References:

1. Caring for Kids – Healthy bowel habits for children
2. Sick Kids-About Kids Health – Constipation in Children

What is Constipation?

• Bowel movements occurring less often than usual
• Passing hard and dry bowel movements
• Unusually large bowel movements

What Causes Constipation?

• Medications
• Changes in diet
• Not consuming enough water or fluids
• A low-fibre diet
• Too much milk, juice, or other dairy products
  • Can cause children to feel full leading to them eating less foods that promote good bowel habits
• Change in routine
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Not going to the bathroom when the urge is present
• High levels of stress
• Holding stool because of fear of pain during bowel movements
• Genetics

How Do I Encourage Healthy Bowel Habits?

• Providing whole grains, fruits, vegetables and water to your child
• Promoting activity through the day
• Teach your child not to hold a bowel movement

How is Constipation Treated?

• In babies younger than 12 months:
  • Breastfeed if possible, breastfed babies rarely have hard stools
  • When the baby is eating solids, give cereals, fruits, and vegetables
• In children over 1 year:
  • Provide plenty of water and fluids
  • Provide high-fibre foods
    • Fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains
  • Administer medications as prescribed
  • Encourage daily exercise
  • Encourage children to go to the bathroom when they have the urge to
• For acute constipation:
  • When the child has not had a regular bowel movement in 2 weeks
    • Add more fibre and fluids to the diet
    • Encourage sitting on the toilet after meals
      • 2 to 3 times per day, 20-30 minutes after each meal, spend 5 minutes sitting on the toilet
    • Allow children enough time on the toilet, do not rush them
• For chronic constipation:
  • When the child has not had a regular bowel movement in over 8 weeks
    • The most common cause of chronic constipation is holding bowel movements to avoid the pain
    • Treatment from a healthcare provider is often necessary
      • They may prescribe laxatives
      • Review the child’s diet
      • Suggest sitting on the toilet at the same time each day

When Should My Child See a Doctor?

• Blood in the stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• Constipation gets worse
• Passing large stools
• Pain passing stools

Will Medications Help?

• Avoid enemas and suppositories unless suggested by a healthcare provider
• The healthcare provider may suggest stool softeners
  • These draw water into the bowel to flush out stool
  • They are safe and can be used long-term

Further Your Learning:

1. Sick Kids-About Kids Health – Constipation in Children
2. UnlockFood.ca – Constipation in Children

Shareable Resources For Clients:

1. Caring for Kids – Healthy bowel habits for children
2. UnlockFood.ca – Constipation in Children