How do you know your baby has an UTI?

Question

Can babies even get that? what causes it and what are some of the signs. My baby pee smells strange all of a sudden (it smells very strong) if I change his diaper lets say in about 5 mins it will smell bad like if he had that diaper on for hours and hours. Is that normal or am I just being paranoid?

Answer 1

babies should never get utis ,maybe hes dehydrated

Answer 2

my baby's doc told me tht if my baby's pee smells n has fever, it cud b a UTI. so pls call ur doc

Answer 3

Babies can definitely get UTIs, but they are not particularly common. And they are especially uncommon with boys. Some symptoms, other than foul-smelling urine, include fever, throwing up, loss of appetite, and irritability. If you are concerned, or if his diapers continue to smell bad, it would be worth it to call your doctor. A UTI in a baby is more complex and serious than it is in an adult, so you don't want to let it go for too long.

Also, if he is under 6 months, I wouldn't give him more water. He really doesn't need any at all. And it isn't going to help if he has a UTI. In fact, it could stress his system.

Answer 4

Our son had UTI when he was only a month ago.  It was the most terrible experience in our life (spendin 5 days in hospital, and baby on the drip/antibiotics since he was so young).

UTIs in babies does happen, 1-3% chance.  The most common cause is "bacteria" from babies poo itself (since that can easily cover the genitals) and or bacteria that is present elsewhere in the babies body itself (so, can get it from bathwater).  So change regularly (wiping downwards), clean thoroughly if poo diaper (with baby soap),  no bubble baths until much older (shower is best) and everyone in household should use hand sanitizer before handling the baby. Peeing more frequently does obviously help.

The only way to tell 100% is from a urine sample at the doctor's office/lab.  The other symptoms to look out for 1) baby is acting very edgy/crying a lot more (especially when peeing); or 2) baby has a fever.  Again, only the urine sample test will confirm UTI.  We didn't really notice any change in smell/texture of pee.

The good thing is that your baby is probably over 3 month old (since giving him water), so even if it is UTI (which i hope it isn't), you can get oral antibiotics at that age or older.  Doesn't hurt to talk to a doctor about getting it checked.

Good luck.

Answer 5

babies can certainly get UTIs.  i got them frequently as a baby.  signs of a UTI include fever, fussiness, stange odor... and you don't need to have all the symptoms for it to be a UTI.  i never got fevers with mine.

http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,53...

you should absolutely talk to a doctor if you suspect a UTI. it's very simple to have a culture done and know for sure and it's very dangerous to leave a UTI untreated.