Why is My Toddler Constipated After Starting Daycare?

If your toddler’s poop schedule changes after they start daycare, they aren’t alone! Constipation is most common in toddlers during these developmental milestones like starting solids, potty training, and starting daycare (1). 

Changes to your little one’s daily routine (sleep/wake cycle, food intake, water intake) all have an impact on their digestive health and regularity. 

Let’s cover why constipation after daycare happens and practical solutions to get your toddler more regular!

How to Know When Your Toddler is Constipated

Constipation is often defined as having fewer than 1–2 bowel movements per week, but what's more important is noticing a change from your child’s usual pattern—like firmer stools, pain while pooping, or going less often than normal.

Some kids experience cycles of loose stools or even diarrhea, which can actually be a sign of underlying constipation that’s harder to spot.

Other often-overlooked signs include things like streaks in their underwear (skid marks), more potty accidents than usual, or a noticeable drop in appetite.

Why Constipation Often Starts with Daycare

Changes in Meal Times

Your toddler’s digestion follows a circadian rhythm, just like their sleep-wake cycle. When that rhythm shifts (like with a new wake-up time or different eating schedule) it can slow down digestion and lead to constipation (2).

Lower Fiber Intake

Daycare meals may have less fiber than what you typically serve at home. And with the busy routine of daycare drop-offs and pick-ups, breakfast or dinner might be more rushed and lower in fiber which can contribute to constipation.

Withholding

Withholding happens when your toddler resists or avoids going to the bathroom, which can lead to painful poops and constipation. This is common in daycare, where the environment can be busy, overwhelming, or the bathroom might feel unfamiliar and stressful. 

Lower Fluid Intake 

Toddlers may be drinking less water or milk at daycare because the environment is busy and full of distractions. Plus, they might not get as many reminders to drink or may not yet know how to express when they’re thirsty. Fluids help keep the intestines working smoothly and make stools easier to pass, which helps prevent constipation.

Eating Less

Your toddler may just be eating less throughout the day! When they eat less, they naturally have less frequent poops. It can be helpful to check in with their teachers to see if they’re finishing their meals or leaving food behind.

Emotional Stress

Daycare brings a lot of new experiences like making friends, learning routines, and adjusting to a new environment. While some of this is exciting, it can also be overwhelming and create stress for your toddler. Stress hormone can directly slow down digestion and result in constipation.  

Practical Tips for Regular Stools

While constipation after starting daycare can have several causes, there are simple and effective ways to help your toddler get back on track.

Focus on the Fiber

Most toddlers don’t get enough fiber. We just don’t notice it until there’s constipation! The best way to easily increase fiber is to switch to high fiber fruits (berries, pears, kiwi), add seeds (flax seeds or chia seeds), and switch to whole grain carbs (pasta, bread, etc). 

Let their System Normalize

Sometimes it just takes some time! Just like when your toddler started solids, their GI tract needed time to get accustomed to the different foods. This time, their gut needs time to deal with different foods and different eating patterns.

Add a Fiber Supplement

Fiber supplements can be a great way to ensure they’re getting enough.Begin Health Growing Up Prebioticshas 3 servings of fiber with prebiotics to help feed good bacteria and soften stools to prevent constipation. 

Avoid “Empty” Calories

Processed snacks that are high in added sugars or fried foods can slow down digestion and contribute to constipation. Instead of relying on these types of foods, try to boost your toddler’s meals and snacks with something more nourishing like a fruit, vegetable, whole grain, bean, or seed. These fiber-rich additions support better digestion and keep things moving more regularly.

Summary

Constipation after starting daycare  is a very common problem for toddlers!  Shifts in routine, changes in diet, and the emotional adjustment to a new environment can all play a role.  However, focusing on a high fiber diet and a consistent gut health routine can get them more regular!