Constipation can affect children from infancy, causing worry for their parents. This article will explore constipation in children, including its causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies.
Normal bowel habits
When it comes to bowel movements, what’s considered normal varies from child to child. Generally, children should ideally have one bowel movement every day, though some go more frequently. For babies, the frequency can differ widely, especially between breastfed and formula-fed infants. Breastfed babies tend to pass stool more frequently than formula-fed. It’s important to know what is normal for your child so that you can tell if their bowel habits have changed.
The appearance of stool can provide important clues about a child’s digestive health. Normal stool should be relatively soft, but formed, with a colour ranging from light to dark brown. Occasionally, your child may have a slightly green stool because of something they have eaten. Infection or teething can also cause changes in your child’s stool. While all stools do smell, particularly foul-smelling stools may be a sign of dietary issues or digestive problems.
Causes of constipation in children
There are many reasons that your child may be constipated. Recent antibiotic use can affect gut flora, leading to digestive issues. Poor eating habits, particularly a diet low in fibre and high in processed foods, can also play a big role. Insufficient water intake is another common cause, as dehydration can lead to harder, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Taking iron supplements may also cause constipation as can some pain and fever medication.
Lack of physical activity is often overlooked but can significantly impact bowel regularity. Children who are sedentary experience slower digestion and less frequent bowel movement.
Sometimes, children may ignore the urge to use the bathroom because of distractions or anxiety, especially in unfamiliar environments. Previous painful experiences with bowel movements can lead to a fear of using the toilet, creating a cycle of chronic constipation. Dietary changes, such as starting new foods or eliminating others, can also affect bowel habits. In some cases, underlying medical conditions may contribute to constipation.
How to help your constipated child
Proper hydration is crucial in preventing constipation, and you can play a key role in encouraging your children to drink more water. Any water you and your family drink should be filtered through a good quality water filter to remove any chemicals that may be present. Many children may not enjoy the taste of plain water, but there are simple ways to make it more palatable. Adding slices of fresh fruits or vegetables, such as cucumber, citrus, berries, or apple, makes the water look and taste more appealing and provides a healthy snack once the water is finished.
Remember that babies younger than 6 months cannot yet drink water and should get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula.
It’s important that your child never be given sugary juices, cordials, or caffeinated drinks. You should set an example by drinking water regularly and providing each family member with their own water bottle. Increased water intake can lead to softer, easier-to-pass stools, helping to alleviate constipation.
Increasing the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is essential for managing constipation, as these foods are rich in fibre and contain water which are both important for easing digestion and preventing constipation. Apples, pears, grapes, broccoli, carrots and green peas are all good, fibre-rich additions to your child’s diet.
Insoluble fibre plays a crucial role in feeding the microbiome in the digestive system and promoting the formation of soft, easy-to-pass stools. Remember, meat and dairy products contain no fibre, while foods made with white flour have very little, if any.
A diet high in processed foods and biscuits can lead to hardened stools with a putty-like consistency. These can adhere to the intestinal wall, resulting in the formation of smaller, thinner stools and causing waste matter to accumulate in the digestive tract causing health issues throughout the body.
High-fibre foods like whole wheat bread and pasta, oatmeal, and bran flake cereals and legumes (lentils, black beans, kidney beans, soybeans, and chickpeas) are an important part of a healthy diet and, in turn, a healthy digestive system.
Promoting physical activity is vital for stimulating bowel movements. Encourage regular exercise and active play. Establishing a consistent toilet routine, particularly after meals when the gastrocolic reflex is strongest, can help. Creating a comfortable bathroom environment, ensuring privacy, and using a footstool for proper positioning can make the process easier for children.
Using positive language around bowel movements to help alleviate anxiety. For children who have been on antibiotics, use a good probiotic together with a prebiotic supplement for at least a month after the antibiotic course is finished to restore gut flora. Incorporating fermented foods into the diet will also support gut health and regular bowel movements.
A natural and delicious remedy to help treat constipation
Stewed dried fruit is a tasty treat which offers a gentle way to encourage bowel movements. To prepare, combine a pack of mixed dried fruit with a few cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a stainless steel pot. Cover the ingredients with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes. After cooking, allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight glass container for storage in the refrigerator.
This flavourful stewed fruit can be served as part of a breakfast meal or enjoyed as a treat, paired with a small dollop of fresh cream or plain thick yoghurt. The high fibre content of the dried fruit, combined with the natural laxative properties of the spices, helps to relieve stubborn constipation in children.
The power of prune juice
Prune juice can be an effective natural remedy for constipation in children, thanks to its high fiber content and natural laxative properties. For children over 1 year old, offering small amounts of prune juice can help soften stools and stimulate bowel movements. It’s important to introduce prune juice gradually and in appropriate quantities based on the child’s age. When using prune juice, dilute it with fresh, filtered water for younger children and limit the daily intake to avoid an upset stomach. While prune juice is helpful, it should be used as part of a broader approach to managing constipation, which includes a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and regular physical activity.
Products that will help with constipation in children
 | Pegasus Constipation 30c: A homeopathic remedy for acute constipation which acts as a natural laxative with a gentle action. Follow the directions on the label and use when required. This is an essential product for many parents with babies and youngsters that are constipated as it works quickly and very effectively. Natura Segiro drops: See label for directions. |
 | A.Vogel Molkosan: Made from lacto-fermented whey, Molkosan is a prebiotic food supplement. It assists in promoting better digestive health and is a life-saver for stubborn tummies. Dilute half a teaspoon of Molkosan to a glass of water or freshly squeezed juice and get the child to drink it daily. For babies, add a quarter teaspoon to the milk that the baby is drinking once per day. Don’t leave it in the milk, the baby must consume it immediately. |
 | A.Vogel Gastronol: A Homeopathic medicine that assists in the treatment of diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, bloating and flatulence. These tablets dissolve quickly in the mouth and can be crushed to give to babies. A very good remedy for upset tummies with pain, cramps and colic. Dosage: |
When to seek help
Consult your healthcare practitioner if constipation persists despite home remedies, if your child experiences severe abdominal pain, if there’s blood in the stool, or if you notice weight loss or poor growth.
Patience, consistency and open communication are key to managing your child’s constipation. As a parent, you need to ensure your child is properly hydrated, follows a good diet and exercises enough to maintain good gut health. Remember, every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
References
- Constipation in children (no date) NHS choices. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/health/constipation-in-children/
- Constipation in children: Causes, signs & treatment: CHOC (2021) Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Available at: https://choc.org/programs-services/gastroenterology/constipation/
- Reeves, P.T. and Waasdorp Hurtado, C. (2007) Constipation in children, HealthyChildren.org. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/constipation.aspx
- Toddler constipation: Symptoms, causes & treatment (2024) Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17785-constipation-in-children