What is 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.

• Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Include high-fiber foods in your diet each day. These include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Walking is a good choice. You also may want to do other activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, or playing tennis or team sports.
• Take a fiber supplement, such as Citrucel or Metamucil, every day. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Schedule time each day for a bowel movement. A daily routine may help. Take your time having a bowel movement, but don't sit for more than 10 minutes at a time. And don't strain too much.
• Support your feet with a small step stool when you sit on the toilet. This helps flex your hips and places your pelvis in a squatting position.
• Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter laxative to relieve your constipation. Examples are Milk of Magnesia and MiraLax. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not use laxatives on a long-term basis.