Constipation in Kids: A Parent's Survival Guide

Constipation in kids is one of those parenting experiences that sneaks in quietly and then refuses to leave. One minute your kid is happily coloring with crayons, and the next, they’re clenching their cheeks, refusing to sit on the potty, and you’re Googling, “how to relieve constipation in 30 minutes” with prune juice in one hand and panic in the other.

The good news? Most childhood constipation is temporary, manageable, and treatable with the right plan. The better news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything from constipation symptoms to treatment options—with expert advice from Poppins Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) Jackie Jimenez and practical steps you can use right now.

What Is Constipation in Children?

Constipation isn’t just “my kid didn’t poop today.” It’s a pattern of infrequent or difficult-to-pass stools—often hard, dry, or painful—that causes discomfort, stress, or behavioral changes.

According to Jackie Jimenez, FNP-BC, “Parents often think it’s just about frequency, but I always ask about stool size, shape, and effort. A kid might be going every day, but if they’re straining, hiding, or having painful poops, that still counts as constipation.”

In babies, especially breastfed ones, going days without stool might be totally normal. But if your child is fussy, straining, or bloated, it’s worth checking in.

How Constipation Affects a Child’s Body

Constipation isn’t just a short-term inconvenience—it can have ripple effects across your child’s health, mood, and daily life. 

When kids are chronically constipated, it can lead to physical discomfort, accidents, and emotional stress that disrupts everything from mealtime to bedtime. Some children may even start avoiding the bathroom altogether, which only worsens the problem. 

Here are some of the possible effects:

• Abdominal pain or bloating.
• Stool leakage or accidents.
• Appetite loss.
• Urinary tract infections or bladder pressure.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Bathroom anxiety or avoidance.

Understanding the potential impact of untreated constipation can help parents take action sooner and avoid longer-term complications.

The longer constipation goes untreated, the harder it can be to break the cycle—so early intervention matters.

What Are the Symptoms of Constipation?

Some signs are obvious. Others sneak under the radar until the laundry pile reveals an “accident” or your toddler starts avoiding the potty altogether.

Common Signs of Constipation in Kids

Here’s what to look for if you suspect your kid is experiencing constipation:

• Infrequent stools (less than 3 times per week).
• Hard, dry, or pellet-like stools.
• Pain or crying during bowel movements.
• Large-diameter poops that clog the toilet.
• Withholding behavior (hiding, stiffening, crossing legs).
• Abdominal pain or bloating.
• Soiling or fecal incontinence (especially in toilet-trained kids).

If you’re seeing any of these signs, don’t brush them off as just a “phase.” Constipation can snowball quickly, so catching symptoms early makes a big difference. When in doubt, trust your gut—and check in with your Poppins care team or pediatrician.

Where Do Kids Feel Constipation Pain?

Most kids complain of bellyaches around the lower abdomen or sides. Recurrent pain alongside poop problems is a sign it’s time for a medical check-in.

Jackie, FNP-BC, shares: “Ask your child where it hurts and when. If the pain shows up only during pooping, that tells me a lot about what’s going on physically or emotionally.”

If your child is pointing to their belly and struggling with bathroom issues, don’t ignore it. The location and timing of their pain can offer important clues—and help guide the right treatment sooner rather than later.

What Causes Constipation in Kids?

Constipation in children rarely has just one cause—it’s usually a perfect storm of small factors that throw your child’s digestive system off track. Sometimes it’s their diet, sometimes it’s a stressful life event, and sometimes it’s simply a kid holding it in after one painful poop. Understanding the root cause (or causes) is key to finding the right fix and stopping the cycle from repeating.

Below are the most common reasons kids get constipated—plus what to watch for.

Diet and Low Fiber Intake

One of the biggest constipation culprits? Not enough fiber.

Kids who don’t eat enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains often have smaller, harder stools that are more difficult to pass. Favorite kid foods—think crackers, white bread, cheese sticks—can clog things up if they crowd out fiber-rich options.

What to watch for:

• Frequent meals of processed snacks and little fresh produce.
• Hard, pellet-like stools.
• Complaints of tummy aches after meals.

Small tweaks to boost fiber—berries, beans, whole grain bread—can make a big difference fast.

Dehydration and Not Enough Fluids

Poop needs water to stay soft and easy to pass. When kids don’t drink enough fluids, the colon pulls extra water out of the stool, making it dry and hard.

This is especially common in kids who are busy playing or distracted and forget to drink—or kids who dislike plain water.

What to watch for:

• Dark yellow urine or going hours without peeing.
• Hard or dry stools.
• Fewer wet diapers in babies.

Encourage water and offer high-water fruits like watermelon and oranges to help hydrate from the inside out.

Withholding Poop During Potty Training

Many toddlers and preschoolers start holding in poop after a painful bowel movement—and once withholding starts, it can quickly become a habit. Kids may hide, stiffen their legs, or refuse to sit on the potty even when they clearly need to go.

What to watch for:

• Hiding behind furniture to poop.
• Crossing legs, squatting, or stiffening their body.
• Complaining of tummy pain but refusing to use the toilet.

If you suspect withholding, gentle toilet routines and a calm, pressure-free potty environment help break the cycle.

Stress and Routine Changes

Big life changes—starting school, a new sibling, travel, or moving—can throw off bathroom routines. Emotional stress can also affect gut function, making constipation more likely.

What to watch for:

• Constipation that starts after a family change.
• Fear of pooping away from home.
• Avoiding using bathrooms at daycare or school.

Keeping routines predictable and offering extra reassurance during transitions helps kids feel safe enough to go.

Medical Conditions That Cause Constipation

Most constipation in kids is functional—meaning there’s no underlying disease. But sometimes, ongoing constipation can signal a medical condition that needs more evaluation.

Possible causes include:

• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function).
• Celiac disease (gluten intolerance).
• Hirschsprung disease (a birth defect affecting bowel nerves).

What to watch for:

• Constipation starting in infancy.
• Poor weight gain or growth.
• Severe bloating or vomiting.
• No improvement with diet and routine changes.

If constipation doesn’t respond to home treatment or keeps returning, talk with your pediatrician about whether more testing is needed.

Bottom line: If your child’s digestive system is stuck in slow motion, checking diet, hydration, habits, and stress levels is a great place to start. And if you’re ever unsure—reach out to your Poppins care team or pediatrician for help.

How to Relieve Constipation in Children Fast

Constipation relief for kids doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does need to match your child’s age and situation. Below, you’ll find practical, age-specific remedies, quick tricks to get things moving, gentle natural options, and foods to avoid when your child’s digestion is stuck. Use this step-by-step guide to help your child poop comfortably and get back to feeling their best.

Constipation Remedies for Babies Under 12 Months

For infants, pooping frequency varies widely, especially in breastfed babies. So we focus more on behavior than the calendar.

Here’s what to know about constipation in infants:

• Know their baseline. Some go daily, others every few days.
• Water + fiber-rich purees. Introduce after 6 months (prunes, pears, peaches, peas).
• Movement + massage. Bicycle legs, tummy rubs, and bouncer time help get things moving.
• Prune juice. 1 oz per month of age (max 4 oz/day), if constipation persists.
• Skip rectal stimulation unless directed. Suppositories can backfire if overused.

Jackie, FNP-BC, says: “For infants, constipation usually comes down to diet, hydration, and gentle movement. If a baby’s otherwise thriving, we start small.”

Constipation Relief for Toddlers and Older Kids

Toddlers and older kids are especially prone to constipation, thanks to a perfect storm of picky eating, potty training struggles, growing independence, and shifting routines. 

It’s also the age when many kids start withholding poop—often after a single painful experience—and the cycle can quickly snowball. 

The good news? With a few simple changes, you can often get things moving again without jumping straight to medication.

Here are a few options to try at home:

• Fiber + fluids: Load up on high-fiber fruits and veggies (prunes, pears, peas, beans), whole grains, and water throughout the day.
• Juice strategy: Pear, prune, and apple juices can help. Skip citrus—it’s not effective.
• Limit dairy: No more than 2–3 servings per day.
• Toilet time: Sit after meals for 5–10 minutes. Use a step stool so their feet are supported. No toys or screens—just quiet time to try.
• Pause potty training: If your child is withholding, it’s okay to take a break and reset.

If your child is resistant to pooping, anxious about it, or avoiding the bathroom entirely, you’re not alone—and these steps can make a big difference. Poppins’ parent coaches are also here to help if you need some extra support.

And if you’re worried about keeping all this straight—we’ve got you covered. Here’s a simple visual age-by-age constipation guide:

Quick Constipation Relief in 30 Minutes

While there’s no guaranteed instant fix, some strategies can help encourage a bowel movement faster:

• Warm bath: Soothes tummy muscles and helps them relax.
• Belly massage: Gentle clockwise rubs can stimulate movement.
• Offer prune juice: 1 oz per month of age (max 4 oz/day), if constipation persists.
• Encourage toilet time after meals: This takes advantage of the body’s natural gastrocolic reflex.
• Get moving: Light play, stretching, or a short walk can help get things going.

These steps won’t always produce results in exactly 30 minutes—but they help set the stage for a successful poop soon.

Natural Constipation Remedies for Kids

Parents often ask for drug-free ways to get things moving. Here are gentle, natural constipation relief ideas that are safe for most kids:

• Increase daily fiber: Beans, berries, oatmeal, whole grain bread.
• Stay hydrated: Plenty of water and juicy fruits.
• Encourage daily physical activity: Movement helps digestion.
• Routine toilet time: Sit on the toilet after meals, feet supported.
• Calm potty environment: Read a short story, use a timer, and praise any effort.

If these natural steps don’t work within 2–3 days—or if your child is very uncomfortable—check in with your pediatric provider for next steps.

What Foods and Drinks Should Kids Avoid When Constipated?

Not all foods and drinks help kids poop—in fact, some can make constipation worse and undo your best efforts.

Avoid or limit these when your child is constipated:

• Sugary sodas and sweetened drinks: High sugar with zero fiber = more dehydration.
• Excess dairy: Too much milk, chocolate milk, or creamy smoothies can back things up, especially in toddlers.
• Caffeinated drinks: Can cause dehydration.
• Citrus juices: Surprisingly, citrus juices, like orange juice, don’t soften stools like prune or pear juice does.
• Low-fiber processed snacks: Chips, white bread, and crackers don’t help things move.

Better options: Prioritize water, small servings of prune or pear juice, high-fiber fruits and veggies, and whole grains to keep your child’s digestion on track.

Constipation Medicine for Kids: When and What to Use

If constipation isn’t improving with dietary changes, hydration, and daily routines, your child’s provider may recommend medication to help get things back on track. 

The goal isn’t to rely on medicine long-term, but to use it as a short-term tool to relieve discomfort, break the withholding cycle, and support regular bowel habits. Your provider will consider your child’s age, symptoms, and history before recommending the safest and most effective option. 

Here are some of the most commonly used medications and how they’re typically used in pediatric care.

• Polyethylene glycol (Miralax): Safe, non-habit forming, and easy to mix with juice.
• Lactulose: A gentler alternative if Miralax doesn’t work or isn’t tolerated.
• Senna or bisacodyl: Occasionally used for short-term relief under guidance.

When used thoughtfully and under medical guidance, medication can be a helpful short-term tool to get things moving and ease your child’s discomfort.

However, we do recommend that parents try to steer clear of using suppositories or enemas regularly unless your provider specifically recommends them—they can actually make things worse by causing kids to rely on them or resist pooping even more. 

Jackie, FNP-BC, advises: “Most constipation is fixed with consistency, not just quick fixes. But if diet and routine changes don’t work within a few days, a pediatric provider can help you add medication safely.”

The “7 Second Trick” for Constipation

You may have seen this viral tip online—have your child sit on the toilet for 7 seconds after each meal (especially breakfast and dinner), feet flat, no distractions. The idea behind the “7 second trick” is to take advantage of a natural gastrocolic reflex that kicks in after eating—when the body signals the colon to get moving. 

As another added benefit, this trick also helps your child build a habit of listening to their body’s cues when it’s time to go. And over time, this simple routine can make a big difference in preventing withholding and encouraging regular bowel movements.

Jackie, FNP-BC, adds: “It’s not magic, but a short, consistent routine like this builds muscle memory and reduces withholding.”

When to Worry: Severe Constipation Red Flags

While most cases of constipation in children are mild and resolve with diet and routine adjustments, there are certain situations where a deeper medical evaluation is necessary. 

These red flags can signal an underlying issue that requires prompt attention to prevent complications and ensure your child’s comfort and safety. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to reach out to your pediatric provider.

• Severe abdominal distension.
• Vomiting + constipation.
• Rectal bleeding (not from a small fissure).
• Weight loss or failure to thrive.
• Fever + constipation in a young infant.
• Stool accidents in a toilet-trained child.
• No bowel movement in more than 4 days, despite intervention.

Jackie, FNP-BC, explains: “If constipation starts around toilet training or a major life change, that often tells us it’s behavior-related. But if a child hasn’t had a bowel movement in 96 hours and is showing signs of discomfort, that’s when we start thinking about more serious causes and next steps.”

The Poppins Constipation Action Plan

At Poppins, we don’t just give you general advice—we create a real plan, based on your child’s unique needs.

Here’s what to expect when you reach out:

1. Personalized assessment: We ask the right questions to understand what’s really going on.
2. Targeted treatment plan: You’ll get written guidance on food, fluids, habits, and (if needed) medications.
3. Follow-up check-in: We follow-up with you within 24 hours to see how things are going.
4. Reassess if needed: If your child hasn’t had a bowel movement in 96 hours, we help you escalate care safely.

Parent FAQs About Constipation in Children

Just looking for quick answers on constipation? Here are quick, expert-backed answers to the most common questions parents ask about helping kids poop comfortably and safely.

What Is the Best Thing for Constipation?

The best treatment for constipation in kids is a high-fiber diet, plenty of fluids, daily toilet routine, and a stress-free potty environment. If constipation persists, pediatricians may recommend safe stool softeners or mild laxatives to help your child poop comfortably.

How Can I Help My Constipated Child Poop Fast?

For quick constipation relief:

• Offer water and fiber-rich snacks like prunes or pears.
• Try a warm bath and gentle tummy massage.
• Have your child sit on the toilet for 5–10 minutes after meals to use the natural gastrocolic reflex.
• Use pediatric prune juice or pear juice (in moderation).

For more tips, check out the “How to Relieve Constipation in Children Fast” section above.

What Foods Help Relieve Constipation in Kids?

Foods that naturally relieve constipation include:

• High-fiber fruits: prunes, pears, peaches, berries.
• Vegetables: peas, broccoli, carrots.
• Whole grains: oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, brown rice.
• Fluids: Plenty of water to soften stools.

For more tips, check out the “What Foods and Drinks Should Kids Avoid When Constipated?” section above.

When Should I See a Doctor for Child Constipation?

Call your pediatrician if your child’s constipation:

• Lasts more than 3–4 days despite home remedies.
• Comes with severe belly pain, vomiting, or swelling.
• Causes blood in stools or repeated stool accidents.
• Is affecting weight gain or appetite.

Prompt medical care helps catch any underlying conditions and prevents long-term complications.

Final Word

Constipation is frustrating. It’s messy, emotional, and often comes with way more drama than you signed up for. But with the right plan, a little patience, and some extra fiber, most kids bounce back quickly.

And if you’re tired of playing poop detective on your own, we’re here to help.

Poppins offers 24/7 virtual pediatric care and step-by-step treatment plans for constipation and all the other “fun” parenting surprises.