Author Topic: Ammonia smelling nappies  (Read 22435 times)

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Offline Edesanja

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Ammonia smelling nappies
« on: December 14, 2008, 23:36:43 pm »
It's no wonder that my DD always seems to have really bad nappy rash - her nappies (both pee and poop ones) always smell really strongly of ammonia (like I can tell she needs a change from a metre away from her even if she's only wet). Has anyone else found this? She is intolerant to some stuff, and it could be that there's something that she's reacting to that we haven't caught yet, so interested in others' experiences. Thanks
Jenny - mama to



Offline Mydreamcametrue

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #1 on: December 16, 2008, 18:42:10 pm »
Sorry for the late response.

I would run it by your doctor the next time you visit.  They can take a unrine sample and check it out. 

Is is dark in color or just the really strong smell? 
Wendy -

Zach - 3 1/2 yrs old. My sweet, loving, gentle boy that loves playing in the dirt!

Tyler - 17 months.  My very very spirited little boy.  Can't turn your back for a minute.  He is doing the cutest things now!  Loves to eat and climb!

Offline woopster

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #2 on: December 16, 2008, 19:06:58 pm »
Are you using cloth nappies?
Harry: 29 July 2003
Lydia: 28 June 2005
Sam:  28 June 2005
David: 28 June 2005 - 12 August 2005
Daniel: 19 July 2007
That's all folks!
(Well, maybe another girl if I can convince DH!)

Offline Edesanja

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #3 on: December 18, 2008, 00:39:06 am »
Yes we use cloth though I think it's the same with disposibles (will have to check next time she has one on).

I have checked with the doctor about it. He didn't really say anything, just gave me some different cream (which I don't think does anything?). Dr does seem at bit of a loss as to what to do with my dd. She's a bit of a mystery when it comes to what goes in and what comes out of her and I usually come out of his office not knowing anything more.
Jenny - mama to



Offline Mydreamcametrue

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #4 on: December 18, 2008, 04:10:36 am »
I am sorry you are not getting any answers from your doctor.  I know it is so frustrating.

I googled ammonia smell urine and here is something I found: 

Has she been checked for a urinary tract infection?

Ok, what comes to mind here is bacteria in the urine. I know you said you do not have typical UTI symptoms, but from what I have researched the smell of ammonia in the urine comes from "urea". Bacteria that contaminate the urine will convert chemicals in the urine into smelling chemicals that are responsible for the distinctive smell, such as ammonia.

There are foods that can add to the excretion of nitrogen compounds (ammonia and urea). These foods would be red meats, or high protein foods.
Wendy -

Zach - 3 1/2 yrs old. My sweet, loving, gentle boy that loves playing in the dirt!

Tyler - 17 months.  My very very spirited little boy.  Can't turn your back for a minute.  He is doing the cutest things now!  Loves to eat and climb!

Offline Edesanja

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #5 on: December 18, 2008, 04:46:29 am »
She's had two tests for UTI lately and that's not it. Thanks for the thought though, I didn't know that it was possible for them to be linked.

Liver is the only red meat she's eaten.
Jenny - mama to



Offline woopster

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #6 on: December 18, 2008, 07:17:26 am »
Is she drinking plenty?

I know when I used cloth the amonia was concentrated in one spot - esp with my son. Whenever I took his nappy off it was like being slapped in the face with a wet nappy!  :-X
Harry: 29 July 2003
Lydia: 28 June 2005
Sam:  28 June 2005
David: 28 June 2005 - 12 August 2005
Daniel: 19 July 2007
That's all folks!
(Well, maybe another girl if I can convince DH!)

Offline Edesanja

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #7 on: December 18, 2008, 08:27:34 am »
We do have problems getting her to drink enough. On good days she will drink 640ml but 460ml is not uncommon. Getting her to drink more is almost impossible. Maybe that is the answer. I'll check over the next few days to see if there drinking less = stronger smell

Whenever I took his nappy off it was like being slapped in the face with a wet nappy!  :-X

I know exactly what you mean!
Jenny - mama to



Offline woopster

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #8 on: December 18, 2008, 09:21:40 am »
It could be as simple as that. Drinking enough should help dilute the urine so it won't smell as strong. What does she usually drink? How old is she?
Harry: 29 July 2003
Lydia: 28 June 2005
Sam:  28 June 2005
David: 28 June 2005 - 12 August 2005
Daniel: 19 July 2007
That's all folks!
(Well, maybe another girl if I can convince DH!)

Offline Edesanja

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #9 on: December 18, 2008, 18:10:39 pm »
She is nearly nine months old and drinks Neocate Hyperallergenic formula. Thanks for your help! I'll let you know what I notice in the next few days.
Jenny - mama to



Offline Spectra

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #10 on: December 18, 2008, 18:12:13 pm »
My son drinks that, a lot!  He wears pampers and I don't notice any smells, just in case you may be thinking it was formula related.
Melanie
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Offline Edesanja

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #11 on: December 18, 2008, 18:26:58 pm »
Ok, nice to know, thanks. I've been told that Neocate is meant to do funny things to their poop but haven't found that.
Jenny - mama to



Offline Spectra

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #12 on: December 18, 2008, 18:47:48 pm »
I haven't found that either.  Well it did for like the first 24 hours, but that's it.
Melanie
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Offline salbaggio

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #13 on: December 18, 2008, 18:49:34 pm »
My Mum always says that nappies of teething babies smell of ammonia, she swears to it!

Offline Edesanja

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Re: Ammonia smelling nappies
« Reply #14 on: December 18, 2008, 19:26:28 pm »
Interesting.... cos she cut her first one through in the weekend.
Jenny - mama to