Constipation in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Constipation means that your child has a hard time passing stools (bowel movements) and is passing fewer stools. Children pass stools from 3 times a day to once every 3 days. What is normal for your child may be different. Constipation may occur with pain in the rectum and cramping. The pain may get worse when your child tries to pass stools.

Constipation has many causes in children. These include medicines, changes in diet, not drinking enough fluids, and changes in routine.

You can prevent constipation—or treat it when it happens—with home care. But some children may have ongoing constipation. It can occur when a child doesn't eat enough fiber from foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Or toilet training may make a child want to hold in stools. Children at play may not want to take time to go to the bathroom.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

For babies younger than 12 months

• If your baby is younger than 6 months old, talk to your doctor about how to prevent constipation.
• Breastfeed your baby if you can. Hard stools are rare in breastfed babies.
• If you are switching from breast milk to formula, you can try to give your baby sips of water between feedings.
• If your child is older than 6 months, you can give your child fruit juices, such as apple, pear, or prune juice, mixed with water to relieve the constipation. Talk with your doctor about how much to give your baby for their age and weight.
• When your baby can eat mashed or solid food, give them cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

For children 1 year or older

• Give your child plenty of water and other fluids.
• Include high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your child's diet each day.
• Make sure your child gets daily exercise. It helps the body have regular bowel movements.
• Tell your child to go to the bathroom when they have the urge.
• Make a routine of putting your child on the toilet or potty chair after the same meal each day.
• Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
• Do not give laxatives or enemas to your child unless the doctor recommends it.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has severe belly pain.
• There is blood in your child's stool.
• Your child is vomiting.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child has mild to moderate belly pain.
• Your baby younger than 3 months has constipation that lasts more than 1 day after you start home care.
• Your child age 3 months to 11 years has constipation that goes on for a week after home care.
• Your child has a fever.