Constipation is a common problem in which a child may have fewer bowel movements (BMs or poops) than usual. It usually isn't a cause for too much concern.

Constipation can often be remedied and prevented with the three Fs: fluids, fiber, and fitness.

Signs and Symptoms

• fewer bowel movements than usual
• straining and pain during bowel movements
• stool (poop) that's hard, dry
• larger stools than usual
• feeling full or bloated
• abdominal (belly) pain
• a little blood on the toilet paper after a BM

What to Do

• Give your child plenty of water or juice. If your baby is constipated, ask the doctor about adding prune, apple, or pear juice to the daily diet.
• Increase the fiber in your child's diet. Try apples, pears, oranges, beans, popcorn, oatmeal, and whole-grain breakfast cereals or breads.
• Encourage daily exercise to encourage bowel movements.
• Talk to your doctor before giving your child any medicine for constipation.

Seek Medical Care

If Your Child Has:

• constipation lasting a week
• liquid stool in the underwear when your child isn't sick
• abdominal (belly) pain
• vomiting
• loss of appetite

Think Prevention!

Skip fatty, sugary, or starchy foods, which can slow the bowels down. Choose fiber-rich foods instead and make sure they're washed thoroughly. Also, making sure kids are active every day will help keep their bowels moving, too.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date Reviewed: 14-04-2014