Constipation in Children

Written by Anita Romaniw

The most common cause of constipation is a decision made by the child to delay going to the bathroom after having a painful experience. While there are few well-designed studies that have focused on childhood constipation, it is recognized that increasing fibre intake is important in preventing ongoing problems.

What is constipation?

A child is constipated when stools are hard, dry and difficult to pass. Infrequent, soft stools passed without pain are not a sign of constipation.

Possible causes of constipation in children over one year:

Too much milk or cheese and not enough high fibre foods
Not enough fruit, vegetables or whole grains
Not enough water
Not enough active play

Helpful tips:

Striking a balance: Work and family
Is your life more quantity than quality? Talk to a mentor

Breastfeed into the 2nd year of life and beyond
Offer no more than 3 cups of milk per day to encourage appetite for other foods
Offer more water
If you are giving fruit juice, dilute it well with water to increase fluid intake.
Offer whole grain breads with 2 or more grams of fibre per slice
Offer cereals with 4 grams or more fibre per serving. Try the recipe below.
Add some oat bran, fruits or raisins to hot cereal.
Offer fresh fruit and raw or cooked vegetables more often than juice.
Get creative with baked beans. Try them on baked potatoes, crackers, in tacos or on toast.
Encourage lots of active play
Have regular meals and snack times
Have a regular toilet time and routine.

Cereal snack (for children aged 2 or older)
One serving = 1/4 to ½ cup

Choose a variety of any of the following to make a total of 2 cups of cereal:

1/2 cup Shreddies
1/2 cup Rice Chex
1/2 cup Corn Bran
1/2 cup Oat Rings
Add 1/2 cup dried fruit – choose from any of the following: Raisins, Apricots, Peaches, Apples, Pitted Prunes, Craisins.
Mix dried cereal and fruit together. For a treat, add a few chocolate chips.

For more information on nutrition management, contact your local health unit. For information on establishing toilet time and routine, contact the Children’s Constipation Hotline at 1-888-336-8708.

Used with Permission