Can kids get UTIs? Symptoms parents shouldn’t ignore

Yes, kids can get urinary tract infections (UTIs), and they’re actually more common than many parents realize, especially in girls under age 7, according to the University of Colorado.

A UTI happens when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause infection in the bladder, urethra, or even the kidneys. Catching it early is important because, if left untreated, it can lead to more serious health issues like kidney infections. Since the symptoms aren’t always obvious, especially in younger children, it’s helpful to know what to watch for so you can act quickly and get your child the care they need. This article breaks down the key signs and what to do next:

What causes UTIs in kids?

UTIs in children occur when bacteria, usually E. coli from the digestive tract, enter the urinary tract and begin to multiply. For younger children, especially girls, behaviors such as not wiping from front to back, holding in urine for too long, or skipping proper hygiene can increase the risk. Constipation can also be a surprising culprit, according to the University of Colorado, since it can put pressure on the bladder and affect how completely kids empty it. In some cases, underlying issues with the structure of the urinary tract can make UTIs more likely or cause them to come back repeatedly. Whether it’s a one-time infection or a recurring problem, knowing the root causes can help you prevent future flare-ups.

UTI symptoms by age

UTI symptoms in kids can vary a lot depending on their age, according to Johns Hopkins, which is why it’s helpful to know what to look for at each stage:

• In infants and babies, signs might include a fever without a clear reason, irritability or crying during diaper changes, poor feeding, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusually foul-smelling or cloudy urine.
• Toddlers and preschoolers may say it hurts when they pee, start having more bathroom accidents, complain of belly pain, or seem unusually tired or feverish.
• School-age kids often feel the sudden urge to pee, experience pain in the lower abdomen, start wetting the bed (especially if it wasn’t happening before), or even notice blood in their urine.

Paying attention to these age-specific symptoms can help you catch a UTI early and get your child feeling better fast.

When to see a doctor for UTI symptoms in kids

If your child has a fever without an obvious reason or tells you it hurts to pee, it’s a good idea to call the doctor, especially if symptoms stick around for more than a day. Even if your child doesn’t seem very sick, UTIs can cause complications if left untreated, so it’s better to play it safe. This is especially true if your child has had more than one UTI before, as recurring infections may point to an underlying issue that needs attention. The only way to know for sure if it’s a UTI is through a simple urine test, which helps your provider decide the best treatment and get your child back to feeling better quickly.

How pediatric UTIs are treated

Once a urine test confirms a UTI, most kids start feeling better quickly with the help of antibiotics. It’s important to make sure they finish the full course of medication, even if their symptoms go away, to fully clear the infection and prevent it from coming back. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease discomfort, but always check with your child’s provider first. In some cases, especially if UTIs keep happening, your doctor may recommend additional testing to rule out structural issues or other underlying causes.

Can UTIs cause complications in kids?

While most pediatric UTIs are easy to treat, leaving them untreated can lead to more serious problems. In some cases, the infection can travel up to the kidneys, causing a condition called pyelonephritis, which often brings high fever, vomiting, and the risk of lasting kidney damage. That’s why early diagnosis and treatment are so important. Catching a UTI early with a simple urine test and starting antibiotics right away usually prevents complications and helps your child feel better faster.

Tips to help prevent UTIs in children

​​Preventing UTIs in kids often starts with a few simple habits:

• Teach your child to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to help keep bacteria out of the urinary tract.
• Encourage them to take regular bathroom breaks rather than holding in their pee, which can increase the risk of infection.
• Staying well-hydrated is important, too. Water helps flush out the urinary system.
• It’s also a good idea to skip bubble baths or perfumed soaps in the genital area, as these can irritate sensitive skin.
• And if your child struggles with constipation, talk to their doctor. Backed-up bowels can put pressure on the bladder and make UTIs more likely.

Think your child might have a UTI? Get care today

Don’t wait it out if your child is showing signs of a urinary tract infection; visit a nearby urgent care center for quick testing and fast relief. Same-day pediatric visits can help confirm the cause and get your child feeling better, faster. Use Solv to find trusted care near you.