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Constipation is when a child has fewer than three bowel movements in a week, has difficulty having a bowel movement, or has stools (feces) that are dry, hard, or larger than normal. Constipation may be caused by an underlying condition or by difficulty with potty training. Constipation can be made worse if a child takes certain supplements or medicines, or if a child does not get enough fluids.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

1. Give your child fruits and vegetables. Good choices include prunes, pears, oranges, mangoes, winter squash, broccoli, and spinach. Make sure the fruits and vegetables that you are giving your child are right for his or her age.
2. Do not give fruit juice to children younger than 1 year of age unless told by your child's health care provider.
3. If your child is older than 1 year of age, have your child drink enough water:
4. To keep his or her urine pale yellow.
5. To have 4–6 wet diapers every day, if your child wears diapers.
6. Older children should eat foods that are high in fiber. Good choices include whole-grain cereals, whole-wheat bread, and beans.
7. Avoid feeding these to your child:
8. Refined grains and starches. These foods include rice, rice cereal, white bread, crackers, and potatoes.
9. Foods that are low in fiber and high in fat and processed sugars, such as fried or sweet foods. These include French fries, hamburgers, cookies, candies, and soda.

General instructions

1. Encourage your child to exercise or play as normal.
2. Talk with your child about going to the restroom when he or she needs to. Make sure your child does not hold it in.
3. Do not pressure your child into potty training. This may cause anxiety related to having a bowel movement.
4. Help your child find ways to relax, such as listening to calming music or doing deep breathing. These may help your child manage any anxiety and fears that are causing him or her to avoid having bowel movements.
5. Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child's health care provider.
6. Have your child sit on the toilet for 5–10 minutes after meals. This may help him or her have bowel movements more often and more regularly.
7. Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child's health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if your child:

1. Has pain that gets worse.
2. Has a fever.
3. Does not have a bowel movement after 3 days.
4. Is not eating or losing weight.
5. Is bleeding from the opening between the buttocks (anus).
6. Has thin, pencil-like stools.

Get help right away if your child:

1. Has a fever and symptoms suddenly get worse.
2. Leaks stool or has blood in his or her stool.
3. Has painful swelling in the abdomen.
4. Has a bloated abdomen.
5. Is vomiting, and cannot keep anything down.

Summary

1.   Constipation is when a child has fewer than three bowel movements in a week, has difficulty having a bowel movement, or has stools (feces) that are dry, hard, or larger than normal.

2.   Give your child fruits and vegetables. Good choices include prunes, pears, oranges, mangoes, winter squash, broccoli, and spinach. Make sure the fruits and vegetables that you are giving your child are right for his or her age.

3.   If your child is older than 1 year of age, have your child drink enough water to keep his or her urine pale yellow or to have 4–6 wet diapers every day, if your child wears diapers.

4.   Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child's health care provider.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.