Posted on September 01, 2025

Constipation or Colic? The Hidden Clues Parents Often Miss

Category:Wellness

How do I know if my child is constipated?

Most parents know the obvious signs of constipation — hard stools, fewer bathroom trips — but there’s a lot more to it than that. In fact, constipation can quietly affect your child’s mood, appetite, growth, and even confidence. And here’s the twist: it’s often mistaken for colic, meaning treatment gets delayed.

Let’s break it down so you’ll never have to wonder, “Is this just fussiness? Or something deeper?”

Constipation Isn’t Always About ‘No Stool’

Here’s something many parents don’t realise: a constipated child can still poop every day. The problem?

The stool may be small, hard pellets (rabbit-like)

It may only partially empty the bowel, leaving discomfort behind

Some children “leak” stool into their underwear — not a lack of toilet training, but a sign of overflow from backed-up stool

Little-known fact: That small streak in the underwear can be your first clue of chronic constipation — long before the child tells you they feel pain.

Colic vs Constipation: The Emotional Mask

Colic is all about predictable crying spells in the first 3 months of life, often in the evening, with no link to poop habits. Constipation, on the other hand, can cause:

1.Fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week

2.Hard, dry, or pellet-like stools

3.Straining or crying during bowel movements

4.A swollen or hard belly

5.Avoidance or fear of using the toilet (especially in toddlers)

6.Appetite loss or irritability

7.Stool streaks in underwear (a sign of overflow leakage)

A constipated toddler might cry, arch their back, and look “colicky” — but once they poop, the storm passes. That’s your clear clue of a difference.

Where does constipation begin?

Constipation Starts Earlier than You Think-Even breastfed babies can get constipated if:

1.Formula is introduced suddenly

2.Solids are started without enough water or high-fiber foods

3.Holding stool due to pain or fear (common in toilet-training toddlers)

Toddlers often hold in stool on purpose — a fear reaction from a painful past poop — starting a cycle of worsening constipation.

The Surprising Ripple Effect of Chronic Constipation

If left untreated, constipation can cause:

1.Abdominal swelling that pushes on the stomach, making the child eat less

2.Disrupted sleep (yes, it can wake them at night!)

3.Low energy and reluctance to play

4.Urinary problems — a backed-up bowel can press on the bladder

Little-known fact: Chronic constipation can temporarily delay toilet training by months, simply because the child associates the toilet with pain.

When to Seek Help Fast

See your pharmacist or pediatrician if your child has:

1.Blood in the stool

2.Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t improve after passing stool

3.Vomiting alongside constipation

4.Unexplained weight loss

Simple, Powerful Steps That Work

Hydrate: Ensure enough fluids, especially water.

Diet: Include more fiber-rich foods like fruits (prunes, pears), vegetables, and whole grains.

Movement: Active play = a moving gut (Encourage active play to stimulate digestion)

Routine: Establish regular toilet time, Sit on the toilet after meals — even if no urge is felt

And always consult a pharmacist or pediatrician before using laxatives or suppositories, especially in children under 2.

Bottom Line

Constipation isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a whole-child issue that can affect mood, eating, sleeping, and development. The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to solve.

At C&A Pharmacy, we don’t just treat symptoms — we help you read the hidden signs, so your child can stay happy, healthy, and comfortable.