Your child is constipated if he hasn’t had a bowel movement in 48 hours or if the stool he does produce is hard and dry. Constipation generally is not dangerous, but it will cause your child discomfort. Although constipation often goes away on its own, your child’s doctor may also be able to recommend medication to help. Call her if your child's constipation lasts longer than a week or if he has other symptoms, such as fever or vomiting.
Fear
For many young children, pooping in a toilet can be frightening. A child who is moving from diapers to using a toilet may hold in her bowel movements because she feels too vulnerable pushing something out into the open space of a toilet. Children who spend a great deal of time away from home, such as in day care programs or away at summer camp, may also be nervous or embarrassed about using a public toilet and may hold in their bowel movements for several days. Reassuring the child that everyone poops and helping her find a private toilet may help her relax.
Diet
A child whose diet is lacking in fiber and liquid can develop very hard stool and may have a hard time moving his bowels. Adding more fiber-rich foods such as fresh fruits and whole-grain breads and cereal can help. Children who drink too much milk and not enough water may also become constipated. Cut down his milk consumption. Also keep a cup of water near him at all times and remind him to drink from it frequently.
Medication
Certain medications, such as antacids, antidepressants and opiates like codeine, can all cause constipation. Generally this effect begins soon after the child begins taking a new medication. Constipation may also occur when a child is ill. While it may coincide with a child beginning to take medication for a cold or allergies, it’s likely not caused by these types of medication. Constipation caused by medication generally goes away on its own once the child adjusts to the new drug, but her doctor may prescribe medication to treat the constipation if it lasts for a week or more.
Distraction
Preschoolers are just learning how to “listen” to their bodies, and these young children often become so engrossed with playing that they forget they need to have a bowel movement. Once your child holds in one bowel movement, his stool will build up and become hard, making it painful for him to use the toilet and making constipation worse. Young children may need daily reminders that it’s time to try sitting on the toilet. Lead them away from their toys and into the bathroom if necessary.
