Toddler constipation: signs, causes and what to do to bring relief

• They haven't done a poo at least 3 times in the past week
• Their poos are big and hard or like hard, dry pellets or rabbit droppings
• They're in pain or straining when trying to poo
• There is blood on their poo or on the toilet paper when they wipe
• They have a poor appetite or a stomach pain that disappears once a poo is done
• If they're potty trained, liquid poo is leaking into their pants (runny poo may flow out around a stuck hard poo: this is called overflow soiling)
• They are avoiding doing a poo – crossing legs, clenching buttocks, going red and sweaty, crying

What are the best remedies for toddler constipation?

If treated early, simple toddler constipation can usually be resolved. Here are 5 simple steps to try:

1. Make sure they're drinking enough

A good fluid intake will help soften your child's poo and make it easier to push out. Offer your toddler plenty of water throughout the day.

2. Big up the fibre

Foods full of fibre are nature's natural laxatives, helping your toddler's digestive system to work properly and making poos softer. Good fibre-rich choices include:

• apples
• ripe bananas
• apricots
• kiwi fruit
• figs
• prunes
• pears
• oranges
• broccoli
• sweet potato
• beans, peas and lentils
• wholemeal bread
• baked beans
• cereals
• porridge

3. Chill out at poo time

You may be worried about your child's constipation but try not to let it show! Stay calm and reassuring when they want to do a poo. Give them lots of praise and encouragement when they do manage one, and don.t make a fuss over any accidents.

If your child is potty-trained and has moved onto using the toilet, get them a step to position under the toilet bowl, so they can sit comfortably with their feet flat on the step. This is a much better position for poo-ing than having your legs dangling in mid air.

If you toddler is holding onto their poo or is otherwise anxious about doing a poo, don't force anything. Suggest giving it a go a couple of times a day and let them sit for at least 10 minutes each time (provide some picture books for entertainment).

Don’t rush your child and aim for times when their bowel is at its most active – first thing in the morning and after meals – as times to do a poo

4. Encourage lots of physical activity

Moving your body helps move food through your toddler's gut and can stimulate a need to poo. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes a day of walking, running and jumping around.

5. Try some tummy massage

Lie your toddler on their back and move their legs separately in a cycling motion to put gentle pressure on their intestine and stimulate bowel movement.

What causes constipation in toddlers?

Toddlers can become constipated for a variety of reasons including:

• Not drinking enough water: if your child doesn’t drink enough fluids this can cause or worsen constipation
• Changes in routine: moving house, potty training, starting nursery or the arrival of a new baby sibling can cause temporary constipation
• Diet: not eating enough high-fibre foods, like fruit and vegetables
• Not getting enough exercise: children who aren’t very active are more likely to become constipated
• Cow's milk protein allergy: if your child shows any signs of cow’s milk allergy, speak to your GP
• Medicines: constipation can be a side effect of some medications, so if you suspect this is the cause, talk to your GP – it may be possible to find an alternative medication
• Anxiety about doing a poo: once your toddler's become constipated and then tries to do – or does do – a large poo, it may hurt, and the skin in that area may split and bleed a little. Understandably, this can then make your toddler scared to do another poo – and you end up in a vicious circle where your child is trying to avoid doing a poo because they don’t want it to hurt again, but holding onto poo only make the constipation worse.

Other reasons your toddler becomes constipated may include feeling they don't have enough privacy to poo – or just not wanting to stop playing

When do I need to worry – and when should I call a doctor?

If treated early with the simple remedies I've suggested, your child's constipation can usually be resolved. But if you think your child is withholding their poo, talk to your GP.

If your toddler isn't withholding but the constipation continues for more than a week, it can lead to what's called chronic constipation – where your child's rectum may become used to being full and your toddler then won't feel the urge to poo. Liquid poo can build up behind the stuck solid poo and may leak into your child's pants or cause diarrhoea. The pressure of a full bowel on their bladder can also lead to your child to wet themselves.

Do seek your GP's advice if you think your child has chronic constipation. Your doctor may prescribe age-appropriate doses of laxatives such as lactulose or macrogol (Movicol), which will soften your toddler’s poo. These can take a little time to work and get your toddler pooing regularly again.

Don’t be tempted to give your child a laxative without first consulting a healthcare professional – and never give your child an adult laxative: they're too strong for young children and could make your toddler unwell.

It's rare that constipation is a symptom of something more serious, but if your baby or child is unwell, not gaining weight, or vomiting along with the constipation, then you should always contact your GP.

Pics: Getty Images

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