How to PREVENT and TREAT
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Toddler Constipation is a subject that I feel is real important to discuss. It can be overlooked why your child is becoming constipated. A simple diet change can sometimes be all that is needed to cure the problem. Not all cases are this simple that is why it is always best to consult your pediatrician first about these concerns.
Constipation is very common in children. It is usually caused by a diet that is low in fiber, drinking to much milk and your child not drinking enough water. Holding a BM for a toddler especially during the potty training stage, can cause constipation. My son experienced this and I felt so bad for him. Constipation causes hard and painful stools, which often causes toddlers to be afraid of making a bowel movement and holding it in, further making the constipation worse.
What are some Signs of Toddler Constipation?
- Less frequent bowel movements. If it goes longer that 3 days without a bowel movement, especially if that is not normal for your child.
- Dry hard stools that hurt to pass. If your child is really struggling to have a BM and their face turns red while trying to go, than that is not normal.
- If you are in the potty training process, than your toddler can become afraid to have a BM on the big potty. This may cause a perfectly “regular” child to become constipated. I will talk about what you can do to help with this later on.
What can I do to help TREAT or PREVENT Toddler Constipation?
- Make sure your child is drinking enough fluids -- juice, and water. If your child is dehydrated, her stool will become harder, leading to constipation. The main point also is that your toddler should be given water on a regular basis. I think that some parents forget to give our babies water. They need water just as much as we do. Include it in their diet.
- Fiber and whole grains in their diet. Your toddler may not be getting the right amount in their daily intake. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit daily for 2- to 6-year-olds. This is easier than you think. Try giving healthy snacks like raisins and carrot sticks. This can sometimes be an easy fix. Apples are a great source of fiber.
- Be careful with dairy products. My son’s pediatrician told me that dairy products can sometimes “bind” toddlers up. You have to monitor exactly how much cheese and milk is incorporated in their diet. Talk to the doctor about the right amounts to give daily to your toddler. Two to three servings of dairy per day are adequate for a toddler. (One serving equals ½ cup milk)
- Exercise. That is correct. The amount of activity in your toddler’s day is important. Your child needs movement. Movement causes blood flow to their digestive system. You also want your child to learn healthy habits that they will take with them throughout their lives. Start them out early parents!!
- Encourage your toddler (if they are potty trained), to sit on the potty for 5-10 minutes after meals, even if they do not have to go. THIS WORKS. My step-son had problems with constipation and his pediatrician recommended this. Children tend to be so busy that they do not focus on listening to their bodies. I don’t know how many times my step-son said he didn’t have to go and when we had him go sit, he ended up going. Don’t force your child to sit long you do not want them to look at going to the bathroom as a punishment. However it is a good habit for them to practice. They can read a book or play a video game. It allows them to just take a rest and relax.
** If Toddler Constipation is occurring because of potty training:
- What I did was put a diaper or pull-up back on my son when he started screaming like he had to go poo. He had the big potty mastered to go pee but he was so afraid of the big potty that he would hold it. When I put the diaper back on him he would have a BM. I realized that it was just going to take longer for this part of the potty training. It ended up taking a month and then he finally went on the big potty all the time for both. Again, re assure your toddler to not be afraid, it is okay and that you will just put a diaper back on until they are ready. It worked for my son and I hope that your family doesn’t experience this but, if you do this may work.
* Special Note: DO NOT give your toddler over the counter laxatives, enemas or suppositories unless a Doctor has told you to do so. You do not know what can be harmful to your child. ALWAYS contact your pediatrician before giving a child any medication. Remember to discuss toddler constipation with the Doctor the minute you realize a problem is beginning. Don’t wait.
I realize that this subject is common in children but I also wanted to talk about the importance of prevention. This may not be the case with every child, but we as parents need to embrace a healthy lifestyle and realize how crucial it is. A healthy diet may be able to prevent toddler constipation. We have to live a healthy lifestyle for our families. It matters more than you know.
** I am not a Doctor or Licensed Professional in the field of toddler constipation. I am simply a work from home Mom wanting to help others with my own personal tips and advice. You should always contact your pediatrician with questions and concerns about toddler health. **
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