Background: Ventricular shunt infections lead to significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify risk factors for 30-day postoperative infection outcomes of ventricular shunts for pediatric hydrocephalus. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Pediatric database for years 2016-2021 was conducted. Patients under 18 years undergoing ventricular shunt surgery were included. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative shunt infection. A multivariable logistic regression analysis of fourteen prognostic variables was performed. Results: A total of 10,878 patients (mean age 3.1 years, 44.2% female) were included. The 30-day postoperative shunt infection rate was 3.7%. Infection risk increased with nutritional support, longer operating room duration, and congenital hydrocephalus. Risk decreased with increasing age, intraoperative intraventricular antibiotics, and first-time shunt placement. Variables not significantly affecting infection risk included sex, BMI, ostomy, tracheostomy, neuromuscular disease, structural pulmonary/airway abnormality, steroid use, antibiotic-impregnated shunts, and endoscopic catheter placement. Conclusions: Postoperative shunt infections in pediatric patients are influenced by both modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Identifying and addressing modifiable risks can significantly reduce infection rates, minimize the need for surgical revisions, and enhance therapeutic outcomes and overall quality of life.