Definition:  ♦ Infrequent BM. ♦ Inability to pass stool after prolonged straining; ♦ Painful BM

Babies less than 6 months commonly grunt, strain, draw up their legs, and become flushed in the face during passage of bowel movements. These behaviors may be normal and these babies are not considered constipated as long as the stools are soft, pain-free, and are passed on a regular basis.

Different babies may have different patterns of stooling: some babies normally have 5 –8 bowel movements a day, while others normally have only 1 BM every few days.

At about 2 months of age, babies go through a few weeks of infrequent stooling – they may go from having 10 stools a day to have one every 4 –5 days. This is normal. They may repeat this pattern when they start eating solids at 4 – 6 months of age.

Infants less than 1 year: If your baby is 2 –4 months old you may try stimulating the anus with a rectal thermometer. If this doesn’t help you may give 1 –2 oz. of half-strength apple juice a day. Sometimes an infant glycerin suppository placed in the rectum also helps. Avoid oral laxatives and enemas. If your baby is older than 4 months and eating solid foods add baby foods with a high fiber content such as cereals, prunes, peaches, pears, plums, or spinach twice a day.

Children 1-3 years: Make sure your children eats fruits and vegetables three times a day and increase the amount of water he drinks. Add sources of bran such as oatmeal, graham crackers, and whole wheat bread. Decrease the amount of constipating foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, or cooked carrots.

Children who are toilet trained: Encourage your child to sit on the toilet for 10 minutes after meals, especially breakfast. This can retrain the rectum and establish a regular bowel pattern. Give books and a timer to decrease resistance to having to sit in the bathroom for 10 minutes. Modify your child’s diet by increasing whole wheat, bran cereals, fruits and vegetables, encouraging 2 –4 glasses of water per day, and avoiding excessive amounts of milk, cheese, bananas, and fried foods. Your older child can use popcorn as another source of bran.

Do not give your child oral laxatives without consulting your doctor because they can cause cramps and become habit forming. Consult your doctor before giving enemas.

Constipation usually improves with dietary changes. A high-fiber diet and plenty of water will help to avoid constipation again. Consult our office if your child continues to have painful stools or constipation worsens.