What causes strong smelling urine in children?

[MamaAllNatural]

My children all have very potent smelling urine. My 3 yo dd is still in diapers at night so I still have the "honor" of knowing what her urine smells like and it's become progressively more pungent over the last year or so. Her urine before that never smelled bad to me. Now even my 11 month old baby in the past few months has much stronger smelling urine. It used to smell like nothing for the most part. My older son has had the really strong smelling urine too - luckily I just don't ever really have to deal with it though.

So, what is going on? Is this a health issue? Is it indicitive of something else going on w/thier bodies? I'd really appreciate any feedback. Thanks

*ETA: They also urinate a lot. My little guy soaks his diapers like nobody's business. If anything, I'd say it was abnormal how much he pees. So, I can't see how it could be inadequate fluids. DD urinates frequently throughout the day as well and when she does wear a diaper at night she soaks it very, very heavily. Older ds has always urinated a lot as well - frequently and large amounts of urine.

[birthmommom]

from what i know about strong odor urine is that the child is not getting enough water! i have this same problem with dd, especially at night b/c she is sleeping not drinking water. her pee doesnt smell bad during the day.

I would just try to increase their water during the day and see if that helps.

HTH

[BusyMommy]

Yep, I'd guess water, too. They say that if you wait till you're thirsty to drink, then you're already dehydrated.

[HollyBearsMom]

Is also a dark color? If so, I would also say lack of liquids. Water is great and should be your first choice but liquids can also come from other sources if your kids won't drink a lot of water. Herbal teas both hot and iced, diluted fruit juices, homemade agua fresca (fruit infused water), popsicles (I make my own) etc.

[MamaAllNatural]

Thanks for your replies. I do feel like they're getting enough fluids. So this leads me to wonder if they have liver problems and are not absorbing fluids well enough. I'm going to up their fluid intake anyway and see what happens. :

[MamaAllNatural]

Bumping because I added more info to the OP.

[Mom2Adam]

Could it be something in their diet, (like asparagus?) or a multi vitamin of some sort. or lots of garlic or something like that?

[sleepies]

a couple of people mentioned vitamins
i agree.

when my son takes his vitimans regularly, then his pee stinks.