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My child is constipated, what can I do?
Simple diet, fluid, and toilet routine changes can help relieve constipation. See a doctor if it doesn't improve.
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What it is
Constipation means having fewer than three bowel movements a week, and the stool can be hard and dry [3]. It is also likely if your child has not had a poo at least 3 times in the last week, or is pooing less often than usual [2]. The poo may be unusually large or small, dry, hard, or lumpy [2]. Your child might strain or feel pain when having a poo, or feel like they haven’t fully emptied their bowels [2]. They may also have a stomach ache and feel bloated or sick [2]. Almost everyone gets constipated at some point, and in most cases it lasts a short time and is not serious [3].
Common causes include not eating enough fibre, not drinking enough fluids, not moving enough, ignoring the urge to go to the toilet, or a change in diet or daily routine [5]. It can also be a side effect of medicine or related to stress, anxiety, or depression [5].
What you can do at home
It is safe to try simple diet and lifestyle changes, and you may notice a difference within a few days, though sometimes it takes a few weeks [4].
- Add fibre gradually: Include fruits that contain sorbitol, such as apples, apricots, grapes (and raisins), raspberries, and strawberries [8]. Increase the fibre in the diet slowly and add wheat bran, oats, or linseed [8].
- Increase fluids: Make sure your child drinks plenty of water and other fluids [8]. Avoid alcohol (for older children/teens) [8].
- Improve the toilet routine: Keep to a regular time and place for toileting and give plenty of time [9]. Do not delay if your child feels the urge to poo [9]. Resting feet on a low stool can help; if possible, raise the knees above the hips [9].
- Increase activity: A daily walk or run can help your child poo more regularly [9].
- Consider other habits: Ensure your child gets enough exercise and takes time to have a bowel movement when needed [3]. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and grains that are high in fibre can help prevent constipation [3].
If diet and lifestyle changes are not helping, speak to a pharmacist [7]. They can suggest a suitable laxative, which is a medicine that helps your child poo more regularly [7]. Most laxatives work within 3 days and should only be used for a short time [7]. Do not use laxatives unless a health care provider says you should [3].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
See a GP (doctor) if your child:
- Is constipated and it’s not getting better with treatment [7].
- Is regularly constipated [7].
- Is regularly bloated [7].
- Has blood in their poo [7].
- Has lost weight without trying [7].
- Is constipated and feels tired all the time [7].
- Is taking medicine that’s causing constipation, such as opioid painkillers [7].
- Has sudden changes in bowel habits [7].
- Has tummy pain [7].
Long-term constipation can lead to faecal impaction, where poo builds up in the rectum [6]. The main symptom is diarrhoea that leaks through the build-up of solid poo [6]. This may need treatment from a healthcare professional [6].
Common questions
Is it serious if my child doesn’t poo every day? It’s not important to have a bowel movement every day [3]. However, if bowel habits change, check with your provider [3].
How long do laxatives take to work? Most laxatives work within 3 days [7]. They should only be used for a short time [7].
Can constipation cause other problems? Long-term constipation can lead to faecal impaction, where poo builds up in the rectum and diarrhoea leaks around it [6]. This requires medical treatment [6].
Sources
[2] NHS — “Constipation” (2026), section “Symptoms of constipation”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/ [3] MedlinePlus — “Constipation” (2025), section “Introducción”, p. 1 — https://medlineplus.gov/constipation.html [4] NHS — “Constipation” (2026), section “How you can treat and prevent constipation yourself”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/ [5] NHS — “Constipation” (2026), section “What causes constipation”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/ [6] NHS — “Constipation” (2026), section “Complications of long-term constipation”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/ [7] NHS — “Constipation” (2026), section “Speak to a pharmacist for advice”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/ [8] NHS — “Constipation” (2026), section “Make changes to your diet”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/ [9] NHS — “Constipation” (2026), section “Improve your toilet routine”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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