Locations:
Search IconSearch

Why You Should Seek Help Quickly for Your Child’s UTI

Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to permanent kidney damage

sad little girl with UTI sitting in bathroom

You might think that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a worry only for adult women. But they are a concern for babies and young children, too.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

About 3% of girls and 1% of boys will develop a UTI by the time they’re 11 years old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Uncircumcised boys have slightly more UTIs than those who have been circumcised.

UTIs happen when bacteria get into the urinary system through the urethra (that’s the passageway by which urine travels from the bladder to the outside of the body). Bacteria can get into the urinary tract from the skin around the rectum and genitals. “Holding” urine, improper hygiene or constipation are common causes of UTIs in children, says pediatric urologist Jeffrey Donohoe, MD.

In children, UTIs may go untreated because often the symptoms aren’t obvious to the child or to parents. But UTIs in children need treatment right away to get rid of the infection, prevent the spread of the infection and to reduce the chances of kidney damage.

Two kinds of UTIs

UTI symptoms include:

  • Fever.
  • Pain or burning during urination.
  • Need to urinate more often, or difficulty urinating.
  • Wetting of underwear or bedding by a child who knows how to use the toilet.
  • Vomiting, refusal to eat.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Side or back pain.
  • Foul-smelling urine.
  • Cloudy or bloody urine.
  • Unexplained and persistent irritability in an infant.
  • Poor growth in an infant.

Advertisement

It’s important to distinguish between UTIs with fever and those without, Dr. Donohoe says. A young child with a high fever and no other symptoms has a 1 in 20 chance of having a UTI, the AAP says.

“Typically, urinary tract infections with a fever happen when the infection travels to the kidneys or when they are severe bladder infections,” Dr. Donohoe says.

Doctors treat UTIs with fever or UTIs in children younger than age 2 more aggressively, Dr. Donohoe says. That’s because frequent or untreated UTIs can scar a child’s kidneys and cause permanent damage.

How you can help your child getting a repeat UTI

Once a UTI clears, it’s helpful to get kids in the habit of using the bathroom every two hours to prevent future infections, Dr. Donohoe says.

Teach your daughters to wipe front to back after going to the bathroom. Also, taking regular baths, drinking plenty of water and even consuming watered-down cranberry juice can help your child avoid a UTI. Drinking fluids helps to flush the infection out of the body.

Cranberry juice has a reputation for curing UTIs. However, traditional, consumer-friendly cranberry juices — which are often a blend of various juices — have not been shown to be particularly effective, Dr. Donohoe says. The purer cranberry preparations can be unpalatable to children because they are tart.

“Cranberry, however, has been proven an effective treatment for preventing urinary tract infections,” Dr. Donohoe says. “It can reduce the likelihood of urinary tract infections in people who are at risk.” Kid-friendly probiotics in chewable form also can help avoid UTIs.

What to do if you think your child has a UTI

If you think your child may have a UTI, call your pediatrician. A simple test can diagnose if your child has a UTI. To get rid of the infection, your child will need to take antibiotics.

It’s important to continue giving your child the medicine until your pediatrician says the treatment is finished, even if your child feels better. UTIs can return if not fully treated.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Children in kindergarten playing and sharing toys
March 24, 2025/Children's Health
Is Sharing Always Caring? How To Encourage Your Kids To Share

Teaching kids how to share at the appropriate age can help them develop social skills and manage their emotions

Dad driving tractor, removing obstacles with large plow for small boy who walks behind with backpack
March 13, 2025/Parenting
How Snowplow Parenting Gets in the Way of a Child’s Future Self

By disrupting a child’s ability to think and act for themselves, snowplow parents run the risk of delaying their child’s ability to learn

Adult having a serious talk with a child in living room on a couch
December 20, 2024/Children's Health
How To Talk to Kids About Your (or Another Loved One’s) Serious Illness

It’s important to share the news in an honest and age-appropriate way and to open the lines of communication going forward

Tossled teen sleeping in bed, with pillow and blanket
November 1, 2024/Children's Health
Here’s How Many Hours Teens Should Sleep

The need for sleep often takes a back seat for teens, but they need eight to 10 hours of sleep to stay mentally healthy, strengthen their brains and prevent injury

Young child at home, with space helmet on, sitting in cardboard box, coloring on the box
October 2, 2024/Children's Health
Is It OK for Kids To Have Imaginary Friends?

Creating a pal in their mind can help children learn social skills, overcome fears and build creativity

Young toddler having an eye examine
August 9, 2024/Eye Care
Eye Spy: Why You Should Test Your Preschooler’s Vision Early

Genetic eye diseases and other conditions that impact your vision can develop in infancy and improve with early treatment

Caregiver and child eating pizza together
June 3, 2024/Children's Health
Lasting Impact: The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Obesity

Early weight gain can lead to health issues like heart disease, diabetes and cancer

Three sick babies crying amidst toys and baby items
April 18, 2024/Children's Health
How To Keep Your Kids Healthy When They Go to Daycare

You can help strengthen your child’s immune system by focusing on hand washing and staying up-to-date on their vaccines

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad