About urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract, usually through the urethra. Then the bacteria get into urine and grow in the bladder.

UTIs are common in babies.

UTIs are more likely in babies whose urinary tracts have structural problems.

Symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in babies

In babies, the symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) can look like the symptoms of many other health issues.

If your baby has a UTI, they might:

• have an unexplained fever
• be irritable and cry a lot
• lose their appetite
• vomit
• be unusually drowsy
• have poor weight gain
• have blood in their nappy.

UTIs in older children are different from UTIs in babies and toddlers. If your older child has a urinary tract infection, it might sting when they urinate, or they might feel they need to urinate more often.

Medical help: when to get it for babies with UTI symptoms

If your baby has symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or is generally unwell, you should take them to the GP or go to a hospital emergency department as soon as possible.

Tests for urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Doctors need to test your baby’s urine to diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI). Your doctor might get you to catch some of your baby’s urine in a clean specimen jar. Or your doctor might use a catheter or needle into the bladder to collect a urine sample.

Your doctor might recommend an ultrasound, particularly if your baby:

• is a boy
• is less than 3 months old
• is very unwell with a UTI
• has had more than one UTI.

An ultrasound can check for any underlying problems in your baby’s urinary tract. If a problem is identified, your baby might be referred to a paediatrician, urologist or renal physician.

Treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Babies under 3 months usually need to have antibiotics directly into a vein through a drip to treat a urinary tract infection (UTI). This means they need to be treated in hospital.

If your baby needs hospital treatment for a UTI, it can be quite upsetting. It might help to know that most babies get over UTIs quickly after their antibiotic treatment.

Babies older than 3 months can usually be treated at home with oral antibiotics.

Your doctor might check your child’s urine again after treatment to make sure the infection has cleared up.

If your baby needs antibiotic treatment, it’s important to give them the entire course of antibiotics, even if they seem better after a few days. Infection might come back 1-2 weeks later if the bacteria aren’t completely gone from your baby’s system. Incorrect use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs)

It’s difficult to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in babies.

Good nappy hygiene might help. For example:

• Change nappies as soon as you can after your baby does a poo.
• Change wet nappies at least every 4 hours during the day.
• Wipe from front to back.

If your baby has had more than one UTI, your doctor might recommend other ways to prevent future UTIs. These might include continuous low-dose antibiotics or circumcision for boys.