Constipation is a common problem in which a child may have fewer bowel movements (BMs or poops) than usual. It usually isn't a cause for too much concern. Constipation can often get better with the three Fs: fluids, fiber, and fitness. What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Constipation? fewer bowel movements than usual straining and pain during bowel movements stool (poop) that's hard, dry larger stools than usual feeling full or bloated belly pain a little blood on the toilet paper after a BM What to Do Give your child plenty of water or juice. If your baby is constipated, ask the doctor about adding prune, apple, or pear juice to the daily diet. Increase the fiber in your child's diet. Try apples, pears, oranges, beans, oatmeal, and whole-grain breakfast cereals or breads. Encourage daily exercise to help your child have regular bowel movements. Talk to your doctor before giving your child any medicine for constipation. Get Medical Care if Your Child Has: constipation lasting a week liquid stool in the underwear when your child isn't sick severe belly pain vomiting eating less Think Prevention! Skip fatty, sugary, or starchy foods, which can slow the bowels down. Choose fiber-rich foods instead. Back to Articles Related Articles Constipation Constipation is a very common problem among kids, and it usually occurs because a child's diet doesn't include enough fluids and fiber. In most cases, simple changes can help kids go. Read More Fiber Many appetizing foods are also good sources of fiber - from fruits to whole-grain cereals. Here are ways to help kids get more fiber in their everyday diets. Read More How Can I Tell if My Baby Is Constipated? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Soiling (Encopresis) If your child has bowel movements in places other than the toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. Many kids who soil beyond the years of toilet teaching have a condition known as encopresis. Read More Toilet Training Even before your child is ready to try the potty, you can prepare your little one by teaching about the process. Here are some tips. Read More Stomachaches Ugh. Bellyaches. Find out what causes tummy trouble in this article for kids. Read More Go, Slow, and Whoa! A Kid's Guide to Eating Right Want to eat healthier? It's easy when you learn the difference between Go, Slow, and Whoa foods! Read More Digestive System Most people think digestion begins when you first put food in your mouth. But the digestive process actually starts even before the food hits your taste buds. Read More Constipation Constipation is a very common problem that usually happens because a person's diet doesn't include enough fluids and fiber. In most cases, making simple changes can help you feel better. Read More Constipation If you aren't pooping like usual, you could be constipated. Read More Fiber Some of the best and most delicious foods have loads of fiber. Find out how to get your fill of fiber! Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.