What Causes Constipation in Children

A CHANGE IN SCHEDULE

Something in the child's daily rhythm could have changed such as yaya leaving, moving house, traveling, or even a change in the usual schedule. It can happen if there is a change in the child's routine or availability of an acceptable bathroom like when they go to school. They withhold stool during the time they normally go and the stool stay longer in the gut or colon.

It is important for your child to move her bowels when she feels the urge. It is the job of the colon to absorb water, and if the stool that is meant to come out is retained for whatever reason, the colon absorbs more water from the stool, making it drier and harder than usual. This starts a vicious cycle with the child withholding defecation and causing further stool retention.

NOT ENOUGH WATER OR FIBER

We need water to dilute the concentrated food we eat. We also need fiber for bulk to push the stools forward. If your child has a viral illness that leads to fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, he will need more fluid than usual. Many parents of constipated children clearly recall a viral illness heralding their child's constipation problem. If your child doesn't drink enough water, his stool will become hard. So when your child is sick, you must hydrate him even more.

TOO MUCH MILK FORMULA

There only a certain volume of milk our gut can take. Going above that means not giving the digestive tract the chance to digest. Milk cannot replace food. Protein in milk is very different from food. It can settle, ferment, and bubble inside.