A bladder infection is when bacteria cause the bladder to be inflamed. The bladder holds urine. A tube called the urethra takes urine from the bladder out of the body. Sometimes bacteria can travel up the urethra. This causes the infection.
The most common cause of bladder infections in children is bacteria from the bowels. The bacteria can get onto the skin around the urethra, and then into the urine. From there, it can travel up to the bladder. This can happen because of:
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Poor cleaning after using the toilet or during a diaper change
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Poor cleaning of the foreskin
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Not completely emptying the bladder
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Constipation that prevents the bladder from emptying completely
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Not drinking enough fluids to pee often
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Irritation of the urethra from soaps or tight clothes
Symptoms of a bladder infection include the need to pee often and urgently. It may be painful. The urine may have a strong smell. It may be dark, colored with blood, or cloudy. Your child may not be able to hold urine and may wet the bed or clothes. Your child may also have a fever and belly pain. Some children don’t have symptoms. A baby may be fussy and not able to be soothed. They may cry when peeing. Your baby may also feed less or be less active.
A bladder infection is treated with antibiotics. Your child's healthcare provider may also prescribe a medicine to treat pain. Children get better from a bladder infection quickly.
In many cases, a bladder infection will come back. It’s important to take steps to prevent it (see below).
Home care
The healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to treat the infection. Follow all instructions for giving this medicine to your child. Use the medicine as advised every day until it's gone. Don’t stop giving it to your child if they feel better. Don’t give your child aspirin unless you are told to by the healthcare provider.
For children ages 2 and up: If your child's healthcare provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, fever, fussiness, or discomfort. If your child has chronic liver or kidney disease, talk with the healthcare provider before giving these medicines. Also talk with your provider if your child has ever had a stomach ulcer or digestive tract bleeding, or is taking blood thinners.
General care
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In an age-appropriate way, teach your child about bladder infections. Tell them what needs to be done to feel better.
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Keep track of how often your child pees. Note the urine color and amount.
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Tell your child to pee often. Tell them to completely empty the bladder each time. This will help flush out bacteria.
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Have your child wear loose clothes and cotton underwear.
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Make sure that your child drinks enough fluids. Give your child cranberry juice if advised by the healthcare provider.
Prevention
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Clean your child’s penis every day. If they're uncircumcised, retract the foreskin when cleaning.
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Make sure diapers aren’t tight. If you use cloth diapers, use cotton or wool protectors rather than nylon or rubber pants.
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Change soiled diapers right away.
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Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. Or make sure your baby feeds often. This is to prevent fluid loss (dehydration).
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Make sure your child pees when needed, and does not hold it in.
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Don’t give your child bubble baths. They can irritate the urethra.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s healthcare provider, or as advised. If a culture was done, you'll be told of any new findings that may affect your child's care.
Call 911
Call
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Trouble breathing
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Trouble waking up
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Fainting or loss of consciousness
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Fast heart rate
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Seizure
When to get medical advice
Call your child's healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your child's provider
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Any new physical or behavioral changes in an infant
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Symptoms don’t get better after 24 hours of treatment
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Vomiting or inability to keep down medicine
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Pain gets worse
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Pain in the low back, belly, or side
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Strong-smelling urine
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Yellow color to the skin or eyes (jaundice)
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Author: Wheeler, Brooke
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
