Key points
- A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract.
- It is common for children to get UTIs – especially young children who still wear nappies.
- Urine (pee) testing is the only way to confirm a UTI.
- The main treatment for UTIs is antibiotics.
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract. This includes the:
- Kidneys
- Ureters (small tubes of muscle that connect the kidneys to the bladder)
- Bladder
- Urethra (tube that carries pee out of the body).
It is common for children of all ages to get UTIs, but especially young children who are still in nappies.
Signs and symptoms of a UTI
If your child has a UTI, they may seem generally unwell and have signs and symptoms such as:
- Fever (temperature of 38°C or more)
- Vomiting
- Unhappy, grumpy, or unsettled
- Reduced appetite
- Abdominal (tummy) pain
- Smelly and/or discoloured pee.
Older children who are out of nappies may:
- have pain or burning when peeing
- need to pee more often than usual
- pee a little before they get to the toilet (incontinence)
- have pain in the lower part of their abdomen, under the belly button.
Children with kidney infections may also have upper abdomen or back pain.
What causes a UTI?
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria getting into the bladder or urethra. The germs often come from the bowels (intestines), or from faeces (poo) on the skin that gets into the urethra. For example, if your child is in nappies.
How to care for UTIs
See a doctor
If your child has symptoms of a UTI, you should take them to see their doctor. Untreated UTIs can cause problems with the kidneys.
The doctor will organise a urine
(pee) test. This is the only way to confirm if your child has a UTI. They will usually start with a dipstick test where they dip a special stick into the urine sample. If this test suggests there may be a UTI, the doctor may start your child on antibiotics.
The final urine test results can take up to 48 hours to confirm a UTI and show which antibiotics will work best.
Some children with a UTI may need an ultrasound to look for a problem with their bladder or kidneys. Your child’s doctor will discuss this with you if required.
Antibiotics for UTIs
Your child will need antibiotics to clear up their UTI. They can usually be taken by mouth as a tablet or syrup.
Very sick children may need to stay in hospital to get antibiotics directly into a vein through a drip (intravenous or IV).
Care at home
If a doctor has diagnosed your child with a UTI, you can care for them at home by:
- Making sure they take their antibiotics.
- It is very important to give your child the whole course of antibiotics – even if they seem better. Stopping antibiotics too early can let some bacteria survive and cause the infection to come back.
- Giving them pain-relief
medicine if they are uncomfortable.
- Encouraging them to get extra rest.
- Keeping them hydrated with plenty of fluids.
It usually takes a few days for antibiotics to start working. Most children treated for a UTI make a full recovery and have no future urinary tract problems.
When to get help
Call an ambulance (000) if:
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- your child your child is struggling to breathe, blue or very pale.
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Go to a hospital if:
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- your child cannot keep fluids or antibiotics down without vomiting.
- your child has signs of infection – such as a fever (temperature of 38°C or more), lethargy, or redness – and is getting worse quickly.
- your child has ongoing fast breathing or a fast heart rate.
- your child is under 6 months of age and is floppy; not feeding properly or waking for feeds; acting very unsettled, has high-pitched or unusual crying; or their skin has changed colour (pale, mottled, or blue).
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See a doctor or health professional if:
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- your child does not seem to get better with antibiotics.
- your child is not drinking enough fluids and has signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual, cool hands and feet, and sunken eyes.
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Look after your child at home if:
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- your child seems to get better with antibiotics.
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Common questions about UTIs
How long does a UTI usually last?
Most mild UTIs – with no temperature or vomiting – take three or four days to get better. More serious infections may take a week to get better.
Are UTIs contagious?
A UTI is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person.
How can I prevent my child from getting a UTI?
Good hygiene can help to stop the spread of bacteria to the urethra. This includes regular bathing and washing hands with soap. When children with vulvas wipe their bottom after a poo, they should always wipe front-to-back (vagina to bottom).
Constipation can also increase the chance of a child getting a UTI. Speak with your child’s doctor if you think they could be constipated.
Does my child need antibiotics for a UTI?
Antibiotics are strongly recommended for a UTI. While some mild UTIs may clear up on their own, there is a real risk of the infection getting worse or spreading. Antibiotics ensure the infection clears up fully and to prevents complications.
Can I give my child cranberry juice to treat a UTI?
There is no strong evidence that cranberry juice can cure a UTI in children. It may help to lower the chance of repeat UTIs in older children – especially for those who are more susceptible to these infections.
Can my child go to childcare or school with a UTI?
Your child can go to childcare or school with a UTI if they are feeling well. They should stay home if they are in pain or have other symptoms.
For more information
Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency department, with input from the General Medicine department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed October 2026
Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.