Overview

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can occur anywhere between the kidneys and the urethra (where the urine comes out). Most UTIs are in the bladder. They often cause pain when the child urinates.

UTIs must be treated right away in infants and children. An infection that is not treated quickly can lead to kidney infection. Children who take medicine to treat the infection most often heal completely.

How can you care for your child at home?

• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• The doctor may also give your child a medicine to ease the burning pain of a UTI. This will often turn the urine red or orange. The urine will return to its normal colour after your child stops the medicine.
• Try to get your child to drink extra fluids for the next 24 hours. This will help flush bacteria out of the bladder. Do not give your child drinks that have caffeine or that are carbonated. They can make the bladder sore.
• Tell your child to urinate often and to empty the bladder each time.
• A warm bath may help your child feel better. Soaps and bubble baths can cause irritation. Wait until the end of the bath to use soap.

Preventing future UTIs

• Make sure that your child drinks plenty of water each day. This helps your child urinate often, which clears bacteria from the body.
• Encourage your child to urinate as soon as they need to.
• Offer your child foods with fibre such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help your child have regular stools that are soft and pass easily. Preventing constipation may also help prevent UTIs.