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Constipation can be prevented by figuring out the times when it may occur, and making proper changes. For instance, when babies start to eat solid food, constipation can result. This is because they don’t have enough fiber in their new diet. You can add fiber to your  baby’s diet by giving pureed vegetables and fruits.…

Hard stools can irritate or tear the lining of the anus (anal fissures). This makes it painful to have a bowel movement. Your child may avoid having a bowel movement because it hurts. This can make constipation get worse.

Having your child get more exercise can also help with constipation. Exercise helps with digestion. It helps the normal movements the intestines make to push food forward as it is digested. People who don’t move around much are often constipated. Have your child go outside and play rather than watch TV or do other indoor…

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment may include diet and lifestyle changes, such as: Diet changes Often making changes in your child’s diet will help constipation. Help your child to eat more fiber by: Adding more fruits and vegetables…

The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. Depending on how old your child is, you might be asked questions such as: How old was your baby when he or she had their first stool? How often does your child have…

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They may include: Not having a bowel movement for a few days Passing hard, dry stools Having belly (abdominal) bloating, cramps, or pain Not feeling hungry Showing signs of trying to hold stool in, such as clenching teeth, crossing legs, squeezing buttocks together, turning red in…

Some children don’t pay attention to signals that their body gives them to have a bowel movement. This can happen when children are too busy playing. They forget to go to the bathroom. Constipation can also be a problem when starting a new school year. Children can’t go to the bathroom whenever they feel the…

Eating too many foods that are high in fat and low in fiber. These include fast foods, junk foods, and soft drinks. Not drinking enough water and other fluids Having a change in diet. This includes when babies change from breastmilk to formula, or when they start eating solid foods. Lack of exercise Children who…

Stool gets hard and dry when the large intestine (colon) takes in (absorbs) too much water. Normally, as food moves through the colon, the colon absorbs water while it makes stool. Muscle movements (contractions) push the stool toward the rectum. When the stool gets to the rectum, most of the water has been soaked up.…