10 min
- Age
- Tips
How to deal with occasional constipation in children?
When your child is experiencing symptoms of constipation, it can be very distressing and worrisome. You never want your child to be uncomfortable and luckily, with all the remedies available today, they don’t have to be. Occasional constipation is a widespread condition, and it happens to most children at some point. As their bodies develop, they’ll go through a few critical periods which may trigger constipation. Childhood constipation can be recognized by infrequent, hard stools and the involuntary passing of stool in their underwear.
Why do children face occasional constipation?
Constipation is one of the most common childhood disorders, affecting up to 30% of children worldwide. Children with constipation experience stools that are hard, dry, and difficult or painful to pass.
When it comes to occasional constipation in children, spotting the symptoms early on is extremely important. An easy tip to help you keep track of your child’s digestive health is to keep a diary of how often your child has a bowel movement and what type of stool it is.
In general, most children have a bowel movement 1 to 2 times per day, but keep in mind that bowel patterns vary from child to child – which is totally normal.
Children
Children can experience constipation due to a number of reasons, some of the most common ones being:
- Purposely not going to the bathroom and withholding stools – we all know how fun those playdates can get!
- Not going to bathroom because it hurts when they try to go
- Not getting enough water or fiber in their diet
- Illness or medication
- A big change in the child’s routine like starting at a new school, moving to a new home, etc.
Spotting the symptoms of constipation
Spotting the symptoms of constipation in your child is important. Just like any other condition, if it goes unnoticed for too long, it can lead to more serious complications.
Children might have constipation if they have:
- Fewer than three bowel movements in a week
- Trouble or pain when passing a bowel movement
- Stool that is hard, dry, and unusually large
If your child has a hard stool consistency, often suffers from discomfort when try to go to the bathroom or feels bloated and has belly pain, we recommend you consult your healthcare professional.
What could be causing occasional constipation?
Spotting the symptoms of occasional constipation is very important – but so is understanding what is causing your child to be constipated. Properly identifying the causes can help you tackle the issue and prevent future bouts of constipation from occurring.
Diets low in fiber or fluids
Constipation in children can be due to a diet that does not include enough fiber or fluids, which help the bowels move as they should. Eating lots of processed, fatty, sugary, or starchy foods can also slow the bowels down.
Stressful periods
Stress can also trigger constipation in children. They can get constipated when they're feeling overwhelmed or nervous about something, like starting at a new school, the birth of a sibling, moving to a new home, traveling, etc.
Other causes
Occasional constipation in children can also be the result of withholding the need to go, which can happen when children want to avoid unpleasant relief or the passing of stool is postponed because they are too busy.
In some rare cases, constipation in children may be linked to a physical disorder or to a use of a specific medication. Talk to your doctor if your child continues to have these issues or if the constipation prolongs.
%20(1)%20(1).2025-12-04-10-34-02.webp)
Which DulcoLax® is right for you?
Everyone deserves to find the one. Learn more about the DulcoLax® range of products and find the right one to help you go.
How to prevent occasional constipation in children?
There are a few steps you can take to help your child get relief and develop habits to prevent constipation in the future.
Children tend to imitate adults – so setting the right example and habits can have a long-term effect on their digestive health (and yours!).
1. Prioritize a healthier, fiber-rich diet
A high-fiber diet for children is essential to maintaining a healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation. Fiber can't be digested, so it helps clean out the intestines by moving the bowels along. When adding more fiber to your child's diet (including fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and yogurts), do so slowly over a few weeks and make sure your child also drinks more liquids.
2. Developing healthy habits
Developing a regular meal schedule or getting in daily exercise can be a step in the right direction when it comes to preventing constipation. Eating is a natural stimulant for the bowels, so regular meals may help kids develop routine bowel habits. In addition, the importance of getting enough exercise is crucial. Physical activity nudges the bowels into action, so encourage your children to move their bodies daily.
3. Get your children into the habit of going
If your child fights the urge to go to the bathroom, have them sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes, ideally after a meal, about the same time each day. By doing this, you’re helping them set a habit by encouraging them to use bathroom whenever they need relief.
4. Give your child more liquids
This one will be simple to remember, Water. Water. Water.
Most school-age kids need at least 3 to 4 glasses of water each day. Drinking enough water and other liquids helps stool move more easily through the intestines.
Everything you need to know
.2026-04-08-11-29-40.webp)
.2026-04-08-11-37-15.webp)
Find your DulcoLax®
Sources
- CHEO. What you need to know: Constipation. February 2020. Available at: https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/resources/P5593E.pdf
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Healthy children org. Constipation in Children. Last updated August 13th, 2021. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-ssues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Constipation.aspx
- Nemours KidsHealth, Reviewed by Kate M. Cronan, MD. Constipation (for Parents) January 2021. Available at: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/constipation.html
- Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Constipation in Canada A Special Report from the CDHF. February 2014