How can I tell if my child is constipated?

When it comes to a child's bowel movements, there's no "normal" number or schedule — just what's normal for your child. He may pass a stool after every meal, or wait one or two days or more between bowel movements. His individual pattern depends on what he eats and drinks, how active he is, and how quickly he digests his food and then gets rid of waste.

If you're concerned that your child might be constipated, look for the following clues:

• Less frequent bowel movements, particularly if he hasn't had one for four or more days and is obviously uncomfortable when he does have one.

• Dry, hard stools that are uncomfortable to pass.

• Very liquid stools in your child's diaper or, if he's potty-trained, soiled underwear. Liquid stools can slip past the blockage in the lower intestine and wind up in your child's diaper or underwear. If you see this, don't assume it's diarrhea — it may be evidence of constipation.