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Urinary Problems and Injuries,Age 11 and Younger - Prevention

The following may help prevent urinary problems in children.

Encourage your child to drink more fluids. Water is best. This will help dilute the urine, flush bacteria out of the bladder, and decrease irritation.
Do not give your child carbonated or caffeinated beverages, which can irritate the bladder wall.
Wash the genital area once a day with plain water or mild soap. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
- Use gentle soaps, such as Basis, Cetaphil, Dove, or Oil of Olay, and use as little soap as possible.
- Do not use deodorant soaps on your child.
- Avoid bubble baths, powders or perfumed soaps, which can irritate and dry the skin.
Wash your child's clothes with a mild soap, such as CheerFree or Ecover, rather than a detergent. Rinse twice to remove all traces of the cleaning product. Avoid strong detergents.
Change your child's diapers when wet and immediately after a bowel movement. Wash your hands before and after each diaper change.
Wipe your child from front to back when changing a diaper or helping with the toilet, and teach children to wipe in this direction. This may reduce the spread of bacteria from the anus to the urethra.
Dress your child in cotton underwear and loose clothing.
Encourage older children to urinate whenever they feel the need.
Avoid constipation. For more information, see the topic Constipation, Age 11 and Younger.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 12, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.