8 Perfect Storms that Can Cause Constipation in Kids

As part of the constipation checklist series, this is a list of situations that could exacerbate constipation in kids outside of health or allergy conditions:

• The need to use public restrooms (not just an issue for kids! Up to 32 percent of people may have some sort of public poop worry, according to toiletanxiety.org
• Going through toilet training
• Having power struggles with parents; toddlers may hold in their bowel movements on purpose
• Fear of discomfort – if they have had trouble in the past, this could cause a rough cycle
• P.O.P. – putting off pooing…they are engaged in play and do not want to stop to go to the toilette
• Starting a new school or new daily routine
• Change in diet or medications
• Transition to cow’s milk from breast milk

There are so many reasons that kids become temporarily constipated. 

It’s not all doom and gloom though.  You can get ahead of it by recognizing these signs early on and monitoring diet and activity to prevent a long, uncomfortable bout of constipation.