inspiring canadians to live better.

healthing leaf

inspiring canadians to live better.

healthing leaf
get healthing in your inbox with the morning checkup and weekender newsletter!

top of the page

constipation in children

overview

constipation occurs when stools become hard and are difficult to pass. a child may cry because he or she is constipated. a crying episode usually occurs while the child is trying to pass a stool and normally will stop when the stool is passed.

some parents are overly concerned about how often their child has a bowel movement because they have been taught that a healthy child has a bowel movement every day. this is not true. the frequency of bowel movements is not as important as whether the child can pass stools easily. if your child's stools are soft and pass easily, he or she is not constipated, even if it has been a few days since the last bowel movement.

credits

current as of: october 19, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use. learn how we develop our content.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

advertisement