Constipation

It is not necessary for babies or older children to have daily bowel movements. Children make their own schedules, and if you show too much concern or worry over minor bowel problems during potty training, your child is more likely to develop constipation.

Constipation is when a child has hard, infrequent bowel movements. The treatment for constipation depends on the child’s age and the severity of the problem. Infants in the first few months of life may have widely varied bowel movements. Some babies may have one every three or four days. Others may have five or six a day. Both patterns are normal.

Infants who are having hard, dry, pellet‑like stools and straining and crying may be treated by giving 2 oz. of juice (apple, white grape, or prune) mixed with 2 oz. of water twice a day between regular feedings for two to three days.

For children over 6 months of age, you may treat constipation with diluted juice or with a stool softener that is not a laxative and not habit forming. For babies, use 1 tsp. of a stool softener (like prescription medicine LactuloseTM) every day in 4 oz. of formula. Dose may be divided in two with 1/2 tsp. given twice a day in 4 oz. of formula.

In a toddler or older child, mild constipation is a common problem. If your child is having hard, infrequent stools, first change his diet to include whole grains, bran, fruits, vegetables, and increased fluids. Reduce his intake of constipating foods (milk, ice cream, cheese, bananas, cooked carrots). If necessary, try a stool softener. If this does not help, please call the pediatrician.