Increase the dose gradually until your child is having two or three soft bowel movements each day. Use laxatives to keep the rectum empty if stool softeners aren't effective. The most important goal is keeping the rectum empty. Children can always be gradually withdrawn from laxatives, even after 6 months of using them. Encourage your child to eat a nonconstipating diet.
Some examples are figs, dates, raisins, peaches, pears, apricots, celery, cabbage and corn.
Bran is an excellent natural laxative because it has a high fiber content. Popcorn, nuts, shredded wheat, oatmeal, brown rice, lima beans, navy beans, chili beans, and peas are also good sources of fiber. Your child should limit his intake of milk products to 2 glasses or the equivalent per day. Encourage lots of fruit juices because they increase BMs. Encourage your child to sit on the toilet for 10 minutes after meals.