Constipation

When To Call

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• Your child looks or acts very sick
• Persistent abdominal pain over 1 hour (includes persistent crying)
• Persistent rectal pain over 1 hour (includes persistent straining)
• Vomiting over 3 times in last 2 hours
• Age under 1 month old and breastfed
• Age under 12 months with recent onset of weak cry, weak suck or weak muscles
• You think your child needs to be seen urgently

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

• You think your child needs to be seen, but not urgently
• Age under 2 months (Exception: normal straining and grunting)
• Bleeding from anal fissures (tears)
• Needs to pass stool BUT afraid to release OR refuses to go
• Child may be "blocked up"

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns
• Leaking stool
• Suppository or enema needed recently to relieve pain
• Infrequent stools continue after dietary changes (EXCEPTION: normal if breastfed infant over 1 month old AND stools are not painful)
• Toilet training is in progress
• Painful stools occur 3 or more times
• Constipation is a recurrent chronic problem

Parent Care at Home If

• Mild constipation and you don't think your child needs to be seen

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.

Care Advice

Home Care Advice for Constipation

1. Normal Stools:
• Once children are on a regular diet (age 1 year), the normal range for stools is 3 per day to 1 every 2 days.
• The every 4 and 5 day kids all have pain with passage and prolonged straining.
• The every 3 day kids usually drift into longer intervals and then develop symptoms.
• Passing a stool should be fun, or at least free of discomfort.
• Any child with discomfort during stool passage or prolonged straining at least needs treatment with dietary changes.
2. Diet for Infants Under 1 Year:
• For infants over 1 month old only on breast milk or formula, add fruit juices 1 ounce (30 ml) per month of age per day. Pear or apple juice are OK at any age. (Reason: treating a symptom)
• For infants over 4 months old, also add baby foods with high fiber content twice a day (peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, plums).
• If on finger foods, add cereal and small pieces of fresh fruit.
3. Diet for Children Over 1 Year Old:
• Increase fruit juice (apple, pear, cherry, grape, prune) (note: citrus fruit juices are not helpful).
• Add fruits and vegetables high in fiber content (peas, beans, broccoli, bananas, apricots, peaches, pears, figs, prunes, dates) 3 or more times per day.
• Increase whole grain foods (bran flakes, bran muffins, graham crackers, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.  Popcorn can be used if over 4 years old.)
• Limit milk products (milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt) to 3 servings per day.
4. Stop Toilet Training: Temporarily put your child back in diapers or pull-ups.
• Reassure him that the poops won't hurt when they come out.
• Praise him for the release of stools.
• Avoid any pressure, punishment or power struggles about holding back poops, sitting on the potty or resistance to training.
5. Sitting on the Toilet (if toilet trained): Establish a regular bowel pattern by sitting on the toilet for 10 minutes after meals, especially breakfast.
6. Warm Water for Rectal Pain: Warmth helps many children relax the anal sphincter and release a stool. For prolonged straining, have your child sit in warm water or apply a warm wet cotton ball to the anus. Move it side to side to help relax the anus.
7. Flexed Position:
• Help your baby by holding the knees against the chest to simulate squatting (the natural position for pushing out a stool). It's difficult to have a stool while lying down.
• Gently pumping the lower abdomen may also help.
8. Call Your Doctor If:
• Constipation continues after making dietary changes
• Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms. 

To find a pediatrician, click here.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.

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