Constipation means having fewer bowel movements (poops) than usual, or having dry, hard, or difficult-to-pass poops. Treatment for constipation includes adding more fiber to the diet, drinking enough liquids, and having a regular toilet routine. Some kids need to take medicine. Treating constipation right away is important because it can get worse over time.

• Give any prescribed medicines as directed.
• Talk to your health care provider before giving your child any other medicines (including an enema or suppository), supplements, or herbs.
• To increase fiber in your child's diet, offer high-fiber foods such as bran cereal, pears, strawberries, beans (such as pinto, kidney, black, or lima), and sweet potatoes.
• Make any other diet changes that your health care provider suggested.
• Make sure your child drinks plenty of water. Drinking juices (like prune, pear, or apple) may help too.
• Remind your child to sit on the toilet for 5 to 10 minutes once or twice a day after eating. They are more likely to poop after a meal.
• If your child tries to hold in poop, remind them that it's important to go to the toilet whenever they feel the need. This way, poop won't build up in the colon and rectum.

Your child:

• doesn't have a bowel movement within 2 days after following the instructions
• has new or worsening belly pain
• has diarrhea (watery poop)
• begins vomiting (throwing up)
• soils their underwear
• has a swollen belly
• has a lot of blood on the toilet paper, in the toilet, or on the poop

How do kids get constipation? Constipation often starts when kids hold in their poop. For example, some kids don't want to use the toilet at school. They may wait all day until they're home before having a bowel movement. Or a child may not want to have a bowel movement because it hurt in the past.

How does constipation cause blood in the poop? Blood in the poop happens when kids strain and push to get hard poop out. The skin of the anus (the hole where the poop comes out) stretches and cracks, causing some blood to seep out. It's not a sign of a serious problem.