Constipation in children is very common. Symptoms include large, hard, and/or painful bowel movements.

Constipation in children is not defined by how often your child has a bowel movement. It’s not that uncommon for breastfed infants to go up to a week or sometimes even a little more between bowel movements.  As long as the stool is soft, however, it’s typically fine.

Treating Constipation

Treatment of constipation may involve changes to your child's diet. Usually, it's best to check with a health care provider before giving your child medicine for constipation such as stool softeners or laxatives. The earlier childhood constipation is identified, the easier it is to treat.

Treatment of constipation in babies

• Remember that breastfed babies may go up to a week or so between stools
• "Bicycle" movement of the legs
• Take a rectal temperature: Gentle rectal stimulation may help move things along

Treatment of constipation for toddlers and older kids

• Increase the amount of water in the diet
• Add higher fiber foods to the diet
• Consider adding a handful of dried prunes at breakfast
• Consider adding a fiber gummy vitamin to your child's daily routine
• Add a 2-4oz of prune or pear juice (don't water it down) daily