Constipation

Constipation occurs when stools become hard and are difficult to pass and your child is passing fewer stools. A child may cry because they are constipated. A crying episode usually occurs while the child is trying to pass a stool and normally will stop when the stool is passed.

Some parents are overly concerned about how often their child has a bowel movement because they have been taught that a healthy child has a bowel movement every day. This is not true. The frequency of bowel movements is not as important as whether the child can pass stools easily. If your child's stools are soft and pass easily, your child isn't constipated, even if your child doesn't have a bowel movement every day.

For babies younger than 12 months

• 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 water between feedings. Only give your baby 1 fl oz (30 mL) to 2 fl oz (60 mL) of water no more than 2 times each day for 2 to 3 weeks. Be sure to give your baby the suggested amount of formula for each feeding plus the extra water between feedings. Don't give extra water for longer than 3 weeks unless your doctor tells you to. Don't give plain water to a baby younger than 2 months.
• If your child is older than 6 months, you can give your child fruit juices, such as apple, pear, or prune juice, to relieve the constipation. Don't give more than 4 fl oz (120mL) a day and don't give it for more than a week or two.
• When your baby can eat solid food, serve 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, or whole grains in your child's diet 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.
• 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.
• Do not give laxatives or enemas to your child unless your child's doctor recommends it.
• Make a routine of putting your child on the toilet or potty chair after the same meal each day.