It’s Time To Talk Poop: How To Help Your Child With Constipation

What is constipation?

Constipation is generally defined as infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools and is quite common in children, especially during potty training.^1,2 Simply put, a child may be experiencing constipation if they poop less often than normal.^1,2 More often than not, constipation in children doesn’t last long and isn’t something to worry about¹ – but, it’s important to be able to decipher your child’s bowel movements so that you can help them find relief or speak to a healthcare professional, if needed.

What causes constipation in children?

There are various causes of constipation in children. Some common causes include:^1,2

• Diet: A lack of fibre in the diet (found in fruits and vegetables).
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can make stools hard and difficult to pass.
• Potty training: Stress or anxiety related to potty training as well as delaying going to potty while playing can sometimes lead to withholding stool.
• Anxiety: Changes in routine, moving houses, or starting school can contribute to constipation.
• Underlying medical conditions: Constipation can sometimes be a symptom of health conditions like hormonal or metabolic disorders.

Constipation may make it painful for your little one to go to the bathroom often leading them to withhold their stool which can create a cycle of worsening constipation.^1,2 The longer your child experiences constipation, the more difficult it can become for them to get back to normal, which is why it’s important to know what to look out for so that you can help your child as soon as possible.² 

Spotting the signs: What’s normal, what’s not?

Your child may not be able to tell you when they’re constipated, so it’s important that you stay on the lookout for signs and symptoms. Some of these include:^1,2

• Pooping less than two or three times per week.
• Large, dry, hard stool that is difficult to pass and can be accompanied by some bleeding.
• Stool that resembles small pellets or rabbit droppings.
• Straining or feeling pain while pooping.
• Pain or bloating in the abdomen that improves after they have a bowel movement.
• Soiled underwear that can look like diarrhoea (also called overflow soiling).
• Deliberately avoiding or delaying pooping.

Sometimes, even your child’s stool can tell you a lot about their bowel habits and help you figure out if they might be constipated!³ The below chart may be able to help you decode your child’s poop, empowering you to help them early so that they can get the relief they need:³

How can you prevent constipation in your child?

Good news! There are some strategies you can try at home to help prevent constipation in your child:^1,2

• Diet: Offer your child plenty of fibre-rich foods (like fruits and vegetables).
• Hydration: Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water.
• Routine: Schedule toilet time, especially after meals or before bed.
• Activity: Encourage your child to be physically active.

When should you speak to your healthcare professional?

Although constipation can go away on its own with lifestyle and dietary changes, it can become serious and may require the help of a healthcare professional. It’s important to speak to your doctor if your child is constipated for more than two weeks or if you notice any of the following along with constipation:¹

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Bloody stools or rectal bleeding
• Swollen abdomen
• Persistent abdominal pain

What other remedies are available?

Aspen’s Little Wonders trusted portfolio of products for children is designed to help your child with various ailments, including constipation. Speak to your healthcare professional about the Little Wonders solutions for constipation – because when Little Wonders have bigger needs, you can count on Aspen to lend a helping hand.

In a nutshell

Constipation is a common issue in children and, while it can be concerning, it’s often manageable with simple dietary and lifestyle changes. By understanding the signs of constipation, decoding your child’s poop, and speaking to a healthcare professional when needed, you can help your little one find relief and maintain healthy bowel habits.