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KidsCare Online

Constipation

Normal BMs

Once children are on a regular diet (age 1 year), the normal range for BMs is 3 per day to 1 every two days.
Those kids who go every four and five days all have pain with passage and prolonged straining.
The kids who go every 3 days drift into longer intervals and then develop symptoms.
Passing a BM should be free of discomfort. Any child with discomfort during BM passage or prolonged straining at least needs treatment with changes in the diet.

Diet for Infants Under 1 Year:

For infants over 1 month old only on breast milk or formula, add fruit juices 1 oz./month of age twice a day. Pear, or apple juice are okay at any age.
For infants over 4 months old, also add baby foods with high fiber content twice a day (peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, plums).

Diet for Children Over 1 Year Old:

Increase fruit juice (apple, pear, cherry, grape, prune) (note: citrus fruit juices are not helpful).
Add fruits and vegetables high in fiber content (peas, beans, broccoli, bananas, apricots, peaches, pears, figs, prunes, dates).
Increase whole grain foods (bran flakes, bran muffins, graham crackers, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread. Popcorn can be used if older than 4 years old.)
Decrease milk products (milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt) to 3 servings a day.

Stop Toilet Training:

Temporarily put your child back in diapers or pull-ups.
Reassure him that the poops won't hurt when they come out.
Praise him for the release of poops.
Avoid any pressure, punishment or power struggles about holding back poops, sitting on the potty or resistance to training.

Sitting on the Toilet (if toilet trained):

Establish a regular bowel pattern by sitting on the toilet for 10 minutes after meals, especially breakfast.

Warm Water for rectal pain:

Warmth helps many children relax the anal sphincter and release a BM. For prolonged straining, have your child sit in warm water or apply a warm, wet cotton ball to the anus (the opening where the BM comes out).

IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.