Paediatrics, by video or in person
Constipation in Children
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Constipation in Children
- Fewer than three stools a week
- Hard, large or pellet-like stools
- Pain, straining or crying when passing stool
- Holding on: crossing the legs, hiding or refusing the toilet
- Soiling of the pants
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
Constipation means stools that are hard, painful or less frequent than usual for your child. It is very common, especially when a baby starts solid food, during potty training and when a child starts school. A painful stool often makes a child hold on, which makes the next one harder, and the cycle can last for months. Some children with long-standing constipation soil their pants, because loose stool leaks around a hard blockage: this is not naughtiness. Most constipation in children has no underlying illness and gets better with treatment started early, but it often needs a laxative medicine from a doctor, used for weeks or months, and not only more fruit.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Fewer than three stools a week
- Hard, large or pellet-like stools
- Pain, straining or crying when passing stool
- Holding on: crossing the legs, hiding or refusing the toilet
- Soiling of the pants
- Tummy pain and a poor appetite
- A little blood on the stool or the tissue, from a small tear
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if your child has a swollen tummy with vomiting, especially green vomit, severe tummy pain, or new weakness in the legs; or if a newborn has not passed a first stool within the first two days of life. See a doctor if constipation started in the first weeks of life, if your child is not growing well, if constipation has lasted more than two weeks, if there is soiling, blood in the stool or ribbon-like stools, or if changes to food and drink have not helped. A paediatrician by video can assess your child and advise on the right laxative and how long to use it.
Treatment options
- A laxative of the right type for your child's age, prescribed and adjusted by a doctor, and continued for weeks after the stools are soft
- Clearing a hard blockage first, where there is one, before the regular laxative
- Plenty of water through the day, and fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains
- A toilet routine: sitting for a few minutes after meals, with the feet supported, without rushing
- Praise and small rewards for sitting, and never punishment for accidents
- A specialist review when warning signs are present or treatment is not working
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Can I give my child an enema or a herbal laxative?
Not without a doctor's advice. NICE advises against enemas and suppositories as a first treatment in children, and herbal laxatives have no tested dose for a child. A laxative by mouth, chosen by a doctor, works for most children.
How long will my child need a laxative?
Often for several weeks or months. Stopping too early is the commonest reason constipation comes back. Your doctor will tell you when and how to reduce it, which is done gradually.
Is it normal for a breastfed baby to go days without a stool?
It can be. Some breastfed babies pass stool less often and are well, as long as the stool is soft when it comes and the baby is feeding and gaining weight. Hard stools, straining with pain, or a swollen tummy need a doctor.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified paediatrics specialist near you.
Paediatrics in Lagos →Paediatrics in Abuja →Paediatrics in Port Harcourt →Paediatrics in Jos →Paediatrics in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Constipation in children and young people: diagnosis and management (CG99). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Constipation. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 29 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.