Elimination Problems or Constipation in Infants and Children

Follow this chart for more information about changes in an infant or child's bowel movements.

Back to Symptoms
Step 2

Answering Questions

  • Does your child have frequent, watery bowel movements?

  • Does your child strain to have a bowel movement, and are his or her stools very hard and dry? Does your child also have urine accidents (after previously being potty-trained)?

  • Does your child have gas, bloating, and diarrhea, especially right after eating foods that contain wheat or cow’s milk?

  • Does your child seem to have pain with bowel movements, or do you suspect he or she holds the bowel movements to prevent pain?

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Step 3

Possible Causes

  • Diagnosis

    DIARRHEA is often caused by a gastrointestinal infection, but it can also be caused by other illnesses or something your child eats. Diarrhea can be harmful to children if it leads to dehydration.

    Self Care

    Encourage your child (older than 2 years) to drink water and other clear fluids. Ask your doctor about giving your baby or toddler an oral rehydration solution (ORS). A simple way to make a home-based ORS is to boil a cup of white rice until the rice has completely overcooked and split and the water is cloudy. Keep the water and throw out the mushy rice. The water replaces the electrolytes lost in diarrhea.

    Avoid giving your child too much fruit juice, as this may cause diarrhea. Avoid giving juice or water to children under 1 year.

    See your doctor if your child is younger than 6 months and has diarrhea. Also, see your doctor if your child’s diarrhea is severe; if the child also has a fever, severe abdominal pain, or is vomiting; if the child’s stools look bloody or slimy; or if the child is dehydrated (making fewer than 4 wet diapers in a day).

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  • Diagnosis

    Hard, pellet-like stools or urine accidents (INCONTINENCE) may be signs of CONSTIPATION.

    If your infant or child has ongoing constipation and very infrequent bowel movements, it may be a sign of HIRSCHSPRUNG’S DISEASE, a condition that affects the wall of the large intestine.

    Self Care

    Add more fiber and water to your child’s diet.

    For infants under 1 year, make sure the infant is getting enough formula or breast milk. If your infant takes formula, use a low-iron formula.

    If you think your child might have HIRSCHSPRUNG’S DISEASE, see your doctor.

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  • Diagnosis

    Keep a food diary to determine patters or food triggers for the symptoms. Eliminate foods that make your child sick. Talk to your doctor about treating your child’s intolerance of milk and dairy products with lactose enzyme. Soy formula may be an appropriate substitute for infants who have lactose intolerance. Talk with your doctor about other food substitutes if needed. The goal is always for your infant/child to have a well-balanced diet.

    Self Care

    Eliminate foods that make your child sick from his or her diet. Talk to your doctor about treating your child’s intolerance of milk and dairy products with lactose enzyme. Soy formula may be an appropriate substitute for infants who have lactose intolerance.

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  • Diagnosis

    Pain from HEMORRHOIDS or an ANAL FISSURE can cause a child to hold a bowel movement for many days. Children can also hold their bowel movements when they are potty training due to stress and the need to control something in their life.

    Self Care

    Encourage frequent toileting. Provide support and positive reinforcement. Give them opportunities to make choices and have “control” of their potty training.

    If you have a concern for HEMORRHOIDS or an ANAL FISSURE, see your doctor if the pain is not better in a few days.

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  • Self Care

    For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your child’s problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

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