As the name suggests, a urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary tract. This includes the kidneys, the bladder and the uterus. The main cause of UTI is a colonization of the periurethral area, by a virulent organism that subsequently gains access to the bladder. The risk is higher in uncircumcised male infants as well as females. The first few months of a baby’s life makes him/her more prone to UTIs and thus, parents should be more concerned about the personal hygiene of the child. To know how to prevent urinary tract infections in small children, read on.
Preventing UTI in Small Children
- In case of infants and toddlers, change the diapers frequently to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Dress your child in cotton clothes rather than nylon.
- Avoid giving your child bubble baths, as it may cause irritation.
- Dress your child in loose-fitting clothing, specially the underpants.
- In case of a girl, teach her to wipe the entire area from front to back while she uses the bathroom, so that germs from the rectum do not enter the vagina.
- If your child does not go to the bathroom for long stretches, teach him or her to go to the bathroom frequently.
- If your boy is uncircumcised, tell him to wash the foreskin on his penis regularly.
- Encourage your children to have enough fluids throughout the day.
