Constipation – Ages 0-11

For babies under 6 months

• Do not give water or any liquids other than breast milk or infant formula.
• Make sure the baby drinks enough milk for their age.

If the baby is formula-fed:

• Follow the preparation instructions on the formula package.
• Choose a formula best suited to the baby’s age.
• For babies over 6 months who eat solid foods
• Offer water every day, in addition to milk.
• Offer high-fiber foods, such as:
  • vegetables;
  • fruit (prunes, pears, and apples);
  • whole-grain breads and cereals;
  • legumes.

Children ages 1 to 11

• Offer high-fiber foods at least 3 times a day, such as fruit (bananas, pears, figs, plums), vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, and legumes.
• Add 1 teaspoon of wheat bran to cereal or yogurt.
• Serve small meals.
• Encourage the child to chew food thoroughly.
• Offer mainly water to drink.
• Offer apple, pear, or prune juice.

Important: Some foods, such as dried fruit, can be a choking hazard depending on the child’s age. Cut them into small pieces or prepare them so they are safe for the child to eat.

Making bowel movements easier

During toilet training:

• Offer a potty rather than the toilet.
• Every day, encourage the child to sit on the potty at the same times for 5 to 10 minutes, especially after meals (toileting schedule).
• Let the child watch a parent use the toilet.
• Comfort the child if painful bowel movements are making toilet training harder.
• If needed, take a temporary break from toilet training.

If the child is toilet trained:

• Every day, encourage the child to sit on the toilet at the same times for 5 to 10 minutes, especially after meals (toileting schedule).
• Provide a small stool for the child to rest their feet on.
• Gently massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction 3 to 4 times a day.
• Encourage the child to be active during playtime.