Constipation in Children: Causes, Symptoms & Solutions for Babies and Kids

Constipation is a common concern for parents of babies and children, often causing discomfort and anxiety. While occasional difficulty with bowel movements is expected, persistent constipation can impact a child’s health and well-being.

Timely recognition and appropriate treatment are vital to prevent complications and support healthy development.

What You'll Learn in This Guide

In this guide, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what constipation means for babies, toddlers, and older children, including how to recognise the symptoms and identify when it’s time to seek medical help.

You’ll discover the key causes of constipation across different age groups, as well as practical strategies for prevention through healthy dietary choices and daily habits.

The guide also explains safe and effective treatments for relieving constipation, highlights when specialist care may be necessary for chronic or severe cases, and introduces the support available to families at Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre.

Understanding Constipation in Babies and Children
Recognising Constipation: Symptoms and When to Worry
Prevention: How to Prevent Constipation in Babies and Children
Treatment: How to Relieve and Treat Constipation in Children
Why Choose Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre for Paediatric Care

Understanding Constipation in Babies and Children

Constipation in children usually means having fewer than three bowel movements each week, or passing hard, dry, and sometimes painful stools. For infants, this might mean going several days without a bowel movement. Toddlers and older children may show signs such as straining or trying to hold in their stools.

As children grow, their bowel habits naturally change. Newborns may pass stools several times a day, but this often decreases as they get older or as their diet changes.

Most cases of constipation in children are considered “functional,” which means there is no underlying medical disease. It is often linked to a diet low in fibre, not drinking enough fluids, or changes in daily routine. Other factors can include switching from breastmilk to formula, starting solid foods, or emotional stress.

Common causes of constipation in children include:

Low-fibre diet or sudden dietary changes (such as switching from breastmilk to formula, or starting solids)
Insufficient fluid intake or dehydration
Withholding stool due to pain, fear, or busy routines
Certain medical conditions (for example, hypothyroidism, food allergies, or anatomical issues)
Side effects from medicines or supplements (such as iron)

Recognising Constipation: Symptoms and When to Worry

The main symptoms of constipation in babies and children include:

Hard or dry stools
Infrequent bowel movements
Straining or discomfort during bowel movements
Abdominal pain or bloating
Small amounts of blood on the stool surface (from minor tears)
l accidents (encopresis), especially if constipation is chronic

Chronic constipation can lead to symptoms that last more than two weeks. Parents should seek medical attention if their child has fewer than three bowel movements a week, is experiencing pain, vomiting, blood in the stool, or a loss of appetite.

These signs may indicate a more serious underlying issue that needs prompt assessment by a healthcare professional.

Prevention: How to Prevent Constipation in Babies and Children

Preventing constipation starts with healthy, age-appropriate dietary choices. For breastfed babies, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months.

Formula-fed infants may benefit from formulas with added prebiotics or probiotics, but you should always consult your paediatrician before making changes. When your baby starts eating solids, offer pureed fruits like prunes, pears, or apples, as well as vegetables and wholegrains.

For older children, a diet rich in fibre, such as wholemeal bread, oats, beans, and fresh fruit, can help keep bowel movements regular. It is also important to ensure children drink enough fluids and stay physically active, as both are important for preventing constipation.

Tips to help prevent constipation in children:

Offer plenty of water and fluids throughout the day
Include fibre-rich foods in daily meals
Encourage regular physical activity
Set up a relaxed and regular toilet routine, especially after meals
Limit processed snacks and sugary drinks

Treatment: How to Relieve and Treat Constipation in Children

Most mild cases of constipation can be managed at home by increasing fibre and fluid intake, encouraging physical activity, and helping children develop regular toilet habits. For babies, gentle tummy massages or moving their legs in a cycling motion can help relieve discomfort.

If these measures do not help, or if symptoms continue, you should consult a doctor before giving any medication. Over-the-counter remedies should never be given to infants or young children without medical advice.

When to seek specialist care:

Constipation lasting more than two weeks
Severe abdominal pain or vomiting
Blood in the stool
Loss of appetite or weight
No improvement with home remedies

Why Choose Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre for Paediatric Care

Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC) provides comprehensive paediatric care. Early intervention by a paediatric specialist can help prevent complications and give families reassurance and effective management strategies.

BTMC’s patient-centred approach ensures families receive support, education, and personalised treatment plans. You can book a consultation for your child by visiting the BTMC website or contacting their paediatric department directly.

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