UTI Treatment for Kids

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children can be easy to miss, especially in infants and young children who cannot describe their symptoms clearly. At KIDS Urgent Care, our board-certified pediatricians evaluate and treat UTIs in children from newborn to age 22. Walk in or reserve your time today.

What Is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria, most commonly E. coli from the digestive tract, enter the urinary system and multiply. Infections can affect the bladder (cystitis) or travel to the kidneys (pyelonephritis). Kidney infections are more serious and require prompt treatment.

UTIs are more common in girls due to the shorter distance between the urethra and the bladder. However, uncircumcised boys under age 1 are also at elevated risk.

Common Signs of a UTI in Children

Symptoms vary significantly by age:

In older children and adolescents:

Burning or pain when urinating
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
Blood in the urine
Low-grade fever

In infants and toddlers (who cannot describe symptoms):

Unexplained fever with no obvious source
Fussiness or crying, especially during diaper changes
Poor feeding
Vomiting or diarrhea
Foul-smelling urine

When to Seek Care

A child with any of the symptoms listed above should be evaluated by a pediatric provider. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. UTIs that are not treated promptly can progress to kidney infections, which may cause fever, back or flank pain, vomiting, and serious illness.

Any infant under 3 months with a fever should be evaluated urgently regardless of other symptoms.

What Happens During Your Visit

Our team will review your child’s symptoms and collect a urine sample for analysis. For younger children who are not yet toilet trained, we use a urinary catheter or suprapubic aspiration to obtain an uncontaminated sample, which is important for an accurate diagnosis.

We perform a urinalysis in our on-site lab and may send a urine culture if needed to identify the specific bacteria and confirm antibiotic sensitivity

Treatment Options

Most UTIs are treated with a course of oral antibiotics, typically 3 to 7 days depending on age and infection type
Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) may require a longer course of antibiotics or, in severe cases, IV antibiotics and hospitalization
We will advise on hydration, symptom management, and follow-up care

It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if your child starts feeling better early.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my baby has a UTI?

Fever without an obvious cause is often the only sign in infants. If your baby has a fever and no other clear explanation, a UTI should be ruled out. Our team can evaluate and test appropriately.

Can UTIs recur?

Yes. Some children, particularly girls, experience recurrent UTIs. After a confirmed infection, follow-up with your child’s primary care doctor is recommended to assess for any underlying urinary tract abnormalities.

Can I use a home urine test strip?

Over-the-counter strips can suggest a UTI but are not definitive, especially in young children. A proper urine sample analyzed in a clinical lab provides a much more accurate result.

Do I need an appointment?

Walk-ins are welcome. You can also book online.

Get Your Child Evaluated Today

Do not wait when your child may have a UTI. Prompt treatment helps prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys. Visit KIDS Urgent Care for same-day pediatric evaluation.