Constipation is when:
- your child finds it difficult to poo
- their poo is hard
It is common and affects children of all ages.
It is normal for poo to be bulky and soft. For some children, normal can be doing a poo 2 or 3 times a day, or 1 to 2 times a week. Breastfed babies older than 6 months may go a week without having a poo.
This page is about constipation in children over 6 months. Learn more about constipation in babies (0 to 6 months).
Signs your child is constipated
Your child may be constipated if:
- their poo looks like 'rabbit droppings' or little pellets
- they're straining or in pain when they poo
- they bleed during or after having a poo because their poo is large and hard
- they have stomach pain that gets better after they poo
- they do not have energy
- they are irritable, angry or unhappy
- they show signs they're holding their poo in, such as rocking, fidgeting, crossing their legs or refusing to sit on the toilet
- they poo their pants (soiling)
Non-urgent advice: Contact a GP if:
- you think your child may be constipated
What to do if your child is constipated
Get help for your child's constipation as soon as possible. The longer your child is constipated, the harder it can be for them to get back to normal.
Make changes to your child's diet
Give your child plenty of fluids and encourage them to eat fruit. Chop, blend or mash the food if it's easier for them to eat.
High fibre foods include:
- fruit - especially apples, plums, prunes, raisins, apricots and peaches
- whole grain breakfast cereals, bread, pasta and rice
- vegetables
- baked beans
Do not force your child to eat. This can make mealtimes stressful.
If your baby has not started eating solid foods yet, give them extra water between their normal feeds. If you're using formula milk, do not add more water to the mixture.
What to do if your baby (0 to 6 months) is constipated
Physical activity
Encourage your child to be active. This will help their constipation. It is also important for your child's general health, growth and development.
Children under 5 who can walk on their own should be physically active for at least 1 hour each day.
Physical activity for children
Bowel training
You can use bowel training to encourage your child into a regular pooing pattern.
Ask your child to sit on the toilet 4 times a day for 5 minutes, even if nothing happens.
Do this:
- after breakfast
- after school
- after dinner
- before bed
Put a footstool under your child's feet so they are not dangling.
Star charts
Some parents find star charts helpful.
Make a chart for each day of the week and give your child a star for:
- sitting on the toilet
- pooing in the toilet
- taking their laxatives
- washing their hands
Agree with your child a goal number of stars to get. Consider giving them a small reward when they reach their goal.
If your child is constipated and pooing their pants (soiling)
If your child is constipated and pooing their pants (soiling), they are not doing this on purpose. You may both find the situation stressful. Try to stay calm and relaxed.
Treatment for constipation
The treatment for constipation depends on your child's age.
If your child is eating solid foods, your GP may recommend:
- diet and lifestyle changes
- laxatives
It may take several months for the treatments to work. Keep trying until they do.
Laxatives may make your child's soiling (when they poo their pants) worse before it gets better.
When your child's constipation has been treated, it's important to stop it coming back. Your GP may recommend your child keeps taking laxatives for a while to make sure their poo stays soft enough to push out regularly.
Non-urgent advice: Contact a GP if:
- you feel treatment is not working
- your child's constipation is getting worse
Causes of constipation in children
Constipation usually happens when your child:
- first starts taking formula or processed foods as a baby
- is being potty trained as a toddler
- has just started school
The most common causes include:
- not eating enough fibre - such as fruit, vegetables and cereals
- not drinking enough fluids
- fear or anxiety about using the toilet
- problems with potty training - such as feeling pressured or being regularly interrupted
In much rarer cases, constipation in children may be caused by a medical condition.
