Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in babies, and they can be a serious medical issue if left untreated. In fact, UTIs are one of the most common infections in infants and young children.
Babies can get UTIs for a variety of reasons, including:
- A delay in changing a dirty diaper
- Infrequent diaper changes
- Wiping from back to front after a bowel movement
- Uncircumcised males
- Being born prematurely
- Congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract
The symptoms of a UTI in a baby may be different from those in an older child or adult. Some signs to look out for include:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Fussiness or irritability
- Poor feeding or not eating well
- Diarrhea
- Strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy or dark urine
- Pain or discomfort while urinating
If you suspect your baby may have a UTI, it’s important to take them to their pediatrician or a healthcare professional right away. UTIs in babies can quickly progress to more serious infections and can cause kidney damage if not treated promptly.
Treatment for a UTI in a baby typically involves a course of antibiotics. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous antibiotics or further testing. Preventative measures, such as frequent diaper changes and proper hygiene, can help reduce the risk of UTIs in babies.
