People may avoid talking about constipation, but it’s a very common problem in kids, especially those who are potty training. Constipation also tends to happen in the summertime, as kids play outside and get dehydrated, forgetting to drink and replace fluids.

Common Causes of Constipation

Constipation can be caused by too little fiber or fluids in the diet, lack of physical activity or changes in routine. Some infants may get constipated when switching from breast milk to formula or when starting solids in their diet. Toddlers may get constipated when starting whole milk in their diet or when they start to potty train.

Sometimes kids are too busy playing and forget to go to the bathroom or ignore signals from their body telling them it’s time. Starting day care or a new school year can also lead to constipation, since kids are put on a new schedule and may need to change their toileting routine. Some kids may also avoid using the bathroom at school or other public places and will hold their bowel movements until they get home.

A Vicious Cycle

Once a child becomes constipated, they start having hard, dry stools which can be painful to pass. The child may then start to avoid using the bathroom to avoid pain and discomfort. This then makes the bowel movements harder, and repeated avoidance of bowel movements can lead to a cycle of chronic constipation. A child may straighten out or cross their legs to squeeze the buttocks together, which is a telltale sign they may be trying to avoid having a bowel movement. 

How To Help Your Child

If your child experiences constipation, don’t panic — there are several home remedies that can help.

Balanced diet: A combination of high fiber foods and plenty of fluids can be very effective. Summer is a perfect time to add fresh fruits and veggies to your child’s diet. Having kids help select fresh foods at the grocery store or from a garden or farmers market may even entice them to eat more! Fiber alone won’t help — drinking water is essential for moving the stool through the intestines. Also try to limit cheese, fast foods, junk foods and caffeinated beverages including soda.

Increased physical activity: Exercise aids digestion by helping the intestines push stool forward, and summertime is a great opportunity for kids to get outside and be active. Encourage your child to go out and play rather than sit around watching TV or using electronic devices.

Comfortable toileting: Have your child sit on the toilet twice a day for 5-10 minutes, preferably first thing in the morning or after a meal, when the digestive system is most active. The child should also sit on the toilet after they get home from school, sports or other activities. Be sure your child is comfortable — if their feet don’t reach the floor, put a stepstool in front of the toilet so your child can rest their feet to bear down effectively and relax the pelvic floor. Blowing bubbles or blowing into a straw can also help kids push efficiently.

Stool softeners/laxatives: For cases of constipation that do not respond to dietary changes or behavioral changes alone, an over-the-counter stool softener can be very effective to soften bowel movements so they are not hard or painful for the child. A laxative may be used to increase bowel movement frequency, especially if your child is withholding stools.

When To Get Help

If constipation isn’t resolved at home, it’s time to check in with your child’s primary care provider. Stubborn, chronic constipation may need additional treatment or medication. While most cases of constipation in children are caused by diet, avoiding the bathroom or changes in routine, some cases may require further evaluation with a specialist to rule out a physical problem. Other cases of constipation may require behavioral interventions if a child is withholding bowel movements due to pain or stress, being embarrassed to use a public bathroom, or feeling overwhelmed with toilet training — all common emotional causes of constipation.

This may be handled through your child’s primary care provider, or you may be referred to a provider who specializes in pediatric constipation. With these tips, you should be well on your way to managing your child’s constipation to help keep things moving.