Constipation

Normal bowel movements vary in consistency from soft to hard and in frequency from several times a day to once every five days. Often infants will strain and turn red on trying to have a normal bowel movement. This is not constipation! Constipation defines a condition in which the bowel movements are harder than normal.

Constipation is not an emergency; however, rather alarming symptoms can develop when it is allowed to persist for a long time. Please call for an appointment if your child is experiencing symptoms that concern you.

Acute Constipation

In infants and toddlers, use an infant glycerine suppository first or Baby Lax. In older children, a Fleet's Pediatric Enema, or a Dulcolax Suppository (by prescription only) may be necessary.

Chronic Constipation

Always provide foot support for the small child sitting on the potty by placing his feet firmly on a small bench or step stool.

1. Diet Changes: Less cheese, applesauce, bananas, sugared cereals and more prunes, prune juice, figs, apricots, berries, melons, bran-cereals, squash, carrots, celery and green leafy vegetables.

2. Stool softeners or laxatives as directed by the physicians.