Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, May 26: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common yet often overlooked health issue in children, particularly affecting two vulnerable groups—newborns and school-aged kids. While treatable, early detection is key to preventing complications. Here's what parents need to know to stay ahead.

Infants under one year, especially those under three months, can’t tell you what’s wrong—and UTIs in this age group can easily be mistaken for typical baby behavior.

Red flags to watch for include:

• Unexplained fever (often the first or only symptom)

• Poor feeding or frequent spit-ups

• Irritability or unusual drowsiness

• Foul-smelling or cloudy urine

• Less frequent wet diapers

Doctors often order a urine test for any baby under three months with a fever, as UTIs can spread quickly to the kidneys if untreated. Early intervention is crucial because an underdeveloped immune system means babies can become very sick, very fast.

Older kids may hesitate to speak up, out of embarrassment or uncertainty. Many times, what starts as a "stomachache" or “just feeling tired” may actually be signs of a UTI.

Symptoms in this age group can include:

• Burning or pain while urinating

• Urgent or frequent need to pee

• Bedwetting or daytime accidents after staying dry

• Lower belly or back pain

• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine

• Mild fever and tiredness

UTIs often affect children who hold in urine, skip water, or avoid school bathrooms, making awareness and communication essential.

• Older kids usually provide a clean midstream urine sample.

• Babies and toddlers require a sterile collection through a tiny catheter.

• If infections are recurrent or the child is very young, an ultrasound may be needed to rule out urinary tract abnormalities.

Treatment involves a simple course of antibiotics—most children recover in a few days. But completing the full dose is essential, even if symptoms fade early, to avoid a relapse or complications.

Severe infections may need IV antibiotics and a short hospital stay, especially in infants.

For babies:

• Keep the diaper area clean and dry

• Wipe front to back

• Watch for constipation

• Breastfeed, if possible

For older children:

• Encourage regular bathroom breaks

• Teach proper wiping and washing habits

• Promote hydration

• Avoid bubble baths and harsh soaps

• Manage constipation

• A fever in a baby under 3 months

• Pain or discomfort while urinating

• Bedwetting or accidents in a toilet-trained child

• Ongoing stomachaches or low fevers

Even a single UTI—especially in very young children—might warrant further investigation.