Section 1: What is a UTI?

  • A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any part of the urinary system caused by germs. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.
  • UTIs are common in young children, especially during potty training, due to the learning curve. It can cause discomfort for your child if left untreated.

Common Symptoms in Childern 

 

  • Fever 
  • Crying or saying it hurts to pee 
  • Needing to pee more often 
  • Pee accident after being potty trained 
  • Foul-smelling or cloudy urine 
  • Belly pain or back pain 

If your child has these symptoms, contact their pediatrician 

Section 2: Why Young Children Are at Higher Risk 

Children ages 2-8 years are more likely to get UTIs because of: 

  • Learning proper wiping and bathroom hygiene 
  • Holding urine for too long while playing 
  • Consipation, which presses on the bladder 
  • Bubble baths or scented soaps 
  • Not drinking enough water 
  • Wearing tight or wet clothing 
  • Incomplete emptying during potty training 

Section 3: How Parents Can Prevent UTIs 

1. Teach Proper wiping techniques 

  • Girls: front to back 
  • Boys: Teach gentle cleaning of the penis, supervise wiping until they learn good technique. 

2. Encourage regular bathroom breaks 

  • Ask your child to pee every 2-3 hours, even if they're busy playing. This prevents urine from sitting in the bladder for too long. 

3. Keep them hydrated 

  • Offer water throughout the day. Well-hydrated urine is lighter, less irritating, and more effective at flushing bacteria out. 

4. Avoid bubble baths & scented products 

  • Perfumes, dyes, and bubbles can irritate the urethra. 
  • Use unscented soaps and quick, gentle baths. 

5.  Help prevent constipation 

Constipation increases UTI risk

  • Promote... 
    • Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber 
    • Whole grains 
    • Plenty of water 

6.  Choose breathable clothing 

  • Cotton underwear and loose clothing help airflow and reduce irritation 
  • Change out wet swimsuits or sweaty clothing quickly 

7. Teach complete bladder emptying 

  • Remind kids to sit on the toilet until they finish 
  • Rushing can leave urine in the bladder, and this increases infection risk 

Section 5: Tips for Potty Training Success

Potty training can increase UTI risk, but these tips help: 

  • Use a routine schedule: Morning, after meals, before bedtime 
  • Try positive rewards like high fives 
  • Avoid punishing accidents 
  • Teach kids to sit fully on the toilet with feet supported 
  • When addressing potty time, be positive. Use phrases like "let's take a potty break!" 
    • Kids like to mimic parental figures, so including that you need to go too might encourage them to! 

Section 6: Myth vs. Facts for Parents 

  • Myth: UTIs only happen in girls 
    • Fact: Boys can get UTIs, too, especially uncircumcised boys 
  • Myth: If a child doesn't complain of UTI pain, it's not a UTI 
    • Fact: Many young children only show fever or behavior changes, and sometimes they can be asymptomatic 
  • Myth: Dark urine always means infection 
    • Fact: It can simply mean dehydration 

Section 7: Parent Resources 

  • Local Pediatrician or family clinic 
  • School Nurse 
  • Childerns hosptial websites 
  • CDC resources 

Section 8: Closing Statement 

  • UTIs are common in young children, but in many cases, they are preventable. By educating parents about proper hygiene, hydration, toileting habits, and early symptom recognition, nurses can significantly reduce the risk of infection 

 

 

Teach it. Practice it. Prevent it.