About all

Upset stomach in toddlers. Stomach Pain in Toddlers: Common Causes and When to Seek Help

What are the most frequent reasons for tummy aches in young children. How can parents differentiate between normal and concerning stomach pain in toddlers. When should parents contact a healthcare provider about their child’s abdominal discomfort.

Содержание

Understanding Different Types of Stomach Pain in Toddlers

Stomach pain is a common complaint among toddlers, often causing concern for parents. To better understand and address your child’s discomfort, it’s essential to recognize the different types of stomach pain they may experience:

  • Generalized pain: Affects more than half of the stomach area
  • Localized pain: Concentrated in a specific part of the belly
  • Cramp-like pain: Often associated with gas or bloating

How can parents identify these types of pain in their toddlers? Observe your child’s behavior and listen to their descriptions. If they can’t pinpoint the pain or indicate discomfort across a large area, it’s likely generalized pain. Localized pain occurs when a child points to a specific spot on their belly. Cramp-like pain is often accompanied by visible discomfort and may precede diarrhea.

Signs of Stomach Pain in Toddlers

Young children may not always be able to articulate their discomfort clearly. As a parent, watch for these common signs of stomach pain:

  • Increased fussiness or irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Drawing legs up toward the belly
  • Changes in bowel movements
  • Unusual fatigue or lethargy

Constipation: A Leading Cause of Stomach Pain in Toddlers

Constipation is one of the most common digestive issues causing stomach pain in young children. What exactly is constipation in toddlers? It’s characterized by infrequent bowel movements or hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Several factors can contribute to constipation in toddlers:

Diet-Related Constipation

As toddlers expand their dietary horizons, they may not always consume enough fiber or fluids to maintain regular bowel movements. How can parents ensure their toddlers get enough fiber? Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in their diet. Also, encourage adequate fluid intake throughout the day.

Potty Training and Constipation

The process of potty training can sometimes lead to constipation in toddlers. Why does this happen? Some children may feel anxious about using the toilet, especially in unfamiliar settings, leading them to hold their bowel movements. Others might rebel against the process if they feel pressured or if training begins too early.

What can parents do to prevent potty training-related constipation? Approach potty training with patience and positivity. Create a comfortable, stress-free environment for your child to use the toilet. If your toddler shows signs of anxiety or resistance, consider pausing the training and trying again later.

Other Causes of Constipation in Toddlers

While diet and potty training are common culprits, other factors can contribute to constipation in young children:

  • Changes in routine or environment
  • Certain medications
  • Milk allergies or food sensitivities
  • Rare metabolic disorders

When should parents seek medical advice for their toddler’s constipation? Contact your child’s healthcare provider if constipation persists for more than two weeks, is accompanied by daily stomach pain, blood in the stool, fever, or loss of appetite.

Food Allergies and Intolerances: Hidden Culprits of Tummy Troubles

Food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities can all cause stomach pain in toddlers. What’s the difference between these conditions? A food allergy triggers an immune response, while intolerances and sensitivities do not. However, all can lead to digestive discomfort.

Common Food Allergens

Which foods are most likely to cause allergic reactions in toddlers? The most common allergy-producing foods include:

  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • Tree nuts
  • Fish
  • Shellfish

Symptoms of Food Allergies vs. Intolerances

How can parents differentiate between a food allergy and intolerance? While both can cause stomach pain, food allergies often present additional symptoms such as:

  • Hives or skin rashes
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

Food intolerances typically cause digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea. If you suspect your toddler has a food allergy or intolerance, consult with their healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.

Gastroenteritis: A Common Cause of Acute Stomach Pain

Gastroenteritis, often referred to as the “stomach flu,” is a frequent cause of acute stomach pain in toddlers. What exactly is gastroenteritis? It’s an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a viral infection.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis in Toddlers

How can parents recognize gastroenteritis in their young children? Common symptoms include:

  • Sudden onset of stomach pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Low-grade fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue

Managing Gastroenteritis at Home

What can parents do to help their toddler through a bout of gastroenteritis? Focus on preventing dehydration and providing comfort:

  1. Offer small, frequent sips of clear fluids
  2. Use oral rehydration solutions designed for children
  3. Gradually reintroduce bland foods as tolerated
  4. Ensure plenty of rest
  5. Use over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your healthcare provider

When should parents seek medical attention for gastroenteritis? Contact your child’s doctor if symptoms persist beyond a few days, if there are signs of dehydration, or if your toddler has a high fever or severe abdominal pain.

Lactose Intolerance: A Potential Source of Digestive Discomfort

Lactose intolerance can be a source of stomach pain in toddlers, though it’s less common than in older children and adults. What is lactose intolerance? It’s the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, due to a deficiency in the enzyme lactase.

Signs of Lactose Intolerance in Toddlers

How can parents identify lactose intolerance in their young children? Look for these symptoms after consuming dairy products:

  • Bloating and gas
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea

Managing Lactose Intolerance

If lactose intolerance is suspected, what steps can parents take? Consider these strategies:

  1. Consult with your child’s healthcare provider for proper diagnosis
  2. Gradually reduce dairy intake to see if symptoms improve
  3. Explore lactose-free or lactose-reduced dairy products
  4. Consider calcium-fortified alternatives like soy or almond milk
  5. Discuss the potential use of lactase enzyme supplements with your doctor

It’s important to note that lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy. A milk allergy involves an immune system response and can be more serious. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

Stress and Anxiety: Emotional Causes of Stomach Pain

Believe it or not, stress and anxiety can cause stomach pain in toddlers. How does this happen? The gut-brain connection is strong, and emotional distress can manifest as physical symptoms, including abdominal discomfort.

Common Stressors for Toddlers

What situations might cause stress or anxiety in young children? Consider these potential triggers:

  • Changes in routine or environment
  • Starting daycare or preschool
  • Family conflicts or tensions
  • Separation anxiety
  • Overstimulation or sensory overload

Helping Toddlers Cope with Stress

How can parents support their toddlers and potentially alleviate stress-related stomach pain? Try these approaches:

  1. Maintain consistent routines to provide a sense of security
  2. Offer plenty of physical affection and reassurance
  3. Create opportunities for relaxation and quiet time
  4. Encourage expression of feelings through words or play
  5. Model healthy stress management techniques

If you suspect your toddler’s stomach pain is related to stress or anxiety, discuss your concerns with their healthcare provider. They can offer guidance and, if necessary, refer you to a pediatric mental health specialist.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Toddler Stomach Pain

While most cases of stomach pain in toddlers are not serious, there are times when medical attention is necessary. How can parents determine when to call the doctor? Look out for these red flags:

  • Persistent pain lasting more than a few days
  • Severe abdominal pain that interferes with daily activities
  • Pain accompanied by high fever (over 102°F or 39°C)
  • Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urination)
  • Blood in stool or vomit
  • Significant weight loss
  • Recurrent episodes of stomach pain

What to Expect at the Doctor’s Visit

If you do need to consult a healthcare provider about your toddler’s stomach pain, what can you expect? The doctor will likely:

  1. Take a detailed history of your child’s symptoms
  2. Perform a physical examination
  3. Ask about your child’s diet and bathroom habits
  4. Inquire about any recent changes or stressors in your child’s life
  5. Order tests if necessary (such as blood work or stool samples)

Be prepared to provide as much information as possible to help your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Preventing Stomach Pain in Toddlers: Proactive Strategies

While it’s not always possible to prevent stomach pain in toddlers, there are steps parents can take to reduce the likelihood of digestive discomfort. What proactive measures can help keep tummy troubles at bay?

Dietary Considerations

How can parents use diet to promote digestive health in toddlers?

  • Offer a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Ensure adequate fiber intake to prevent constipation
  • Encourage regular water consumption throughout the day
  • Limit sugary and processed foods
  • Introduce new foods gradually to identify potential sensitivities

Lifestyle Habits

What lifestyle factors can contribute to a healthy digestive system in young children?

  1. Encourage regular physical activity to promote bowel movements
  2. Establish consistent meal and snack times
  3. Create a relaxed eating environment
  4. Teach good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of stomach bugs
  5. Ensure adequate sleep and rest

Emotional Support

How can parents provide emotional support to reduce stress-related stomach pain?

  • Foster open communication about feelings and concerns
  • Create a stable, predictable home environment
  • Offer plenty of one-on-one attention and affection
  • Help children develop coping strategies for stress and anxiety
  • Be attentive to signs of emotional distress and address them promptly

By implementing these preventive strategies, parents can help reduce the frequency and severity of stomach pain in their toddlers. Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Pay attention to your child’s individual needs and consult with their healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Stomach Pains in Kids: Common Causes

If your toddler complains of stomach pains or tummy aches, they’re not alone. Stomach pain in kids is very common and is frequently the reason parents take their children to the doctor. Luckily, most stomachaches in kids don’t need medical intervention, but if your child complains of stomach pain every day, it might be something more serious. To help you know when to call your child’s healthcare provider, we’ve compiled the most common reasons for toddler tummy aches.

Types of Stomach Pain in Kids

Kids get tummy aches—they’re a normal part of toddler life. However, stomach pain presents itself in different ways, and these may sometimes provide clues to what’s causing the problem. The different types of stomach pain in kids include:

  • Generalized pain. If your toddler can’t pinpoint their aches or indicates pain in more than half the tummy, they probably have generalized pain. This means the pain isn’t concentrated in a specific area. Generalized pain is common in cases of indigestion, gas, constipation, or a stomach virus.

  • Localized pain. On the other hand, if your little one points to a specific area of the belly, it could be localized pain, which typically indicates a bigger problem. Localized pain is common in issues with the appendix, gallbladder, ovaries, and testicles, or indicates a hernia or stomach ulcer.

  • Cramp-like pain. Kids who experience cramp-like stomach pains are often suffering from gas or bloating. Most likely, diarrhea will follow the pains.

Kids might not be able to alert you to their stomach pains, so they may rely on you to notice the common symptoms of a tummy ache. Besides trying to understand if the pain is generalized, localized, or cramp-like, look for these typical signs of tummy problems:

  • Fussiness

  • Loss of appetite

  • Drawing legs up toward the belly.

If your toddler exhibits any of those symptoms, they probably have a tummy ache or pain.

Possible Causes of Stomachache in Kids

Stomach pain in children is normal and not usually something to worry about, which can give you a little peace of mind when you need it most! Of course, it’s always a good idea to consult your child’s healthcare provider, who can determine what’s behind your toddler’s tummy aches and address any questions or concerns. Here’s an overview of some of the most common causes of stomach pain in kids along with tips to help you know when it’s serious and may need medical attention.

Constipation

Of all the digestive issues that lead to kids’ stomach pain, constipation is the most common culprit. A child who is constipated may have infrequent bowel movements or have hard, dry stools. When this condition occurs in a toddler, it’s often due to what they’re eating (or not eating enough of) or it may crop up during potty training.

  • Diet. As kids continue to expand their menu and eat new foods, they may not always get enough fiber in their diet or drink enough fluids to keep things moving. Continue to serve your child plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with whole grain foods and lots of liquids.

  • Potty training. When kids start potty training too early or feel too much pressure during the process, they may rebel and hold their bowel movements. Or, your child may feel nervous about using the toilet, especially in a public restroom, and withhold stool.

With time and encouragement, your little one will eventually enjoy a variety of fiber-rich foods and become comfortable with using the toilet. Other causes of constipation that might lead to kids’ stomach pain include

  • changes in routine that lead to stress (travel, moving, going to a new daycare or preschool, etc.)

  • medications

  • milk allergies or food sensitivities

  • underlying health conditions like metabolic disorders (rare).

Contact your toddler’s healthcare provider if your child’s constipation lasts more than two weeks or if your child complains of stomach pain daily, has blood in the stool, has a fever, and/or has a loss of appetite.

Food Allergies and Intolerances

Food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities can also cause tummy aches in toddlers. Among the most common allergy-producing foods are milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. If your little one has any intolerances, sensitivities, or allergies to food, they may experience stomach pain, including gas, bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea.

Keep in mind that a food intolerance or sensitivity is not the same as a food allergy. The former doesn’t initiate an immune response but can still cause stomach pain in kids. If your child has a food allergy, you will probably notice other symptoms besides a tummy ache, and some can be quite serious, such as trouble breathing or lightheadedness.

Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you have any concerns about food allergies or if your toddler has consistent stomach pain after eating certain foods. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your child exhibits any serious symptoms of a food allergy, such as swelling, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness.

Stomach Flu or Food Poisoning

Sometimes, stomach pain in kids comes from “stomach flu,” a common term for viral gastroenteritis. Other times, it can be due to food poisoning. Both can cause cramp-like or generalized stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Fortunately, symptoms don’t typically persist longer than 48 hours, so your little one will likely make a quick recovery.

Vomiting can last 24 hours or more when it’s the stomach flu but shouldn’t be longer than 12 hours in the case of food poisoning. Contact your child’s healthcare provider if symptoms persist or your toddler has bloody stool, a pounding heartbeat, or diarrhea and a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and watch for signs of dehydration.

Strep Throat or Mononucleosis

Other illnesses can cause abdominal pain in children, including strep throat and mononucleosis (a. k.a. “mono”). The most common symptoms of strep throat are a fever, sore throat, and swollen tonsils and neck glands. But strep throat also can cause other symptoms in toddlers, such as stomach pains, usually in the lower abdomen. Contact your child’s healthcare provider if you suspect your toddler has strep throat, which is most often treated with antibiotics.

As for mono, the most common symptoms are very similar to those of strep throat (fever, swollen neck glands, and a sore throat), but mono also cause your toddler to have an upset stomach. Mono typically leads to localized pain, so ask your little one where it hurts. If your child has pain in the left side of the abdomen, it could be mono-induced swelling in the liver or spleen.

Although mono is pesky and can linger for weeks, symptoms usually go away on their own with lots of rest. Still, contact your child’s healthcare provider if you suspect mono. To protect the spleen and liver, the provider may recommend only light activity and play for your child until the stomach pain subsides.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can also trigger stomach pains in kids (along with constipation, as mentioned above). When your toddler has an upset stomach but doesn’t show symptoms like cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, or other signs of an infection, consider what’s going on in their life. For example, kids may experience stress when

  • a family member is sick

  • parents or guardians are fighting

  • they’re having problems at daycare or school

  • they’re angry or fearful about something.

Children might feel stressed or anxious and experience abdominal pain for other reasons and in other situations, too. Try to find out what’s bothering your child and why they’re experiencing these difficult feelings. Your toddler’s healthcare provider can help you identify the problem and suggest ways to help reduce and manage the stress. These may include dietary changes, getting more sleep, increasing the amount of time spent in play and physical activity, and doing more fun things as a family.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is very rare in children under 3 years and uncommon for kids under 5 years, but it’s still helpful to know the symptoms. If your child has a mild fever and stomach pain around the belly button, these are the two initial signs of appendicitis. Although it may seem like a minor tummy ache at first, appendicitis eventually causes worsening pain in the lower right side of the belly.

It’s best to contact child’s healthcare provider ASAP if you suspect appendicitis. If the appendix swells too much and bursts, it can cause a more serious bacterial infection. Signs of a ruptured appendix in a child include a high fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit and stomach pain moving across the belly.

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

Perhaps you’ve never heard of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (a.k.a. IgA vasculitis), as it’s not especially common. However, this condition is most likely to affect kids between the ages of 2 and 6 and can cause stomach pain. The most telling sign is a rash across the bottom, legs, and feet, but the illness also causes tummy aches and digestive problems.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura tends to go away on its own, but it’s still a good idea to contact your child’s healthcare provider if a rash develops. The illness can impact the kidneys and cause more severe digestive issues.

Home Remedies for Stomach Pain in Kids

Although a few possible reasons for your toddler’s upset stomach require a call to their healthcare provider (as mentioned above), you may wonder what to give your little one at home, especially when they’re experiencing pain at night. Luckily, there are a few remedies for stomach pain you can try at home with your kids.

Consult your child’s provider to determine a possible cause for the pain. The provider may suggest the following strategies and home remedies for stomach pain in kids:

When to Contact Your Child’s Healthcare Provider

Along with the possible causes of stomach pain in kids listed above, we also offered some guidance on when to contact your child’s healthcare provider. However, there are many additional reasons children experience abdominal pain, and you’ll need to watch for various signs and symptoms, some requiring more urgent action than others.

Contact your healthcare provider ASAP or take your toddler to the emergency room if they have stomach pain and

  • vomit but don’t have bowel movements

  • have blood or pus in the stool or vomit

  • have dark, tar-like stool or green or yellow vomit

  • experience sharp abdominal pain

  • have a rigid, hard, or swollen belly

  • have trouble breathing

  • had a recent injury

  • are being treated for a serious medical condition (such as cancer).

Other signs might require a regular consultation with your healthcare provider (but not necessarily a trip to the ER). They include

  • constant stomach pain lingering for more than 24 hours (or vomiting consistently for more than 12 hours) especially if the pain increases

  • stomach pain that comes and goes and lasts more than one week

  • diarrhea lasting more than two days

  • pain during urination

  • fever over 100. 4 degrees Fahrenheit

  • loss of appetite or weight loss.

The Bottom Line

The most common reason for a toddler’s stomach pain is constipation. In fact, it’s a typical source of stomachaches in kids of all ages and not usually a cause for concern. You can help your little one cope with constipation by keeping them hydrated, active, and full of fiber-rich foods.

If constipation isn’t the cause, your child might have the stomach flu or another viral illness or be feeling stressed or anxious. Call your child’s healthcare provider if stomach pain persists or worsens, or if your toddler shows any of the more serious symptoms listed above.

Though tummy aches and stomach pain are a regular part of toddler life, they do go away in time. Read about toddler development to learn more about your growing, developing, and active toddler!

Stomach Pain in Kids – Children’s Health

Share:

As many parents know, children and stomach aches seem to go hand in hand. Stomach pain in kids can be caused by a variety of common reasons such as eating too much, needing to go to the bathroom, or anxiety or worry about an upcoming event. However, if your child complains of stomach pain frequently, it can be difficult to know the best ways to help and when to call the doctor.

Megha S. Mehta, M.D., a pediatric gastroenterologist at Children’s Health℠ and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern, explains when parents should worry about stomach pain and when a little rest and hydration is all your child may need.

What can cause stomach pain in a child?

The most common causes of stomach pain in children include:

  • Indigestion
  • Infection or stomach bug
  • Constipation
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Irritable bowel syndrome or functional abdominal pain
  • Appendicitis (causes acute or sudden pain)

Additional stomach pain symptoms can vary based on what’s causing your child’s stomach to hurt, but may include cramping, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea or vomiting. One of the most important symptoms to note is where your child is feeling pain in their stomach.

“One of the first questions we ask children is where their stomach hurts,” explains Dr. Mehta. “Location of the pain can help physicians determine what is causing the pain, in addition to other characteristics such as severity of pain, when it occurs, what makes it better or worse and accompanying symptoms.”

Stomach pain around the belly button

Stomach pain around or near a child’s belly button is usually nothing to worry about. It’s one of the most common stomach pain complaints among kids.

“Children often rub their bellies when they hurt and complain about general pain around the belly button,” says Dr. Mehta. “This type of stomach pain is typically caused by stress or eating something that didn’t quite agree with them.”

If your child is complaining about stomach pain near the belly button, you can:

  • Encourage them to lay down and rest
  • Check to see if they need to poop
  • Offer a glass of water
  • Try distracting them by reading a book together or playing a quiet game

Stomach pain in the lower right part of the abdomen

Appendicitis is a serious medical emergency that can cause sudden, severe pain in the lower right part of your child’s stomach. If your child complains of stomach pain that moves to the lower right side of the belly, watch for other symptoms of appendicitis including:

  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty passing gas
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

You should contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if you suspect your child has appendicitis. Early diagnosis decreases risk of a ruptured appendix or serious complications.

Stomach pain on the left side of the abdomen

If your child is complaining about pain on the left side of their stomach, it could be caused by something as simple as constipation to a more severe condition like pancreatitis. Dr. Mehta reminds parents not to panic just because their child is experiencing pain.

“Most of the time, stomach pain on the left side is caused by something mild, like constipation. Rarely, it can be a sign of something more serious,” she says. “Your child’s pediatrician can work with you to better understand the pain and symptoms your child experiences to ensure they receive an accurate diagnosis – and more importantly, find relief.”

Stomach pain in the upper abdomen

If your child is complaining about pain in their upper abdomen, they may be experiencing indigestion. Telltale signs of indigestion include:

  • Pain in the middle of the upper belly
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Burping
  • Heartburn

“Indigestion may be the cause, if your child complains about pain in their upper belly, especially if it happens after eating certain foods,” says Dr. Mehta.

If your child has pain in the upper right side of their abdomen, this could also be a sign of gallstones. Gallstones are more common in adults than in children, but some children may be more at risk for developing gallstones including children with obesity, children with certain health conditions including sickle cell disease, and children with a family history of gallstone disease.

What can I give my child for stomach pain?

Stomach pain usually resolves itself after your child:

  • Rests
  • Has a bowel movement
  • Passes gas
  • Recovers from a stomach virus

There’s no specific treatment for an upset stomach, but you can help relieve your child’s symptoms. Trusted home remedies for stomach pain in kids include:

  • Offering plenty of clear liquids to keep your child hydrated
  • Offering ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain
  • Using a heating pad to ease cramps and pain
  • Offering a bland diet, like crackers and soups
  • Giving your child stool softeners, like MiraLAX® to ease constipation (see other ways to prevent and treat constipation in kids)
  • Mixing a probiotic in your child’s water, which may help stop diarrhea

When should I take my child to the doctor for stomach pain?

Stomach pain in children is usually nothing to worry about. But, if your child experiences any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to determine the cause of your child’s pain:

  • Constipation that is becoming frequent
  • Recurrent stomach pain with no clear cause
  • Blood in stool
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever and cough
  • Pain when urinating
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Looks or acts sick
  • Pain that is waking your child up from sleep or is starting to affect their daily lives
  • Jaundice

Your child’s pediatrician can help you determine if you need to seek immediate medical attention.

When to go to the ER for stomach pain in kids

If your child experiences any of the following symptoms with stomach pain, call 911 immediately or take your child to the emergency room (ER):

  • Severe pain in the stomach
  • Loss of consciousness, fatigue or ill appearing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dehydration
  • Blood in vomit or green-colored vomit

When kids have stomach aches, it can be hard to pinpoint a cause or if you should be concerned. A #pediatric GI expert from @Childrens addresses when to call the doctor.

Click to Tweet

Learn more

The Children’s Health Pediatric Gastroenterology program offers specialized, compassionate care to help treat, manage and improve your child’s digestive health. Our team offers minimally invasive diagnostic techniques and the latest advances in care to help your child and family feel their best. When stomach pain in kids becomes a chronic issue, our Chronic Abdominal Pain Clinic offers help and hope.

Thank you!

You are now subscribed to the Children’s Health Family Newsletter.

Children’s Health will not sell, share or rent your information to third parties.
Please read our privacy policy.

Children’s Health Family Newsletter

Get health tips and parenting advice from Children’s Health experts sent straight to your inbox twice a month.

Type 1

Loose, hard-to-pass, hard lumps, like sheep feces

Type 2

Stools in the form of a cylinder, consisting of many lumps

Type 3

Cal in the form of a cylinder, covered with striations, of a smaller diameter than in the second case

Type 4

Sausage stool with a smooth surface

Type 5

Loose, soft, shaped lumps that move easily through the rectum

Type 6

Feces are porous, loose flakes

Type 7

Feces are liquid, watery, without solid elements