What causes urinary tract infections in children?

I have 2 granddaughters who have both had these infections in the last month. Could they be exposed to something at home to cause this?

They could be.
Or it is more likely that they are dehydrated...
I am not a medical professional but I do work with children and the most commen cause I have heard of them in children is that they hold their urine too long. They need to be encouraged to go when they need to go.

they could be wiping upwards instead of downwards, this is common in young girls.

kool aid

UTIs are caused by bacteria (germs) getting into the bladder or the kidneys. The following things can sometimes cause germs to get into the bladder or kidney:

Having bubble baths
Wearing tight-fitting clothing
Holding urine for a long time
Girls wiping from back to front, instead of front to back after a bowel movement
Some children have a condition that keeps their bladder from emptying all the way. These children may have UTIs often
Some children who have a UTI have to take medicine. Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs. In most cases, antibiotics can be given orally (by mouth). If the infection is severe, the antibiotics may be given in the hospital through a vein. To cure the UTI, your child must take all the medicine exactly as the doctor prescribes.

It's also important that your child drink enough fluids every day so the urine isn't concentrated.

bacteria. Maybe your G- daughters are a bit run dowm - common in spring. Make sure they are getting a good diet and if worried try supplementing with a kids vit. supplement.

Sometimes bubble baths can be the culprit. Also make sure that they are wiping front to back. Alot of urninary tract infections are caused by contamination with feces when wiping after a bowel movement.