Under normal circumstances a newborn infant should pass urine within the first 4 hours after birth. Many infants pass urine during the birthing process or when they receive their first bath.  Sometimes this first passage of urine may be missed--the urine may be mixed with stool or there may be a normal delay in urine passage. Infants should pass urine as often as every hour or as infrequently as once every 4 hours.  The frequency of wet diapers depends on how well the infant is feeding and the environmental conditions.  For example, in a hot environments and infant may urinate less frequently. Urination should never hurt in there should never be blood in the urine.  Urine should be light or dark yellow, but many be some light at times to appear perfectly clear.  Typically, urine in the newborn has little or no odor.

When should my infant newborn pass urine the first time?

The first urination should occur within the first 4 hours after birth.  The passage of urine may be missed if the first urination occurs during the birthing process or during the infant's first bath.

How often should my baby have a wet diaper?

The frequency of wet diapers varies.  In general, a baby should have a wet diaper at least every 4 hours.  Wet diapers may occur as frequently as every hour. The frequency of wet diapers depends on the environmental temperature and the volume of feedings.

What should infant urine look and smell like?

Infant urine typically has little or no odor. Newborn urine that has a sharp or unusual odor may signify a metabolic disorder or urinary tract infection.

Infant urine may appear clear, light yellow, or dark yellow.

Blood in the urine is never normal.

Female infants may have a small amount of mucousy vaginal discharge.  This is related to hormones that the infant is exposed to prior to birth.

I see a red or pink stain in my infant's diaper.  What is this?

A small amount of pink or red powdery staining of the diaper over the area of urine wetness is likely due to urate crystals--a normal finding in concentrated infant urine.  An occasional occurrence of this is likely nothing to worry about.  If this persists, you should discuss it with your pediatrician.

I see blood in my baby's diaper?

Blood and urine or stool of an infant is never normal.  A small amount of blood may be seen from an umbilical cord stump or a diaper rash.  Blood mixed with urine or stool should always be investigated.

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