constipation in toddlers

A child who is constipated passes hard, dry faeces infrequently. Infrequent defaecation by itself does not indicate constipation since children differ in their bowel habits: the normal frequency for passing stools may vary from four times a day to once every 4 days. Constipation IS usually short-lived but sometimes persists.

constipation in toddlers

How is constipation in toddlers caused?

Temporary constipation is commonly caused by dehydration that results from illness involving vomiting and fever. From 1 to 2 years of age, the changes that are made in a child’s diet (for example, from formula or breast milk to cow’s milk) may cause constipation. A lack of fibre in the diet – found in fruit, vegetables, and cereals – is the most likely cause of constipation in children who are older.

A child’s constipation may become chronic if a painful anal fissure develops as a result of passing hard stools. Chronic constipation can also develop if a child deliberately withholds faeces during toilet-training (which is most likely if training is started too early) or because he or she has emotional problems.

What are the symptoms?

constipationin toddlers

The symptoms of constipation in toddlers include:

• Infrequent defecation.


• Pain on defecation.


• Hard, dry faeces.

In chronic constipation in toddlers, there may be:

• Liquid faeces trickling from the anus, which may soil the underwear.


• Pain on trying to defecate.


• Loss of appetite.


• Blood on the faeces.

What can I do to help?

Constipation can usually be alleviated and prevented by giving your child plenty of fluids and (if the child is aged 6 months or over) more fibre in the form of fruit and vegetables. Whole- grain cereals are another source of fibre           ( see HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BABY CEREAL) . If constipation is a problem, a child should not drink more than 500 m (1 pint) of milk a day: milk aggravates the problem. Schoolchildren should drink skimmed or semi-skimmed milk.

Your child should be seen by a doctor if constipation persists for more than a week, if there is pain on defecation, or if you suspect chronic constipation.

Constipation in toddlers when to call doctor

The doctor will examine your child and ask about diet and recent illnesses. An improved diet is usually all that is required. If your child has symptoms of chronic constipation, the doctor will examine your child to confirm the diagnosis.

You will be given dietary advice, and stool softeners and stimulant laxatives will be prescribed. You will be asked to see that your child sits on the lavatory at the same time each day to restore a regular bowel habit. After about 2 months, when a regular bowel habit has been re-established, the drug dose will be reduced. No local treatment is needed for an anal fissure; the softened faeces produced by softeners allow it to heal on its own, usually within 6 weeks. If the cause of the constipation is not clear and dietary advice and medicines do not relieve it, your child may be sent to a paediatrician to look further for physical causes, or a child psychiatrist to investigate emotional causes.

What is the outlook?

Temporary or chronic constipation in childhood does not increase the risk of bowel problems later in life.

What to eat for constipation

constipation in toddlers

Fiber is essentially a complex carbohydrate that is indigestible. It helps prevent constipation, a common problem in children, and can also lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and irritable bowel. Plant-based foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, and legumes are fiberrich foods for your toddler.

Given the small size of babies’ and toddlers’ tummies, too much fibrous, bulky food can fill them up before they have consumed enough calories or other nutrients. This may be of concern in some vegetarian Too much fiber can also cause diarrhea, gas, and stomachaches.

Cherry blush Cherries are high in vitamin C for immunity and help with constipation. 1/2 cup cherries,washed, peeled, and pitted 1 peach or 2 apricots, peeled, and diced Place fruit in a saucepan, add a little water, and boil. Simmer covered for 8 minutes.

Grains and potatoes 4–6 portions daily Bread, pasta, rice, noodles, breakfast cereals, porridge oats, crackers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips and yams. Benefits: Rich energy sources, providing carbohydrates, B vitamins, iron and other minerals. Try to make at least half of your child’s portions wholegrain rather than ‘white’, i.e. wholemeal bread, wholegrain breakfast cereals and wholewheat pasta. These foods are an important source of fibre, which helps to keep the digestive system healthy and prevent constipation.

constipation in toddlers