Content is loading...

Hide this page Easy read and translate

Constipation and smearing in children and teenagers

  • 1-5 Years
  • 5-11 Years
  • 11-19 Years
  • SEND
  • Peeing, pooing and toileting
Young child standing and holding sliding glass door and looking down to the ground with garden in background

Constipation is the inability to do a poo regularly or to completely empty the bowel. It is the most common bowel problem in children and affects children of all ages. 

Symptoms of constipation

Over time you’ll get to know your babies bowel habits and will be able to tell if something changes. Some symptoms of constipation may include:

  • bad smelling wind and poo
  • lots of farting (also known as flatulence or wind)
  • every now and then passing a very big poo or frequently passing small lumps
  • tummy pain, bloating or discomfort
  • poor appetite

There is not always a reason why your child has constipation but some possible causes include:

  • not drinking enough
  • not eating enough food high in fibre
  • feeling worried or anxious

Poo should be soft and easy to pass. Ideally it should look like number 4 on the poo chart. Passing poo more than 3 times a day, or if your child is soiling their pants, may be a sign of overflow soiling. This is when diarrhoea leaks out around the hard, constipated poo. 

Large pieces of poo can stretch the bowel and then press on the bladder. This can then lead to urine incontinence. So it is important to check your child is not constipated before starting a toileting plan.

Information

Who can help with overflow soiling

Speak to your GP if your child is regularly pooing (soiling) their pants. 

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if:

  • your child is pooing their pants (soiling), has a swollen tummy and is being sick
  • your child is soiling and has numbness or weakness in both legs
alt=""

Treating your child's constipation

If you think your child is constipated, it’s important to get help quickly. Your GP can prescribe the right medication for your child. Your child should take medicines as directed. You may need to change the dose depending on how hard or soft the poo is. New doses may take time to have an effect.

Medication works well in conjunction with other lifestyle changes. These include:

If you are looking for advice for babies, read our guidance on constipation in babies. 

Why your child is smearing their poo

When children spread poo on themselves or the walls this is known as smearing. Some children may do this if their bowel is full and overflow soiling occurs. This is where diarrhoea leaks out around the hard, constipated poo. Other children may do this as a way of communicating they have done a poo, out of curiosity or because they enjoy the feeling of it on their hands.

If constipation is the cause of smearing, this should be treated first. Try not to react negatively if your child smears their poo. As this may unintentionally reinforce the behaviour. You can try providing playdough or a strong smelling perfume on a handkerchief as an alternative way to stimulate their senses.

Success

Need more specific support for your child?

If your child needs more help or has additional needs, you can visit our specific section for extra support.

Peeing, pooing and toileting for additional needs


Last reviewed: 1 November, 2023

Information

Who can help

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s pee, poo or toileting, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support.

You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation.

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).

Was this page helpful?

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

You must log in to save content

Click below to log in or create a new account

Login

You must log in to save content

Click below to log in or create a new account

Login