A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection, in which the bladder is the part of the urinary tract infected with bacteria. The medical term for a bladder infection is cystitis. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, many toddlers develop bladder infections as a result of poor urinary habits.

Holding in Urine

One cause of bladder infections in toddlers is from holding in urine. According to Dr. William Sears, by holding in urine, bacteria is more likely to reach the bladder and multiply, increasing the chances of a bladder infection. Teach your child to urinate regularly and empty the bladder each time. Making sure your child drinks plenty of fluids will help her urinate more regularly.

Improper Wiping

Another cause of bladder infections is from improper wiping. This is a more common cause in girls than it is in boys. If your toddler wipes from back to front it increases the chances of bacteria from stool entering the urethra. Teach your toddler to wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.

Constipation

Constipation is another common cause of bladder infections in toddlers. According to Dr. Sears, impacted stool in the colon presses up against the bladder and urethra, making it harder for a toddler to empty the bladder completely when he urinates. The urine left gives bacteria a chance to grow and multiply in the bladder.

Bath Products

Some bladder infections are caused as a result of an irritation of the urethra. Certain bath soaps and bubble bath can irritate the urethra. When the urethra is irritated it makes it easier for bacteria to enter the body.

Abnormal Development

While most of the causes previously mentioned can be avoided, sometimes the cause is unavoidable. Some toddler's have an abnormal development in the urinary tract. A blockage or problem in the tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder can affect the flow of urine increasing a toddler's risk for bladder infections.

Source:

The American Academy of Family Physicians: Urinary Tract Infections in Children: Why They Occur and How to Prevent Them

Ask Dr. Sears: Childhood Illnesses: Bladder Infections

Kids Health: Urinary Tract Infections