Children's Continence
Childhood Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common childhood conditions — and one of the biggest contributors to bladder problems.
- No referral required
- Child-friendly approach
- Evidence-based care
- Albany, WA
About this condition
What is childhood constipation?
Constipation is when bowel motions become hard, painful, infrequent or stay in the bowel too long — and children can be constipated even with daily motions. It affects up to one in three children, and it's a medical condition, not laziness or poor habits. With the right treatment, most children improve significantly.
Signs of constipation
Your child may…
- Open bowels fewer than three times a week
- Pass hard or painful stools
- Produce very large bowel motions
- Avoid, delay or hide when needing to go
- Cross legs or clench to hold on
- Have tummy pain, bloating or poor appetite
- Have skid marks or soiling in underwear
- Wet the bed or have daytime wetting
Why it happens
Why it happens
- A painful bowel motion leading to withholding
- Low fibre or fluid intake
- Changes in routine, starting school or daycare
- Toilet anxiety or fear of public toilets
- Limited time to use the toilet
- Reduced physical activity
How we help
How we help
- A healthy, consistent toilet routine
- Correct toilet posture (feet up, knees above hips)
- Fibre & fluid advice
- Positive strategies & reward charts
- Bladder assessment (bowel & bladder work together)
- Working with your GP on stool softeners if needed
Explore
Related conditions
When to seek help
Consider an assessment if your child:
- Has painful bowel motions or avoids the toilet
- Has frequent tummy pain
- Has stool accidents or soiling
- Has bedwetting, daytime wetting or recurrent UTIs
- Hasn't improved with more fibre
Get started
Ready to take the next step?
By treating constipation early, we can improve bowel function, bladder control and your child's confidence.