Understanding Constipation
Constipation is a common problem where a child has fewer bowel movements than usual or stools that are hard and dry. It usually improves with the three Fs: fluids, fiber, and fitness.
Quick Action Guide
✅ Try at Home
- • Offer plenty of water; for infants ask about small amounts of prune/apple/pear juice
- • Add fiber-rich foods (apples, pears, oranges, beans, oatmeal, whole grains)
- • Encourage daily physical activity
- • Talk to your doctor before giving any medicine
📞 Call the Doctor If
- • Constipation lasts a week
- • Liquid stool in underwear when your child isn’t sick
- • Severe belly pain, vomiting, or eating less
Signs & Symptoms
- • Fewer bowel movements than usual
- • Straining and pain during BMs
- • Hard, dry stools; larger than usual stools
- • Feeling full or bloated; belly pain
- • A little blood on the toilet paper after a BM
Common Causes
Diet
- • Low fiber intake
- • Not enough fluids
- • Excess fatty, sugary, or starchy foods
Routine & Habits
- • Skipping or delaying bathroom time
- • Travel or schedule changes
- • Less physical activity
Other Factors
- • Some medicines (ask your doctor/pharmacist)
- • Stress or toilet training transitions
How to Help at Home
Fluids & Fiber
- • Water, diluted juices (doctor-advised for infants)
- • Fruits: apples, pears, oranges; Vegetables: beans, peas
- • Whole grains: oatmeal, whole-grain cereals and breads
Daily Movement
- • Encourage age-appropriate physical activity
- • Create regular toilet routines (after meals)
- • Use a footstool to support feet for easier BMs
Prevention Tips
Skip fatty, sugary, or starchy foods that can slow the bowels. Choose fiber-rich foods, keep kids active, and encourage regular bathroom habits.
- • Offer water regularly throughout the day
- • Include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains at meals/snacks
- • Encourage toilet time after meals; use a footstool for proper positioning
What to Avoid
- • Forcing long toilet sits or creating stress around bathroom use
- • Overuse of constipating foods (fried foods, excess cheese, refined snacks)
- • Giving medicines without talking to your doctor first
Track Bowel Habits
What to Note
- • Frequency and stool consistency
- • Fluid intake and fiber foods eaten
- • Any pain or straining
Simple Log Template
⚠️When to Seek Medical Care
- • Constipation lasting a week
- • Liquid stool in underwear (possible overflow soiling)
- • Severe belly pain, vomiting, or eating less
- • Blood in stool or persistent bleeding on toilet paper
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I worry about constipation?
A: Call your doctor if it lasts a week, there is severe belly pain, vomiting, eating less, or leakage of liquid stool in underwear.
Q: Should I use laxatives?
A: Talk to your doctor before giving any medicine for constipation.
Q: What foods help most?
A: Fruits (apples, pears, oranges), vegetables (beans, peas), and whole grains (oatmeal, whole-grain breads/cereals) plus water and daily activity.
Q: Can I prevent it from coming back?
A: Keep up fluids, fiber, and fitness; encourage regular, relaxed toilet time, especially after meals.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information about constipation in children and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment questions.