Info
RxConstipation
If a child is constipated it means that the child is not having a bowel movement (pooping) often or has a hard time pooping because the poop is hard and dry. Normal poop is sort of soft and easy to pass, so it shouldn't be too hard to have a bowel movement.
To manage childhood constipation well, families need to understand it. This means knowing what causes it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from happening again. The child will likely need to learn new toilet habits. Learning new habits is never easy and it is important to know that it will take a long time. The child might also need to take laxatives and have initial clean out of feces (disimpaction). The resources below will help families learn about constipation and how to help their child.
For Kids
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ERIC UK – The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity
ERIC UK is charity dedicated to the bowel and bladder health of all children and teenagers in the UK. Education, information, and activities for kids and teens is available.
Various educational videos about wee and poo can be found on this website as well.
Note: Some of the names and words used on this site follow the UK standards. While the information provided is still useful, please check with your health care team for Canadian terminology.
General Information
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AHS Channel - Getting things moving for kids with constipation
This video explains constipation, signs and symptoms, and management of constipation.
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ERIC UK – The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity
ERIC UK has information for parents and caregivers too. Caregivers can learn about constipation, including the causes of constipation, how to treat constipation, and how to prevent constipation. Potty training advice and a poop diary can also be found on this website.
Note: Some of the names and words used on this site follow the UK standards. While the information provided is still useful, please check with your health care team for Canadian terminology.
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GI Kids
GI Kids provides basic information about constipation, information about constipation and fecal soiling, a care package with patient and family resources, toilet training tips, a bowel management record, a PEG 3350 FAQ sheet, and a video, The Poo in You.
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UpToDate – Constipation in Infants and Children
UptoDate provides comprehensive information about constipation, including a general overview, treatment information, behaviour and dietary recommendations, and treatment for recurrent constipation. On the left-hand side of the page you will see a menu to help you navigate the page.
uptodate.com/contents/constipation-in-infants-and-children-beyond-the-basics
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Alberta Health Services – Constipation in Children
This AHS fact sheet educates parents about normal and abnormal poop. It also includes information about diet interventions and when and how to get help.
albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/nutrition/if-nfs-constipation-in-babies-and-children.pdf
Treatment
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UpToDate – Recurrent Constipation
Repeated incidents of constipation requires treatment. Your child’s doctor may suggest the treatments described on this page.
uptodate.com/contents/constipation-in-infants-and-children-beyond-the-basics#H19
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National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Constipation in children and young people: diagnosis and management NICE has information treatment of constipation under the Information for the Public tab.
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American Academy of Pediatrics RadioMD Podcast - Pooping Problems: Is Your Child Troubled with Constipation?
Information about PEG (Miralax), a medication to aid in the treatment of constipation, is discussed from 4:24 to 8:00.
radiomd.com/show/healthy-children/item/25626-is-your-child-troubled-with-constipation
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Alberta Children's Hospital Pediatric GI - Constipation Teaching Module #2 - How to Make It Happen
This teaching module from the ACH Pediatric GI Clinic teaches parents strategies for bowel retraining.
Prevention
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Alberta Children's Hospital Pediatric GI - Constipation Teaching Module #2 -Constipation Teaching Module #3 - Fibre FAQs
This teaching module from the ACH Pediatric GI Clinic answers questions about fibre and constipation.
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Alberta Health Services – Fibre Facts
This AHS fact sheet explains the role of fibre and provides tips to ensure your child is getting enough fibre in his/her diet.
Toilet Training
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UpToDate – Toilet Training
Toilet training is an important milestone for children and parents. This page provides answers to common toilet training question and help parents learn how to modify a child’s toilet behaviour.
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ERIC UK – Toilet Training
ERIC UK offers tips for parents to know when and how to start toilet training their child.
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GI Kids
This to the point page lists toilet training tips for children 18 months – 3 years of age.
Book List
These resources are available to borrow in the Family Library. You can also check with your local library to see if they are available.
You can download, print, and share this PDF or our Destiny Collection List.
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The Ins and Outs of Poop : A Guide to Treating Childhood Constipation
This light-hearted how-to book teaches parents how to manage their child’s constipation. A variety of topics are addressed, including functional constipation, toilet training, managing encopresis in the classroom, and how temperament-related behavior problems can cause functional constipation.
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The Potty Journey teaches caregivers how to tell if the child is ready and provides effective strategies for toilet training. Throughout the book, parents, educators and child care providers who have put into practice the strategies in this book share their successes with toilet training children across a wide range of ages and disabilities.
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Softy the Poop : Helping Families Talk About Poop
Written and illustrated for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners, this picture book teaches children the difference between normal poop and constipated poop. This book also enoucrages children to make healthy lifestyle choices so they can heave healthy poops.
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It Hurts When I Poop! : A Story for Children Who Are Scared to Use the Potty
Ryan is scared to poop in the potty because he is afraid it is going to hurt. His parents take him to visit Dr. Gold, who shows him what happens inside the body, and explains how different foods make using the potty easy or hard.
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I Can't, I Won't, No Way! : A Book For Children Who Refuse to Poop
This children’s books helps parents and children navigate the frustration of bowel withholding.
Contributors
Thank you to our friends from Pediatric Gastroenterology (GI) Clinic at the Alberta Children's Hospital for their contributions.
Current as of: May 31, 2023