Constipation in children

Keeping your child's bowels healthy

We haven't looked at the research for this advice in as much detail as we've looked at the research on most of the treatments we cover (see Our Method please add link ). But we've included this information here because you may be interested in it.

Your doctor may recommend the following things to help keep your child's bowels healthy.

Don't let your child wait before they go to the bathroom. Encourage your child to go when they first get the urge to pass a stool.
Give your child enough time. It can be hard for your child to go if they feel rushed. Set aside time for your child to sit on the toilet, and try to make this the same time every day. A good time may be after breakfast or dinner, when your child's bowels are most active. Make sure your child gets up early enough to eat breakfast and sit on the toilet.
Encourage your child to eat more foods that have lots of

fiber
Fiber is all the parts of your diet that your body can't absorb. This is why foods that are high in fiber make you have more bowel movements. When your body can't absorb something, it leaves your body in your stools. Foods high in fiber include wholemeal bread and cereals, root vegetables and fruits.

fiber in them. For more information see Eating more high-fiber food.
Make sure your child drinks lots of fluids. Experts recommend eight glasses of water or juice a day.
Encourage your child to gets lots of active play. This increases activity in your child's bowels.
Make sure your child sits on the toilet properly. If your child sits up straight, the small tube to the anus (the anal canal) will also be straight. This makes it easier to push stools out. Your child may need to put their feet on a footstool in front of the toilet.
If your child says that it hurts, tell them to stop trying, and then try again later.

This information was last updated on May 12, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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