Home Treatment

Starting home treatment at the first signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in your child may prevent the problem from getting worse and help clear up your child's infection.

• Encourage—but do not force—your child to drink extra fluids as soon as you notice the symptoms and for the next 24 hours. These fluids will help dilute the urine, flush bacteria out of the bladder, and decrease irritation. Do not give your child caffeinated or carbonated beverages, which can irritate the bladder.
• Encourage your child to urinate often and to empty his or her bladder each time.

Note: Remember that home treatment is not a substitute for professional care and evaluation. If you think your child may have a UTI, a doctor should see him or her right away.