Constipation

Constipation is when you can’t pass solid waste, or stool. (Passing stool is also called “having a bowel movement.”) Constipation is not usually serious. Here are some reasons for constipation:

Diarrhea

• Your child has the flu or some other sickness.

• Your child isn’t getting enough water.

• Your child is holding in the bowel movement because he or she:

– Has a bad diaper rash.

– Has a tear in the rectum (the opening where stool comes out).

– Is being toilet trained.

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Sometimes a child won’t have a bowel movement for many days. They may start getting stains in their underpants. This is called “soiling.” It is a sign of a bigger problem.

You can do things to help your child’s stool be softer. This makes it easier to pass. (See the Self-Care Tips in this section.) Don’t give your child a laxative or an enema unless the doctor tells you to. (Laxatives and enemas are medicines for constipation.) Your child doesn’t have to pass stool every day.

Questions to Ask

Question 1

With constipation, does your child have any of these problems?

• Blood in the stool.

• A crack or tear in the rectum (the opening where stool comes out).

• Pain with a bowel movement.

• Throwing up.

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 2

Is your baby less than 2 weeks old and is he or she not passing stool?

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 3

Has your child:

• Gone for more than 4 days without passing stool?

• Been constipated since he or she was born or for more than 4 weeks?

• Had constipation 3 or more times without the flu or any other sickness?

Call your doctor or health care provider and state the problem. He or she can decide what you should do.

Question 4

Is your child leaking and “soiling” his or her clothes?

Call your doctor or health care provider and state the problem. He or she can decide what you should do.

Use Self-Care:

You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.

Self-Care

• Give your child lots of water and other things to drink. (This is very important when the weather is hot.)

• Give your child prune juice.

• To help your baby pass stool, lie the baby on his or her back. Move the baby’s legs like he or she is riding a bicycle. Or bend your baby’s legs at the knees and hold them up to your baby’s chest.

• Don’t give honey to an infant.

• Feed your child foods with fiber:

– Babies 6 months old and older can have whole wheat baby cereal.

– Older children can eat fruit, and whole-wheat breads and cereals, and vegetables.

• Try giving your baby light Karo® syrup. (You can get it at the grocery store.) Here’s how to give it to your baby:

– Put 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of syrup in 4 ounces of water.

– Put 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of syrup in 4 ounces of formula.

Note: You may have to give your child an over-the-counter medicine. Be sure to check with the doctor first. Some medicines are:

• Mineral oil. (Don’t give mineral oil to a child under 3 years old.)

• Glycerin suppositories.

• Laxatives like Colace® or Metamucil®.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

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