Urinary Tract Infections, also known as UTIs, are quite common in kids, especially those who wear diapers or nappies.

Girls are more likely to get UTIs, as are boys who have not been circumcised [1].
It’s also been found that 30–50% of children who have previously had an episode of UTI will have at least one recurrence [2].

Knowing if your child has a UTI can be tricky, especially if they're too young to talk or can't say what's wrong.

But there are ways to notice symptoms without them having to say a word. So let's dive in and see how to spot a UTI and what to do if you think your child might have one.

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection is just as it sounds - an infection of the urinary tract. This is caused by bacteria getting into the urethra.

FYI - the urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for urine, which includes the bladder, kidneys, ureters (tubes that connect your kidneys to the bladder to transport urine) and the urethra. The urethra is the tube that connects to the bladder and allows urine to escape the body.

There are many ways bacteria can enter a child’s urethra and urinary tract. The most common way is that they have spread bacteria from their bottom to their genitals when wiping after doing a poo, or from staying in a soiled nappy for a long period of time [3].

UTIs can be really frustrating and painful for your child, but your doctor can usually figure them out and fix them with some antibiotics. Don't ignore them, though. If you don't treat them, the infection can get worse and cause problems like a kidney infection.

How do I know if my child has a UTI?

The only sure way to know if your child has a UTI is by doing a urine test ordered by their doctor.

If you suspect that your child has one, it’s best to take them to the doctor straight away to avoid the condition worsening or spreading.

If your child is showing or reporting the following symptoms, it may be an indication of a UTI and you should take your child to see their GP:

• Pain, stinging or burning when urinating
• A frequent urge or need to use the toilet
• Only passing small amounts of urine at once, but more frequently than usual
• Wetting accidents
• Cloudy, pink, red or brown urine, or noticing blood in the urine
  
  

There are also some less obvious signs to be aware of that you may mistake for signs of general illness, especially in younger kids, which include:

• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Tiredness and general lack of energy
  
  

It can be hard to tell if a younger child or someone who can't talk has a UTI. So if your child is showing any of these symptoms, it's best to take them to the doctor right away.

How are UTIs in children treated?

Antibiotics are usually the best way to treat a UTI. They might come as tablets or syrup. For really young kids or those with bad UTIs, they might even need to go to the hospital for a drip.

After starting the antibiotics, your child should feel better in a couple of days. Like all medicines, follow the instructions carefully and keep giving them the medicine until it's all gone, even if your child feels better!

Can UTIs cause incontinence in children?

Urinary incontinence is a common symptom of UTIs. This is because along with the strong, and sometimes sudden, urge to urinate brought on by a UTI, a child may then experience accidents in the form of daytime wetting or bedwetting.

This is especially true for young girls, with a 2018 Brasil study of 326 children aged between 2-16 finding a higher rate of daytime incontinence in girls aged 7 or younger [3].

Sometimes, UTIs can be caused by other health conditions or issues, like bladder complications or constipation.

How to treat and prevent UTIs in children

Thankfully, there are things you can do at home to help prevent recurrence of a UTI in your child and to manage the uncomfortable symptoms of a UTI:

Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day

Making sure your child drinks enough water every day will help them pee more often and make it harder for bad bacteria to grow in their urinary tract [4].

Encourage your child to go to the bathroom regularly

Going to the bathroom regularly helps get rid of bacteria in the urine. It's important your child takes their time when they pee to make sure your bladder is completely empty.

Encourage your child not to hold it in. They should go to the bathroom when they need to [5]. You might also want to remind them to use the toilet at certain times, like before or after meals, when they wake up, and before bed.

Make sure your child has good hygiene & habits

Make sure to inform your child (especially girls) to wipe from front to back to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria from their bottom to their genital region, and to shower daily.

This is especially important for girls due to the shorter urethra and the proximity of the urethral opening to the rectum [5].

Avoid irritants like perfumed soaps

Some products, like scented soap or bubble baths, can irritate the area around the urethra. It's best to use a gentle, unscented soap or just warm water when your child has a bath or shower.

Ensure you change your child's nappy or pull-up pants regularly

Changing your child’s nappy or pull-up pants as soon as they’ve been wet or soiled minimises the contact of the skin and urethra with any bacteria, preventing them from being able to spread into the urethra or urinary tract.

Invest in quality incontinence products

If you have a child aged between four and 15 who experiences incontinence, using Nundies will help to boost their confidence by protecting them from any potential accidents (day or night) and provide defence against any leaks.

They’re dermatologically tested and latex-free, too, so you can be sure they’re gentle on skin - even the most sensitive!

If your child experiences frequent UTIs it is important to see their doctor for an assessment that might reveal any extra contributing or underlying factors.