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Understanding constipation helps parents support their child’s confidence and wellbeing.
It’s often mistaken for misbehaviour, especially when children avoid talking about toilet habits. However, it’s common and can be treated.
Signs include small, hard or painful faeces (poo), soiling on underwear, stomach pain or nausea. The Children’s Bristol Stool Chart can help you check what healthy faeces (poo) looks like.
How to help
- encourage your child to drink water regularly
- encourage scheduled toileting times
- feed your child fibre-rich foods like wholegrain breads, fruits, vegetables and legumes
- limit processed foods and fruit juices, which are low in fibre.
If constipation continues, speak with your GP for support – they can provide you with strategies and treatment options to help your child feel healthier and more comfortable.
They can also refer you to a continence health professional that specialises in treating children such as a nurse continence specialist, pelvic health physiotherapist or a specialised occupational therapist (OT).
This content has been reviewed by subject matter experts in line with Continence Health Australia’s established process. Read about our clinical content review protocol.