Constipation issues in toddlers- Remedy and Prevention

Constipation in toddlers is a general issue and a constipated child has infrequent bowel movements and hard, dry stools like pebbles. Common causes include early toilet training, changes in diet, withholding, changes in routine, medications, allergy to cow’s milk, genetic issues and medical conditions. Luckily, most cases of constipation in children are temporary.

Signs and Symptoms of constipation may include less than three bowel movements a week and pain during bowel movement. Such movements may be hard, dry and difficult to pass and rarely blood on the surface of the hard stool. If your child fears that having a bowel movement will hurt, he or she may try to avoid it. You may notice your child crossing his or her legs, clenching his or her buttocks, twisting his or her body, or making faces when attempting to hold stool.

Constipation in children usually is not serious but you need to see a pediatrician if the condition lasts longer than two weeks because chronic constipation may lead to complications or signal an underlying condition. And meet your doctor without any notice if constipation is accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in stool, abdominal swelling, weight loss and anal fissures or rectal prolapse.

Remedies for constipation include:

  • Increased water intake.
  • Give high fiber juices like prune, pear, apple and white grape and eat more vegetables like broccoli, peas, raspberries, prunes, plums.
  • Exercise for the bowel movement and massage belly. Stand in a bathtub full of warm water.
  • Eat high fiber foods like crackers, bran cereal or muffins.
  • Avoid / Reduce binding foods like dairy, bananas, white rice, and sugar/fatty foods.
  • Give probiotics every day and 2 tsp. flax seed oil.

To help prevent constipation in children:

  • Offer your child high-fiber foods. Serve your child more high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole-grain cereals and bread. If your child isn’t used to a high-fiber diet, start by adding just several grams of fiber a day to prevent gas and bloating.
  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. Water is often the best.
  • Promote physical activity. Regular physical activity helps stimulate normal bowel function.
  • Create a toilet routine. Regularly set aside time after meals for your child to use the toilet. If necessary, provide a footstool so that your child is comfortable sitting on the toilet and has enough leverage to release a stool.
  • Remind your child to heed nature’s call. Some children get so wrapped up in play that they ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. If such delays occur often, they can contribute to constipation.
  • Review medications. If your child is taking a medication that causes constipation, ask his or her doctor about other options.

Image Credit: babydestination.com

 

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