Alternative NamesBladder catheter - infants; Foley catheter - infantsInformationA urinary catheter is a small, soft tube placed in the bladder.WHY IS A URINARY CATHETER USED?A catheter may be needed if your baby is making only small amounts of urine. This could be due to your baby being very ill with low blood pressure, an abnormally developed urinary system, the use of a medication that decreases urine production, or the use of a medication that will not allow your baby to move his or her muscles. The catheter allows the urine that is made to be closely measured, which will help your doctor determine how much fluid your baby needs.HOW IS A URINARY CATHETER PLACED?The catheter is placed into the bladder through the opening at the tip of the penis in boys and near the vagina in girls where