At What Ages is Constipation More Common?

Constipation in children can occur at any age, but its frequency increases significantly during certain periods. Particularly rapid development or transition periods can affect the child's digestive system and toilet habits. Research shows that constipation most commonly occurs during three critical periods: the transition to complementary foods (around 6 months), the toilet training period (2-4 years), and the start of school (5-7 years).

The first critical period is around 4-6 months when the baby transitions from being exclusively breastfed to solid foods. During this period, the intestinal flora changes, the stool consistency hardens, and some babies may have difficulty adapting to this new situation. Baby food and complementary foods that are not rich in fiber, combined with low fluid consumption, can lead to constipation.

The second common period is between 2-4 years of age when the child is toilet training. During this period, children may withhold their stools while learning to gain control, which over time makes it difficult to pass hardened stools. Pressure, stress, or forcing to defecate during toilet training can lead to the child refusing the toilet and developing a chronic stool withholding habit. This leads to the onset of functional constipation.

The third and perhaps most overlooked period is the age when the child starts school. The fact that the toilet environment at school is not as comfortable as at home causes children to postpone using the toilet. Additionally, reduced physical activity and insufficient fluid consumption during school hours can also trigger constipation in this age group. During this period, it is frequently observed that children consciously postpone defecation and this situation becomes a habit.