How do children defecate?

Newborn babies (up to 2 years old)

Newborns usually defecate several times a day. Their stools are soft and mushy, and may be yellow, green, or brown. As babies start to eat solid foods, their stools will become more formed and less frequent.

Toddlers (2 to 4 years old)

Toddlers typically defecate once or twice a day. Their stools should be formed and easy to pass. If a toddler is constipated, their stools may be hard, dry, and difficult to pass.

Preschoolers (4 to 6 years old)

Preschoolers should continue to defecate once or twice a day. Their stools should be formed and easy to pass. If a preschooler is constipated, their stools may be hard, dry, and difficult to pass.

School-aged children (6 to 12 years old)

School-aged children should defecate once or twice a day. Their stools should be formed and easy to pass. If a school-aged child is constipated, their stools may be hard, dry, and difficult to pass.

Adolescents (13 to 18 years old)

Adolescents should defecate once or twice a day. Their stools should be formed and easy to pass. If an adolescent is constipated, their stools may be hard, dry, and difficult to pass.

Factors that can affect defecation

There are a number of factors that can affect defecation, including:

* Diet

* Exercise

* Stress

* Illness

* Medication

If you are concerned about your child's defecation patterns, talk to your doctor.