Constipation

When to Call for Constipation

Care Advice for Constipation

1. What You Should Know about Constipation:
   • Constipation is common in children.
   • Most often, it's from a change in diet. It can also be caused by waiting too long to stool.
   • Passing a stool should be pleasant and free of pain.
   • Any child with pain during stool passage or lots of straining needs treatment. At the very least, they need changes in diet.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Normal Stools:
   • Normal range: 3 per day to 1 every 2 days. Once children are on a regular diet, their stool pattern is like adults.
   • Kids who go every 3 days often drift into longer times. Then symptoms start.
   • Kids who go every 4 and 5 days almost always have pain with passage. They also have lots of straining.
3. Diet for Infants Under 1 Year Old:
   • Age over 1 month old only on breast milk or formula, add fruit juice.
   • Amount. Give 1 ounce (30 mL) per month of age per day. Limit amount to 4 ounces (120 mL).
   • Pear and apple juice are good choices. After 3 months, can use prune (plum) juice. Reason for fruit juice: approved for babies in treating a symptom.
   • Age over 4 months old, also add baby foods with high fiber. Do this twice a day. Examples are peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, or plums.
   • Age over 8 months old on finger foods, add cereals and small pieces of fresh fruit.
4. Diet for Children Over 1 Year Old:
   • Increase fruit juice (apple, pear, cherry, grape, prune). Note: citrus fruit juices are not helpful.
   • Add fruits and vegetables high in fiber content. Examples are peas, beans, broccoli, bananas, apricots, peaches, pears, figs, prunes, or dates. Offer these foods 3 or more times per day.
   • Increase whole grain foods. Examples are bran flakes or muffins, graham crackers, and oatmeal. Brown rice and whole wheat bread are also helpful. Popcorn can be used if over 4 years old.
   • Limit milk products (milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt) to 3 servings per day.
   • Fluids. Give enough fluids to stay well-hydrated. Reason: keep the stool soft.
5. Stop Toilet Training:
   • Put your child back in diapers or pull-ups for a short time.
   • Tell him that the poops won't hurt when they come out.
   • Praise him for passing poops into a diaper.
   • Holding back stools is harmful. Use rewards to help your child give up this bad habit.
   • Avoid any pressure or punishment. Also, never force your child to sit on the potty against his will. Reason: it will cause a power struggle.
   • Treats and hugs always work better.
6. Encourage Sitting on the Toilet (if toilet trained):
   • Set up a normal stool routine, if your child agrees to sitting.
   • Have your child sit on the toilet for 5 minutes after meals.
   • This is especially important after breakfast.
   • If you see your child holding back a stool, also take to the toilet for a sit (if cooperates).
   • During sits, stay with your child and be a coach. Just focus on helping the poop come out.
   • Do not distract your child. Do not allow your child to play with video devices, games or books during sits.
   • Once he passes a normal size stool, he doesn't need to sit anymore that day.
7. Warm Water to Relax the Anus:
   • Warmth helps many children relax the anus and release a stool.
   • For straining too long, have your child sit in warm water.
   • You can also put a warm wet cotton ball on the anus. Vibrate it side to side for about 10 seconds to help relax the anus.
8. Flexed Position to Help Stool Release for Babies:
   • Help your baby by holding the knees against the chest. This is like squatting for your baby. This is the natural position for pushing out a stool. It's hard to have a stool lying down.
   • Gently pump on the lower belly with your fingers. If no stool release in a few minutes, stop.
9. Squatting Position to Help Stool Release for Older Children:
   • The squatting position gives faster stool release and less straining.
   • Squatting means that the knees are above the hips.
   • For most children who sit on the toilet, a foot stool is needed.
   • It is an important part of treating constipation.
10. Stool Softeners (Age Over 1 Year Old):
    • If a change in diet doesn't help, you can add a stool softener. Must be over 1 year of age.
    • Use a stool softener (such as Miralax). It is available without a prescription. Give 1-3 teaspoons (5-15 mL) powder each day with dinner. Mix the powder in 2 to 6 ounces (60-180 mL) of water.
    • Fiber products (such as Benefiber) are also helpful. Give 1 teaspoon (5 mL) twice a day. Mix it in 2 ounces (60 mL) of water or fruit juice.
    • Stool softeners and fiber should produce regular soft stools in 1 to 3 days.
    • Discuss dosage and how long to use with your doctor.
11. What to Expect:
    • Most often, changes in diet helps constipation.
    • After your child is better, be sure to keep him on high fiber foods.
    • Also, have your child sit on the toilet at the same time each day.
    • These tips will help to prevent the symptoms from coming back.
12. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Constipation lasts more than 1 week after making changes to diet
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.