Constipation (Age 1-5)

Normal Frequency of Stools

Once children are on normal table foods, their stool pattern is like adults. The normal range is 3 stools per day to 1 every 2 days.
Kids who go every 4 or 5 days almost always have pain with passage.
Kids who go every 3 days often drift into longer times. Then, they also develop symptoms.
Any child with pain during stool passage or lots of straining needs treatment. At the very least, the child should be treated with changes in diet.

Normal Stools and Normal Behaviors

Brief straining under 10 minutes can occur at times at any age.
Large stools. Size relates to the amount of food eaten. Large eaters have larger stools.
Hard or dry stools are also normal if passed easily without too much straining. Often, this relates to poor fiber intake.

Causes

High milk or cheese diet
Low fiber diet
Postponing or holding back stools because of pain
Holding back stools because of power struggles. Most often, it's a battle around toilet training.
Slow passage of food through the intestines. Most often, this type runs in families.

Overview:

Constipation is common in children.
Most often, it's from a change in diet. It can also be caused by waiting too long to stool.
Passing a stool should be pleasant and free of pain.
Any child with pain during stool passage or lots of straining needs treatment. At the very least, they need changes in their diet.
Here is some care advice that should help.

Diet for Children:

Increase fruit juice (apple, pear, cherry, grape, prune). Note: Citrus fruit juices are not helpful.
Add fruits and vegetables high in fiber content. Examples are peas, beans, broccoli, bananas, apricots, peaches, pears, figs, prunes, or dates. Offer these foods 3 or more times per day.
Increase whole grain foods. Examples are bran flakes or muffins, graham crackers, and oatmeal. Brown rice and whole wheat bread are also helpful. Popcorn can be used if over 4 years old.
Limit milk products (milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt) to 3 servings per day.
Give enough fluids to stay well hydrated. Reason: This keeps the stool soft.

Stool Softeners:

If a change in diet doesn't help, you can add a stool softener.
Miralax is a good one. Give it each day with dinner.
Dose: 1 teaspoon (5 mL) powder mixed in 2 ounces (60 mL) of water or fruit juice.
Stool softeners should produce soft stools in 1 to 3 days.
After 1 week, try to phase it out.

Encourage Sitting on the Toilet (if toilet trained):

Set up a normal stool routine.
Have your child sit on the toilet for 5 minutes after meals.
This is especially important after breakfast.
If you see your child holding back a stool, also take to the toilet for a sit (if cooperates).
During sits, stay with your child and be a coach. Just focus on helping the poop come out.
Do not distract your child. Do not allow your child to play with video devices, games or books during sits.
Once he passes a normal size stool, he doesn't need to sit anymore that day.

Stop Toilet Training if Holding Back Stools Persists:

Put your child back in diapers or pull-ups for a short time.
Tell him that the poops won't hurt when they come out.
Praise him for passing poops into a diaper.
Holding back stools is harmful. Use rewards to help your child give up this bad habit.
Avoid any pressure or punishment. Also, never force your child to sit on the potty against his will. Reason: It will cause a power struggle.
Treats and hugs always work better.

Prevention of Constipation:

What to Expect:

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