Constipation in Kids: Simple Steps to Help Them Go

Does your child experience pain while using the bathroom?

Do they refuse to go saying they are afraid?

Do they strain or have trouble going when they are in the bathroom?

Are they experiencing fecal leaks?

Do they have bowel movements more than twice per day?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child may be experiencing constipation. 

The exact incidence of childhood constipation is unknown. However, it is estimated that 5-30% of people experience constipation during childhood. In addition, the incidence of constipation greatly increases amongst children with other medical and developmental conditions, such as cerebral palsy, autism, hypothyroidism, and more.

There are many causes of constipation, including withholding, limited diet, dehydration, and minimal physical activity participation. In this blog post, we will explore a few of the things you can do at home in order to help your child go.

First, consider some dietary changes. Increasing the water and fiber in your child’s diet can help loosen their stool and make going easier. Fiber cannot be fully digested in the human gut and, therefore, remains in the GI tract to help bulk up stool and keep things moving. Water softens stool, making it easier to pass. In addition, some people experience success with eating prunes or drinking prune juice as these products contain sorbitol, a natural laxative.

There are also medical interventions available that many kids benefit from, such as miralax. Consult your child’s physician prior to providing any medications.

In conjunction with adjusting your child’s diet, it is beneficial to adhere to a regular eating and bowel movement schedule to help them establish a biological routine. Eating stimulates gastro-intestintal motility so, eating dinner prior to attempting a bowel movement can set kids up for success. If foods and eating are challenging for your child, consult with a feeding therapist at Aspire.

Second, your child’s bowels have muscles of their own but they benefit from assistance of other muscles in the area in order to keep nutrients moving along. Therefore, encouraging your child to exercise regularly may help your child process their food with greater efficiency, reducing constipation. Some examples of this include: suggesting your child play hopscotch outside, helping your child sign up for a school sport, or going on a hike with your child.

There are also exercises that can help relieve constipation, encourage pelvic floor relaxation, and support GI motility, such as windshield wipers and child’s pose. Try practicing these with your child prior to attempting a bowel movement. Aspire’s pediatric physical therapists can help with movement and exercise.

In summary, dietary changes, exercise, and a consistent schedule are a few of the ways you can help your child poop comfortably. It is important to note that every child is different and some may need more than at-home assistance. In these cases, consider contacting a physician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or dietitian for their expert opinion.

Amanda McCollum, DPT, is a licensed physical therapist at Aspire specializing in pediatrics and pelvic floor therapy.

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At Aspire, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where children can thrive. We offer evidence-based therapy for school aged children up to age 18. Our team provides holistic, client-centered care to each client, meeting each child where they are in the therapeutic process. 

We can’t wait to meet your child! Please contact us with any questions and to learn more.