During the newborn to toddler stage, taking care of every tiny part of a baby boy’s body isn’t always easy—especially when it comes to his “little private part.” Many parents may think rinsing with water is enough, but did you know that even something as seemingly minor as poop stuck on the tip of the penis can trigger a UTI in baby boys, putting your child at risk of kidney failure?
This article shares the real-life story of a mother and her baby boy, who was just 2 months and 11 days old when he nearly lost his life due to something she never imagined could happen. Alongside medical insights and hygiene advice, we’ll explore what causes UTI in baby boys and how to prevent it through proper diaper-changing habits and attentive care.
Baby Boy Gets UTI from Poop on Penis Tip: Mom Shares a Warning All Parents Should Hear
A mother shares her heartbreaking experience after her 2-month-old baby boy developed a urinary tract infection (UTI)—and nearly faced kidney failure—all because of a tiny bit of poop stuck on the tip of his penis.
“Hello, my baby is 2 months and 11 days old,” she began. “He’s usually a cheerful baby, until one evening he started feeling a bit warm—like he had a low-grade fever. I didn’t take him to the doctor immediately because it was already late, and I thought it was just a cold due to the changing weather.”
The next day at 4:00 PM, she took him to the clinic. His temperature read over 38°C. “I teared up. The doctor said it was a high fever, and we were lucky he didn’t have a seizure.” After medication and sponge baths, the baby seemed to improve. His temperature dropped to around 35–36°C by the following day, and the mother was relieved.
At 4:00 PM, thinking he was well, she gave him a warm bath. But shortly after, the baby began shivering and fussing. At 4:50 PM, his fever spiked to 40°C. She rushed him to the ER where he was admitted, given fluids, and monitored closely.
On day 4, tests were run, including bloodwork and a urine sample. By day 5, results showed he had a urinary tract infection, likely caused by traces of feces stuck under his foreskin. “I always clean him carefully after he poops—I thought I was doing my best,” she admitted. But when the doctor gently pulled back the foreskin to clean, a small amount of poop was still there. The doctor started him on antibiotics right away and warned her that such infections can lead to kidney failure, especially in infants.
She also recalled that several days prior, the baby would cry right before urinating, but she brushed it off, thinking the weather was just making him feel cold.
“It’s a moment I’ll never forget. Watching my child suffer broke me,” she wrote through tears. “But I want to share this experience so other parents, especially moms with baby boys, can be more aware.”
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Infants: A Silent Danger More Serious Than You Think
What is UTI and Why Should Moms Be Aware?
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is a bacterial infection in the urinary system, which includes:
- Urethra
- Bladder
- Ureters
- Kidneys
In infants, especially those under 1 year old, the immune system is still underdeveloped. This makes it easier for infections to occur and spread quickly—particularly from the bladder to the kidneys, which play a vital role in filtering waste.
How Do Babies Get UTI?
The main cause of UTI in infants is bacteria from the anal area and feces—most commonly E. coli, a normal bacteria in the intestines. When E. coli travels from the anus into the urethra, it can cause inflammation right away.
For baby boys:
- If the foreskin hasn’t been circumcised (which is typical in Thailand),
- Fecal residue may get trapped under the foreskin.
- When left uncleaned, bacteria can enter the urethra and reach the bladder.
Why Are UTIs More Dangerous in Infants Than in Adults?
- Immature immune system – Infants have slower responses to infections.
- Unclear symptoms – Babies can’t speak, so signs like crying may be mistaken for hunger or fatigue.
- Rapid kidney involvement – Untreated infections can quickly spread to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis and potentially leading to kidney failure.
- Flu-like symptoms – Fever may look like a cold, delaying critical treatment.
Warning Signs of UTI in Infants Moms Should Watch For
While UTIs in infants may not present clear symptoms, these subtle signs should not be ignored:
For newborns to 6 months:
- High fever without cold or cough symptoms
- Excessive fussiness or irritability
- Lethargy, poor feeding
- Foul-smelling or discolored urine
- Pale or yellowish skin, dark under-eye circles
- Vomiting or diarrhea
For babies aged 6 months – 2 years:
- Crying before or during urination
- Frequently touching the genital area (indicating pain or itching)
- Decreased urination or trouble peeing
- Recurrent or persistent fever
Note: Some UTIs may occur without a fever. If your child is unusually cranky or eating less than usual, consult your doctor.
Diagnosis: A Simple Yet Crucial Urine Test
Doctors diagnose UTI by:
- Collecting a urine sample – using a urine bag or catheterization
- Microscopic examination – to check for white blood cells and bacteria
- Urine culture in a lab – to identify the specific bacteria and determine which antibiotics it is sensitive or resistant to
If an infection is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe targeted antibiotics to treat the specific bacteria.
UTI Treatment in Infants
- If the condition is mild, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
- But for very young infants (under 3 months) or those with high fever, hospital admission may be required to administer IV antibiotics and provide close monitoring.
Duration of treatment depends on severity:
- 3–5 days – if the bacteria is not severe
- 7–10 days – if the infection is more aggressive or has started spreading
What happens if a UTI in baby boys is left untreated?
- Sepsis – a medical emergency where bacteria enter the bloodstream, potentially causing shock, low blood pressure, and death within hours
- Pyelonephritis – kidney infection that can cause scarring and long-term damage
- Chronic kidney failure – where the kidneys can no longer filter waste properly, possibly leading to dialysis even in childhood
How to Prevent UTI in baby boys: A Guide for Moms
Proper Cleaning Techniques
- Use a cotton pad soaked in warm water and wipe front to back
- Gently retract the foreskin to clean underneath (do not force it)
- Change diapers every 2–3 hours
- Pat the area dry before putting on a new diaper
Avoid Prolonged Baths
- Especially in tubs that may contain soap residue or urine
- If sharing a basin with siblings, clean it thoroughly beforehand
Never Let Poop Linger
- Wipe after every bowel movement, day or night
- Rinse with plain water – it’s more effective than wiping alone
See a Doctor for Any Unusual Signs
- Especially if there’s a high fever with no cold symptoms
- Don’t wait more than 24 hours
“Poop on the tip of the penis” may sound like a mom-group joke, but in reality, it can be the starting point of a heartbreaking health crisis. Don’t assume a happy baby without a runny nose or cough is always safe. Observe every symptom, change diapers frequently, clean every fold, and never hesitate to ask a doctor. A small piece of knowledge might save your child’s life.
Originally published on theAsiaparent Thailand
