UTI symptoms in children: How to spot early signs in newborns and school-going kids

UTI symptom in newborns and infants include fever, poor feeding or irritability. In older children, embarrassment or a lack of awareness can stop them from speaking up when they feel discomfort (Image: Canva)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in children than many parents realise, particularly among newborns and those in primary school. Because symptoms can be vague or mistaken for something else entirely, UTIs in kids often go unnoticed until they’ve become more serious. Spotting the early signs, and knowing what to do,  can make all the difference.

According to Dr Anjali Saxena, Senior Consultant, General Paediatrics and Adolescent Health, UTIs can be different depending on a child’s age. “Newborns and infants cannot tell you what’s wrong, so their symptoms are often vague, like fever, poor feeding or irritability. In older children, embarrassment or a lack of awareness can stop them from speaking up when they feel discomfort,” Dr Saxena says.

In babies, symptoms are often chalked up to common colds, teething, or digestive issues. Meanwhile, school-going children may dismiss their symptoms or keep quiet out of shyness. That’s why awareness is key, especially during those high-risk stages of development.

• Look out for these signs in children:

In babies, UTIs can be especially difficult to spot, as they often don’t show the signs seen in older children. “Watch out for a fever that doesn’t seem to have a clear cause, poor feeding or vomiting, unusual sleepiness, dark or foul-smelling urine, and fewer wet nappies than usual. Any baby under three months with a fever should see a doctor immediately. It is always advisable to get a test for UTIs even if there are no other signs. It’s better to be cautious,” she says.

Older children may not always speak up when something feels off. So it’s important for parents to notice the signs themselves. “These can include pain or a burning sensation when peeing, an urgent or frequent need to go, wetting accidents or a return to bedwetting, lower tummy or back pain, and cloudy or smelly urine. Sometimes a child will just complain of a tummy ache. But if that pain worsens around bathroom trips, it’s a possible clue,” explains Dr Saxena.

• Simple and quick diagnosis: 

For toilet-trained kids, a urine sample usually confirms the diagnosis. In infants and toddlers, a catheter may be needed to get a clean sample. “If a child has repeated UTIs or is under two, an ultrasound may be performed to rule out any structural issues,” suggests Dr Saxena.

• Prompt treatment works wonders:

Most UTIs clear up with a 5–10 day course of antibiotics. “If caught early, kids bounce back quickly. But it’s crucial to complete the full course, even if symptoms improve,” says Dr Saxena.

• Prevention is better and easier: 

Cleanliness and hydration go a long way. “For babies, keep the nappy area dry, wipe front to back, and manage constipation. Breastfeeding also helps build immunity. Older children should drink enough water, use the loo regularly, and avoid bubble baths and harsh soaps,” informs Dr Saxena.