Fact. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends against bubble baths in children, particularly girls, under the age of puberty, to avoid the risk of urinary tract infections.

According to the physicians group, the soap used in bubble bath solution can irritate the urethra, the tube through which urine empties from the bladder. This can make it painful to urinate, often causing young children to try to hold it in. That can lead to a urinary tract infection.

Girls are particularly vulnerable to urinary tract infections because they have a shorter urethra than boys. A urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria in the urethra, bladder or kidneys and is usually treated with antibiotics. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help, and there is some evidence that cranberry juice may help stave off infections.

In rare cases, a urinary tract infection can damage the kidneys, so the group recommends contacting a doctor if you suspect your child has an infection.

By 5 years old, about 8 percent of girls and about 1 percent to 2 percent of boys have had at least one. In older children, the infection may cause obvious symptoms such as burning or pain with urination. In younger children, infections may be harder to detect. Sometimes a fever will be the only clue that something is wrong.

A small percentage of children suffer from recurring infections. Doctors may want to check to see if an anatomical problem is responsible and if surgery may be required. Some children will have to take a medication to prevent recurring infections.