Symptom Checker
Constipation means a child has stools that are hard, dry, painful or difficult to pass. Some children also have bowel movements less often than usual or pass unusually large stools.
Constipation can happen because of changes in diet, not drinking enough fluids, changes in routine, toilet training, holding stool, illness or certain medicines. Less commonly, an underlying medical condition can contribute.
The AAP guide below explains what constipation looks like, what causes it, and when your child needs medical care.
Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:
Call 911 or get emergency care if:
Be seen today.
Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.
This evening or at the weekend.
Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.
If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.
