Constipation and Children in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Constipation happens when a child has difficulty passing a bowel movement (poop), or when their stool is hard, dry, and painful to pass. For families in Grand Rapids, MI, pediatric constipation is a common concern that local pediatricians and family doctors see year-round at clinics and hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health–University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

Cold West Michigan winters, less outdoor activity, and changes in eating and drinking habits can all contribute to constipation in children in the Grand Rapids area.

What Is Constipation in Children?

Constipation is not just about how often your child has a bowel movement. It also includes:

  • How hard or dry the stool is
  • Whether your child has pain or straining when they poop
  • Whether they feel bloated or have regular stomach (tummy) pain

Some children naturally poop once a day, others every 2–3 days. If this is their normal pattern, the stool is soft, and there is no pain, it usually is not constipation.

Signs and Symptoms of Constipation in Kids

Common signs of constipation in children include:

  • Hard, dry, or pellet-like stool
  • Pain or crying when passing stool
  • Complaints that “it hurts” to poop
  • Tummy pain and bloating
  • Showing signs of “holding on,” such as:
    • Crossing legs
    • Standing on tiptoes or stiffening the body
    • Running around or hiding when they feel the urge
  • Refusing to sit on the toilet
  • Soiling or skid marks in underwear (soft stool leaking around a large, hard stool)

Soiling can be especially upsetting for school-age children in Grand Rapids and may lead to embarrassment or bullying if not addressed.

Why Constipation Happens in Children

Constipation in kids is very common, including in West Michigan. The cause is often a mix of diet, habits, and behavior. Possible causes include:

  • Too much milk (and not enough water or fiber-rich foods)
  • Not enough solid foods or a diet low in fiber
  • Not drinking enough water, especially during summer activities on the lakes or winter when kids may feel less thirsty
  • Not enough physical activity, which can be more common in long, cold Grand Rapids winters
  • Ignoring the urge to go, because they are:
    • Too busy playing
    • Worried about using the bathroom at school or daycare
  • Toilet training stress, where children “hold it” because they feel anxious or pressured
  • Disliking school or preschool bathrooms, due to:
    • Lack of privacy
    • Dirty or smelly toilets
    • Limited time to use the bathroom

Over time, holding in stool makes it larger and harder, which increases pain and can lead to a cycle of more holding and worse constipation.

When Constipation Becomes a Long-Term Problem

Constipation that continues for weeks or months can lead to:

  • Soiling (encopresis) – soft stool leaks around a hard lump and stains underwear
  • Anal fissures – small tears in the skin near the anus caused by passing hard stool; these are painful and make children more likely to hold in stool
  • Ongoing tummy pain and bloating
  • Social and emotional problems, especially if soiling happens at school or during activities

If your child in Grand Rapids has constipation that lasts more than 2 weeks, or if there is pain, bleeding, or regular soiling, it’s important to see a healthcare provider at a local clinic, pediatric practice, or hospital.

Helping a Constipated Child: At-Home Strategies

Encourage More Physical Activity

Regular movement helps keep the bowels working well. In Grand Rapids, this might include:

  • Outdoor play at local parks when the weather allows (e.g., Riverside Park, Millennium Park)
  • Indoor activities in winter, such as swimming at local community centers, kids’ fitness classes, or active play at home
  • Walking, biking, or scootering when sidewalks are clear

Establish a Regular Toilet Routine

“Bowel training” involves helping your child get used to sitting on the toilet at regular times:

  • Ask your child to sit on the toilet for 5–10 minutes:
    • After meals (especially after breakfast and dinner)
    • At the same times each day
  • Use a reward system, such as a star chart or stickers, for:
    • Sitting on the toilet
    • Trying to poop (even if they don’t go every time)
  • Make sure:
    • Their feet are supported (use a step stool)
    • They feel safe and comfortable on the toilet

If school bathrooms are a problem, talk with your child’s teacher or school nurse about:

  • Allowing extra time for bathroom breaks
  • Letting your child use a more private or staff bathroom if possible

A Healthy, High-Fiber Diet for Grand Rapids Kids

Diet plays a major role in preventing and treating constipation.

Increase Fiber Gradually

Add more fiber slowly over several days to avoid gas and discomfort. Helpful options include:

  • Whole grains
    • Wholegrain or wholemeal bread
    • High-fiber cereals (for older children)
    • Brown rice, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal
  • Fruits
    • Apples (with skin), pears, berries
    • Prunes or prune puree for older babies and children (over 6 months)
    • Dried fruits like raisins or apricots (for older children, in moderation)
  • Vegetables
    • Carrots, peas, green beans, broccoli, sweet potatoes
  • Legumes (for older children)
    • Beans, lentils, chickpeas

For toddlers and school-age children, work toward including fruits or vegetables at most meals and snacks.

Encourage Plenty of Fluids

Hydration is especially important in Michigan’s cold, dry winters and during hot, humid summers.

  • Offer water regularly throughout the day
  • Limit sugary drinks and soda
  • Milk is fine in normal amounts, but:
    • Too much milk can worsen constipation
    • For many children, more than about 16–20 oz (2–2.5 cups) of milk a day may be too much

If you’re unsure what’s right for your child, ask your pediatrician or a registered dietitian at a Grand Rapids health system.

Laxatives and Children: Use With Caution

Limit the Use of Over-the-Counter Laxatives

Laxatives should only be used for children under medical guidance. Important points:

  • Do not give laxatives more than once or twice without talking to your child’s doctor
  • Laxatives do not fix the underlying habits or diet issues
  • Overuse can affect how your child’s bowels work
  • If a doctor recommends a laxative, they may choose one that:
    • Increases bulk and fiber in the gut
    • Softens the stool

If constipation in your child is long-term or severe, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician or family doctor in Grand Rapids for a personalized plan.

Constipation in Babies (Infants)

What Counts as Constipation in Babies?

True constipation in babies is less common and should always be checked by a doctor.

Signs that a baby may be constipated include:

  • Hard, dry, or pellet-like stool
  • Straining with obvious pain
  • Crying when passing stool
  • Less frequent bowel movements than usual, along with hard stool

Many healthy babies:

  • May not have a bowel movement for several days or even up to a week, especially if breastfed
  • Turn red in the face, strain, or grunt when passing normal soft stool

This is usually normal and not constipation unless the stool is hard and painful.

Breastfed vs. Bottle-Fed Babies

  • Breastfed babies are rarely constipated. Their stool is usually soft, even if they go several days between bowel movements.
  • Bottle-fed babies may be more likely to become constipated.

Possible causes of constipation in babies include:

  • Formula mixed too strong – always follow the instructions on the formula tin
  • Not enough fluid – some bottle-fed infants may need:
    • Extra cooled, boiled water between formula feeds (as advised by your doctor)
  • Solids that are not right for age – starting solids too early or choosing foods that are too high in fiber for young infants
  • Pain from passing hard stool – a hard stool can cause a small tear (anal fissure) near the anus, which hurts and leads the baby to “hold on,” making the stool even harder

For infants under one year, high-fiber cereals, large amounts of fruits and vegetables, and wholegrain cereals may not be appropriate. Always follow your pediatrician’s or child health nurse’s advice about starting and advancing solids.

Treating Constipation in Babies: What You Can Do

If your baby seems constipated:

1. Check Formula Preparation

If your baby is bottle-fed:

  • Always measure the water first, then add the formula powder
  • Follow the directions on the formula container exactly
  • Do not “pack” the scoop or add extra powder

2. Offer Extra Fluids (If Advised)

  • For some bottle-fed infants, your doctor may recommend:
    • Extra small amounts of cooled, boiled water between feeds

3. Gentle Tummy Care

  • Gentle tummy massage may help:
    • Use light, circular motions on your baby’s belly
  • A warm bath can relax muscles:
    • Be prepared for your baby to possibly have a bowel movement in the bath

4. Only Use Medication Prescribed by a Doctor

  • Never give over-the-counter laxatives, suppositories, or enemas to a baby unless specifically prescribed by a pediatrician or family doctor in Grand Rapids.

Things You Should NOT Do for a Constipated Baby

Avoid the following unless your baby’s doctor specifically advises them:

  • Do not give prune juice to infants under 6 months:
    • Prune juice contains a natural bowel irritant and is not recommended for very young babies
  • Do not add sugar, honey, malt extract, or rice cereal to formula:
    • This will not help constipation and may cause other problems
  • Do not introduce solids before 4–6 months of age as a way to treat constipation:
    • Early solids are not recommended for this purpose

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

See a pediatrician, family doctor, or urgent care in Grand Rapids if:

  • Your child’s constipation lasts more than 2 weeks
  • Your child has:
    • Severe tummy pain
    • Vomiting
    • Blood in or on the stool
    • Weight loss or poor growth
  • There is regular soiling in underwear
  • Your baby (especially under 3 months) seems very uncomfortable, is feeding poorly, or has hard, painful stools

There are usually no long-term health problems from occasional constipation. But if constipation becomes chronic and a large mass of stool remains in the gut, it can lead to soiling and serious emotional and social issues, especially for school-age children.

Local Resources for Families in Grand Rapids, MI

If you’re worried about your child’s constipation, you can get help from:

  • Your child’s pediatrician or family doctor
  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital – pediatric gastroenterology and primary care
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – pediatric and family medicine clinics
  • Metro Health–University of Michigan Health – family medicine and pediatric care
  • Mercy Health clinics in the Grand Rapids area
  • Kent County Health Department – community health resources and referrals
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and local community health centers – support for nutrition, child health, and low-cost care
  • Registered dietitians through local health systems – help with child-friendly, high-fiber meal plans

If you are unsure where to start, contact your primary care office or the Kent County Health Department for guidance on pediatric services in the Grand Rapids area.

Key Points for Parents in Grand Rapids

  • Constipation in children is common and can cause pain, discomfort, and emotional stress.
  • A healthy diet, enough fluids, regular exercise, and good toilet habits are essential for prevention and treatment.
  • Treatment for infant constipation should always involve expert medical advice.
  • Hard stools can cause small tears (anal fissures), making children more likely to hold in stool and worsen constipation.
  • Early treatment and support from local Grand Rapids healthcare providers can prevent long-term problems and help your child feel better sooner.