When My Kid Said “It Hurts to Pee”: What I Learned About UTIs in Children
I still remember the first time my little one cried out in the bathroom. At first, I thought it was just another “I don’t want to go potty” protest. But when it kept happening, and I noticed the strong smell in the urine, I realized something more was going on. It turned out to be a urinary tract infection (UTI)—something I never expected in a child. That moment sent me down the rabbit hole of research, conversations with doctors, and a lot of listening to other parents’ stories.
According to AskDocDoc, UTIs are among the most common infections in kids. The tricky part is that children don’t always know how to explain their pain. A toddler might just seem fussy or refuse food. Older kids might complain of stomach aches instead of pointing to their bladder. I quickly learned that vague signs can’t be ignored. If parents wait too long, the infection can climb up to the kidneys, causing much bigger problems.
Spotting the Subtle Signs
One of the best tips I came across was from a Threads discussion: https://www.threads.com/@askdocdoc/post/DPCEsmGkvCK
. Parents there shared how kids sometimes suddenly avoid using the toilet or have accidents after being fully trained. Those are red flags.
Another thing that surprised me was dehydration. A pediatrician I follow on X (Twitter) pointed out that kids who don’t drink enough water are at much higher risk: https://x.com/1881713393369030656/status/1971254651128320498
. It makes sense—less water means bacteria can linger longer in the urinary tract.
And hygiene, of course, plays a huge role. An Instagram parenting community I browsed reminded me of the importance of teaching kids to wipe front-to-back and wash their hands: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPCEtZDikgf/
. It seems so simple, but those basics go a long way.
More Than Just Peeing Issues
What really blew my mind was learning that constipation is closely linked to UTIs. On a Facebook parenting page, I read stories about kids with recurring infections who also struggled with bowel issues: https://www.facebook.com/122099392514743210/posts/122141557562743210
. Once parents managed the constipation, the UTIs happened less often. That connection between gut and bladder health was something I had never thought about before.
On LinkedIn, I came across a thoughtful post from healthcare professionals that stressed prevention: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:share:7377020428118192128
. They emphasized hydration, routine bathroom breaks, and finishing the full course of antibiotics. It was encouraging to see professionals echo the same advice parents had been passing around informally.
And for anyone who likes visual reminders, I even found a helpful infographic on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/928445279438751377
. It laid out the do’s and don’ts for preventing UTIs in kids in a way that was easy to print and stick on the fridge.
What I Carry Forward
Today, I’m quicker to trust my gut as a parent. If something feels off, I don’t dismiss it as “just another tummy ache.” I make sure my child drinks enough water, goes to the bathroom regularly, and eats fiber to avoid constipation. And if symptoms show up, I don’t hesitate to call the doctor.
The biggest lesson? Acting early can save a child a lot of pain—and save parents from unnecessary worry. UTIs in children are common, but they’re not something to ignore. They can be treated, prevented, and managed with a little awareness.