3 yr old constipation

My son is 3 yrs old.  Until about 2 weeks ago his bowel movements were daily and normal.  About 2 weeks ago this changed.  The only things that have changed in his routine and diet are 1) his grandmother visited and he stayed home from preschool about 8 days and 2)  he has fell in love with chocolate milk.  He drinks about 8 ounces a day.  I do not put much chocolate in it, just enough to change the color but he has been drinking a lot more milk.  Otherwise he has a good appetite.

He isn't acting like he is uncomfortable but I just want to know if the milk or routine change could be contributing to this change.  He is back to his normal routine at preschool, etc.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear FL Mom,

Yes, there's no doubt that such changes can result in alteration of bowel habits. The increased consumption of milk can have an influence on intake of other foods, simply due to satisfaction of hunger. The change might be subtle, but enough to cause the constipation.