Urinary tract infection in babies is a very common issue and, in the vast majority of cases, it is not very easy to detect because the symptoms are “masked.” However, any sign that is noticed should be brought to a pediatrician immediately.

Main Causes of Urinary Tract Infection in Babies

Urinary tract infection in babies can be caused by several factors1, among the main ones are: urinary incontinence, difficulty urinating, phimosis (in boys), after episodes of dehydration, and even in cases of urinary reflux. Urinary tract infection in babies should be taken seriously and treated promptly. Lack of proper treatment can lead to serious health problems, including affecting kidney health.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Babies

Babies cannot yet speak and are unable to express or point out what they are feeling, so it is natural for symptoms to become evident through signs or their behavior throughout the day. The first very common symptom of urinary tract infection in babies is a refusal to eat2. Refusal to eat usually occurs due to the irritability caused by the pain or discomfort from the infection. Other symptoms that should be watched for include:

  • Urine darker than usual;
  • Urine with a strong odor;
  • Crying or restlessness each time they urinate;
  • Lack of appetite;
  • Irritability;
  • High fever.

Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in Babies

The only way to diagnose urinary tract infection in babies is through urine analysis. Since babies wear diapers, collection may seem a bit complicated, right? But thanks to advances in laboratory techniques, it is now possible to collect samples easily, and you just need the baby’s cooperation for a quick process. Laboratories that perform infant collection provide a type of plastic collection bag with an adhesive that should be applied around the genital area. Since the test is usually requested for the first urine in the morning, the bag should be placed on the baby with the last diaper of the night. The first urine contains the highest concentration of the microorganisms responsible for the infection, which will allow for medical analysis and appropriate treatment recommendations, which are vital for a fast recovery.

How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection in Babies

Urinary tract infection in babies is very common because, due to the “trapping” effect of diapers, many microorganisms can multiply. However, some precautions should be taken to prevent this from happening3. Simple habits such as not leaving the baby in the same diaper for many hours, and always properly cleaning the genital area with every diaper change. The use of baby wipes or cotton and warm water is essential at every diaper change, making sure to clean every fold and, in the case of girls, opening the labia well to do a thorough cleaning. Avoid changing diapers in unhygienic places or even on public changing tables. A good option is to use a foldable changing mat that can be used wherever you are and must be sanitized with alcohol when you return home. Another important factor to prevent urinary tract infection in babies is cleaning the bathtub. Even though the bathtub is used for daily hygiene, it also collects germs and bacteria that can multiply and cause urinary tract infections in babies. Ideally, the tub should be cleaned daily or at least every 2 days, always washed and wiped with alcohol to combat germs.

Breastfeeding Helps Prevent Infections

It might seem a little out of context, but yes, breastfeeding is so important that it’s worth emphasizing that it also helps prevent urinary tract infection and other infections. Studies have already shown that breast milk, when provided for at least the first 7 months of the baby’s life, protects against infections, including urinary ones, and this protection continues throughout the child’s life.

Breastfeeding Helps Prevent Infections

It might seem a little out of context, but yes, breastfeeding is so important that it’s worth emphasizing that it also helps prevent urinary tract infection and other infections. Studies have already shown that breast milk, when provided for at least the first 7 months of the baby’s life, protects against infections, including urinary tract infections, and this protection continues throughout the child’s life.

Genital Hygiene in Girls

We always hear that hygiene for girls needs to be more thorough, and that’s absolutely true! The female genital area has folds and various areas that must be carefully opened and cleaned thoroughly. When girls are babies, feces that are still liquid or pasty may touch the vagina, which is why the area should be cleaned thoroughly at every diaper change, preventing stool residue from hiding in every little fold. Ideally, the vagina should always be cleaned from front to back, to avoid the wipe becoming contaminated by the buttocks and then passing over the vagina. With these precautions, you’ll be reducing your daughter’s risk of suffering from urinary tract infections. If you notice any of the symptoms described here in your baby, seek emergency care immediately. The sooner the infection is treated, the less your baby will suffer when urinating or from other discomforts caused by the condition.

Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection in Babies

Normally, treatment for urinary tract infection in babies is by oral medication. After the urine test and a blood test, if recommended by the pediatrician, the right antibiotic will be prescribed. Drinking plenty of water also helps with treatment. Even if the baby seems better in the first days, the antibiotic should not be stopped. The treatment must be completed for the number of days indicated by the pediatrician, without interruption. If treatment is stopped early, the urinary tract infection may come back even stronger and a new treatment will have to be started from the beginning. In some cases, when the infection is very severe, the pediatrician may recommend hospitalizing the baby so the treatment can be administered intravenously for faster effectiveness. In the case of urinary tract infections in babies up to 3 months old, hospitalization is routine medical practice, aiming for faster treatment due to the baby’s low immunity and the quick response of intravenous medications.

Treatment Duration

Treatment of urinary tract infection in babies is done with antibiotics and may last for 7, 10, 14, or even 21 days, depending on the type of infection detected in the test. During treatment, offer lots of water and change the diaper several times a day, so urine does not remain in contact for too long. The treatment is simple, and, if followed completely, will resolve the problem within a few days. Always visit a pediatrician or seek urgent care if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. See also: Laryngitis – Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment Photo: heymattallen