UTI in Children

A urinary tract infection is an infection of the bladder or kidneys. A UTI in kids can be hard to spot because young children may only have a fever or fussiness. Older children usually have burning and frequent urination.

What Is It

UTIs are more common in girls and in children who hold their urine or are constipated. Babies and toddlers cannot say what hurts. An unexplained fever in a young child is a common reason to test the urine.

Symptoms

Burning or pain when peeing
Needing to pee often or urgently
New accidents after being potty trained
Belly or back pain
Fever with no other clear cause
Fussiness, vomiting, or poor feeding in babies

Not sure it’s a UTI? Belly pain without urinary symptoms is covered under stomach pain in children. Hard, painful stools can cause similar symptoms and are covered under constipation.

Treatment

At your visit: A urine test and urine culture confirm a UTI. Getting a clean sample from a young child can take extra steps. UTIs in children are treated with antibiotics. Repeat infections may need a specialist.

At home:

Offer plenty of fluids
Encourage regular bathroom breaks
Treat constipation
Teach girls to wipe front to back

Most children feel better within 2 to 3 days of starting treatment.

When to Get Care for a UTI in Kids

Watch at Home

Symptoms improving on treatment
Drinking well with no fever

Come to Urgent Care Today

Burning or frequent urination
New accidents or bedwetting
Fever without a clear cause
Belly or back pain with urinary symptoms

Go to the Emergency Department

A baby under 3 months with any fever
Vomiting and unable to keep fluids down
Very sleepy, hard to wake, or limp
High fever with back pain and shaking chills

FAQ

What are the signs of a UTI in kids?

Signs of a UTI in kids include burning when peeing, needing to go often, new accidents, belly pain, and fever. Babies may only have fever or fussiness.

How do you test a child for a UTI?

A child is tested for a UTI with a urine sample. Toddlers and babies may need special collection to get a clean sample.

What causes UTIs in children?

UTIs in children are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. Holding urine, constipation, and wiping back to front make them more likely.

Can a UTI in kids go away on its own?

A UTI in kids should not be left to go away on its own. Antibiotics clear the infection and prevent it from spreading to the kidneys.

Can urgent care treat a UTI in kids?

Yes, urgent care can treat a UTI in kids. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can test your child’s urine and explain treatment. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is a UTI in a child an emergency?

A UTI in a child is an emergency with fever in a baby under 3 months, vomiting with no fluids kept down, or a child who is very sleepy or limp.

Last reviewed October 2026