Constipation in Children

Let's talk about pooping!  They even wrote a book about it called, "Everyone Poops"

Newborns
- It can take their tiny tummies some time to adjust.  Their pooping schedules can vary in the first month of life.
- Breastfed babies tend to have a bowel movement with every feed while formula fed babies may not go as often.
- Each infant has their own unique stooling pattern. Concerns are when they have hard tummies, vomit (more than the spit up) and do not want to eat.
- Stools can vary in color (yellow to brown to green) and in consistency (seedy and mushy to hard to loose).  We do not want black or pale colored stools.

Toddlers
- Milk can be a common cause to constipation.
- Make sure they are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Encourage fruits and vegetables high in fiber.  Think P fruits (prunes, pears, papayas), P fruits help you POOP!
- Teach them to use the toilet when they have to go and not hold it in.

Older children
- Make sure that the feet are flat on the floor when sitting on the toilet.  A small stool next to the toilet can help have a successful bowel movement.
- Adequate hydration with water a diet high in fiber is helpful.
- Kids do not need to used the restroom daily but they should not be straining when they do go.

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Topic: Constipation in Children (Pooping) - 12/4/20.

Author

Samantha Reeh, CPNP Samantha Reeh has been a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) for over 5 years. She believes in providing education to parents and children about their health and wellness. Her goal is to help teach families to take control of their health, both physical and emotional, and be active participants in their care. While not in the clinic taking care of patients or doing her weekly live Facebook videos, she loves spending time with her 2 dogs and exercising.