Lets talk poop- Constipation in young children

We are all aware that pooping though sometimes an uncomfortable topic is an important human function! When we have trouble with opening our bowels, it really stinks. So, let’s talk about it and what to do! 

Why do we poop? 

Did you know that your mouth and where you poo from is all the same tube, just different ends?  

When we eat food it enters our gastrointestinal tract, where our body breaks it down, absorbs and takes what it requires to function. Leaving behind waste products and parts of food we are unable to break down further that must be removed from the body. These waste food parts, plus other things, such as dead cells and water make up a poop.  

What is a “normal” poop? 

Stools can tell us several things about your health, such as bowel health, dietary habits, hydration and absorption of food items. But what is a good or “normal poop”? 

Stool motions can be different for everyone, with usual ranges being from 3 times a day to 3 times a week. They should be soft and easy to pass. We are looking for a type 3-4 on the Bristol stool chart.  

What is constipation? 

Constipation is where stools are hard, painful, difficult to pass and occur usually less than 3 times a week.  

Why does constipation occur in kids?  

Constipation in children can occur for several reasons.  

1. Holding onto stools  

• Children may put off going to the toilet if they are busy or distracted  

• If a child has had a previous bad or painful experience opening their bowels, they may avoid opening their bowels out of fear and worry. This results in a build-up of stool in the bowels that can become hard.  

2. Inadequate fluid  

• We require fluid to keep our stools soft and easy to pass.  

3. Inadequate fibre  

• Fibre is the indigestible parts of plants. It helps to keep our digestive tracts healthy and create regular bowel motions.  

• However, excessive fibre can make constipation worse, especially if a child is not drinking enough fluid.  

4. Illness impacting bowel motions.  

• If your child is unwell or had a change in eating patterns it can impact their bowel motions. If we are eating less than what we normally eat, it is expected that less waste products will come out.  

5. Medical conditions 

• There are some medical conditions that can contribute to constipation. It is best to discuss these with your doctor.  

How to help with constipation?   

If your child is constipated it is important to ensure that all hard stool is removed from the bowel. Large stools stuck in the lower bowel can cause it to become overstretched and not work adequately. This can result in soiling where new stool goes around the hard stool and leaks out without the child knowing due to the stretch bowels. If the bowels become stretch it can take time for them to come back to normal.  

Ways to treat constipation:  

1. Healthy drinking habits  

• Drinking adequate fluid 

• 1-3y.o require ~1000ml a day and 4-8y.o require ~1200ml a day.  

• Small amounts of diluted juice are okay to use.  

• Prune and pear juices contain natural stool softeners.  

2. Healthy eating habits  

• Include fibre in the day.  

• Fibre is found in, fruit, vegetables, wholegrain breads, cereals, beans, and legume.  

3. Healthy toileting habits 

• Encourage your child to go to the toilet regularly, at least once a day. After a meal is a good time.   

• Teach your child to go when they feel the urge  

• Have a foot stool for them to use. Aiming for knees to be higher then hips.

Fixing and preventing the reoccurrence of constipation can take time and patience. If you need further guidance, please reach out to our dietitian team.