- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Factsheets (for Educators)
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Food & Fitness
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
parents
What to Do About Constipation
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 get better with the three Fs: fluids, fiber, and fitness.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Constipation?
- 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
- belly pain
- a little blood on the toilet paper after a BM
How Do I Handle Constipation?
- 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, oatmeal, and whole-grain breakfast cereals or breads.
- Encourage daily exercise to help your child have regular bowel movements.
- Talk to your doctor before giving your child any medicine for constipation.
Get Medical Care if Your Child Has:
- constipation lasting a week
- liquid stool in the underwear when your child isn't sick
- severe belly pain
- vomiting
- eating less
What Can Help Prevent Constipation?
Skip fatty, sugary, or starchy foods, which can slow the bowels down. Choose fiber-rich foods instead.
Medically reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD
Date reviewed: April 2023