the-joro

Hi, my 3-week old daughter's breath smells like caramel. Is this something I should be worried about? Thanks.

Terrie

Hello There And Welcome!!

Awwww! A new Baby. A Big Congrats to you!!

Well, that's an interesting question. Some adjectives describing
a Diabetics breath are: fruity, sweet or like ripe apples. I suppose
"carmel" could fit in there.

To be honest, I've never heard of that young of a Child being dxd.
with Diabetes. I'm not saying it can't happen. The youngest Child
I've heard of being dxd. was 6 mths. old. Diabetes in a Child usually
only takes 2 or 3 weeks to become apparent.

For about the first 3 mths., Babies do have a distinct smell to
their breath. Does your Baby use a pacifer? I knew a few Parents
(and I certainly am not saying that you do)who put honey or corn
syrup on the pacifer if their Baby was particularly irritable. That did
give the baby's breath a carmel smell.

Anyways, Kids and Adults are normally dxd. after having the
symptoms of: weight-loss, excessive thirst, excessive urination,
flu-like symptoms, blurry vision, Very tired, restless, more irritable
than usual, etc. I'd say if your Baby is acting out of her norm like
if she was a good sleeper and now is not and is more irritable, is
urinating more, is not as responsive to you, is not gaining weight
and thriving, I would definitely see her Pediatrician(sp). It is likely
that she is due for a check-up soon.

Sorry, I can't make you feel better(I know how new Parents worry
...I had both my Babies to Emergency....for diaper rash )
but here is a Wonderful site for you to check out and ask your
question there about your Baby there. I haven't been there for
some time but they're Very helpful.

children with DIABETES Online Community

Best Wishes to you and your Newborn!

the-joro

Thanks a lot for the warm wishes and all the info. I actually find it all very helpful
The fact that babies this young haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes already means a lot to me. This is actually my second child, but I guess parents never stop worrying (I too had my first baby in emergency for diaper rash!!!)

In the mean time I did some more checking. In another website’s blog, some moms were saying that their breastfed babies had a sweet smell. One of them even mentioned that her baby’s breath smelled like caramel, so it could be because of that. I certainly hope so…
She is sleeping and eating well and gaining weight, so I guess I’m just another paranoid parent…

Thanks again!

Terrie

Hi! Your Very Welcome. I'm sooo Glad to hear that she is doing well.
I didn't have a computer with easy access to info when I was a young
Mom, so I'm happy to help where I can.

Since we are on the Baby() topic and Diabetes...another worry
crossed my mind. As you know Diabetics(especially children)can
have seizures occasionally from low blood sugar. So when my Son
at 15 mths. old had a seizure and my Daughter at 3 mths. old, I
automatically thought it was a symptom of Diabetes.

Back to the Emergency. It turned out that they were having fever
seizures which are common in young children. Again Good Luck and
take Care.