a kidney infection and she needed iv meds. When released...we immediately took her out of diapers.

Not trying to scare you, but I am super cautious now. She (like I am) is now 3 almost 4 and she has had 2 since then. She has had to havei a couple tests to make sure it is not a medical condition, turns out she is healthy. But they do say that it is hereditary and I have issue with uti's. I make sure she gets her vitamins and probiotics.
It is definitely worth erring on the side of caution. Hopefully he just ate something smelly like others have suggested.

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H.M.

answers from Dallas on

The only thing I know will do that is a UTI. And he would not nessasaraly run a temp at the begining of one. I wouldn't let it go too long.

Good luck and God Bless!

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✿.K.

answers from Boston on

Uti (I have never had a fever with one), not drinking enough, something he ate/drank, etc

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K.U.

answers from Detroit on

Still could be a UTI, you don't typically get fevers with them...or maybe it was something he ate, or drank, or if he hasn't drank very much, his urine might just be really concentrated and have a stronger odor. I would still take him to the doctor along with a urine sample if you can collect one and have them test it.

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M.K.

answers from Kansas City on

The other day, my 18 mo leaked through his diaper while he slept. I walked into the room to get him up and I really and truely thought my dogs got left out and peed! We had had red beans and rice with sausage for dinner and for whatever reason, that SMELL (so gross) came through his pee and got all over the sheets. Yuck!

What did YOU have for dinner? LOL!

K.C.

answers from Dallas on

my son drinks tons of water (basically all he wants lol) and eats veggies out the wahzoo...and apparently that was why his is so stinky :( yuck.

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