Toddler Constipation

The Best Ways to handle Toddler Constipation

Constipation is defined as the passage of hard, dry stools that are painful or difficult to pass. Toddler constipation is a very common and frustrating problem and should be handled with proper care. Toddlers often have irregular bowel movements. Once the toddler becomes constipated, it tries to hold its bowel movements to prevent it from hurting, which makes the constipation continue and become worse.

Causes and Signs of Toddler constipation

There are several causes for toddler constipation. The main cause of toddler constipation is intake of diet that is low in fiber, such as milk products or peanut butter. It can also caused by drinking too much of milk especially cow’s milk, which is more likely to cause constipation. Constipation may be suspected in a toddler whose diet includes solid foods. Many toddlers become constipated when they start consuming solids. This happens since the baby’s intestine is adjusting to a new type of food. Toddler constipation may also be caused due to less consumption of water or going to bathroom after a long time. And a lack of physical activity can also be responsible for toddler’s constipation.

The signs of constipation in your toddler can be varied. Bowel movements may slow down that is they are less frequent than what is normal for him. He may not have a bowel movement for three or more days. He might be having uncomfortable bowel movements and show discomfort and pain when passing a stool. Other signs include a swollen or hardened abdomen, hard and pebble-like stools. Sometimes infant’s belly can become swollen with gas.

Treatment for Toddler constipation

There are certain things that can be done to ease and stop toddler’s constipation. The best way to treat toddler constipation is by making changes in his diet. Since toddler constipation is mainly related to diet, an approach that targets what he eats and drinks is the best way to treat this condition. The goal of treatment is to help your child to have soft, comfortable stools again. Here are certain ways that help to ease toddler constipation.

• Increase the intake of fluids: It's very important to include plenty of fluid so increase the amount of fluids like fruit juices, milk and water that your child drinks each day. Sometimes even warm water can help. Apple juice contains more sugars and liquids so it helps relieve constipation. It also has a mild laxative effect that may help provide relief from constipation.
• Increase fiber intake: Increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables that your child eats since many of them are rich in fiber. High-fiber diets treat toddler constipation in a couple of ways. Firstly, fiber bulks up and softens stools making them easier to pass; and secondly, the rough edges of the fiber mechanically stimulate the nerves of the bowel lining, helping to pass the stools along by promoting colonic movement. Raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables especially spinach, beans, sweet potatoes, peas, turnip greens, raw tomatoes, nectarines, peaches and corn on the cob are very rich in fiber. A cooked prune, raisins, dates, figs and legumes especially baked beans, black beans, and kidney beans and whole grain breads and cereals are high in fiber. Popcorn also has lots of fiber in it. Vegetable soup is also a good choice since it is high in fiber and also add more fluid to your child's diet. In addition apples, peas, grainy breads and peanut butter are all good choices. But remember that fiber should be added slowly for his system to get used to it. A sudden increase in fiber can cause gas, bloating and lots of discomfort.
• Try to decrease the intake of constipating foods: Try to avoid constipating foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, cooked carrots, and bananas. Drinking too much milk is also heavily associated with being constipated. Milk can cause constipation in some toddlers so try to not let him have too much. A child can become constipated due to a cow's milk allergy or sensitivity. It has been found that soy milk help to soften stools. So switching to soy milk is a better choice. Giving daily multivitamin or other sources of calcium can also be good substitute for milk.
• Encourage your child to sit on the toilet after breakfast or dinner. Children who've been constipated for a long time may have lost the ability to perceive that their rectum is full and those who have experienced painful bowel movements are often reluctant to sit on the toilet. But this will cause the stool to become harder. So let the child sit on the toilet for 5 or 10 minutes after meals, when intestinal reflexes make passing bowel movements easier.
• Massage your toddler ’s belly. Stomach massage can relax baby’s tummy and intestines and promote digestion. Apply constant and gentle pressure for three minutes around 2 inches below her navel. Move baby’s legs in a cycling motion as your baby lies on her back. This can cause movement in the baby’s stomach muscles, which stimulate the intestines to move.

These were some of the things that help to ease toddler constipation. But always remember to take an advice of a health care provider before starting any treatment.