Restrict milk to three glasses per day. An increase in high residue foods is strongly encouraged. This change in diet will definitely keep the stools on the soft side. Such foods include natural bread instead of white bread. Try to include one to two fruits and one to two green vegetables a day in the diet.
Mineral oil is a very effective stool softener.
It can be used with fruit juices. Consult your child's doctor before using mineral oil. Laxatives, other than mineral oil, are rarely needed. Enemas and suppositories also should not be used for more than three days without consulting your child's doctor. Without proper treatment, childhood constipation problems tend to get worse.