Ways To Treat Constipation In Toddlers

By Sowmiya Prasad

A finicky bunch by nature, toddlers may cause worry even over simple things. Your toddler may sometimes come running to you telling "mommy it hurts" and the next time he keeps himself away from the bathroom arena. Empty toilets may cause worry to parents. However, constipation in toddlers is something more common and is not a serious disease. It is caused by improper diet and bowel movements. Take a look at how frequently your toddler visits the bathroom or identify if you have a constipated toddler.

You can easily find if your toddler is constipated or not just by observing him. Bowel movements in toddlers should be regular and an average toddler is said to have bowel movements at least once a day. There are also cases where bowel movements in toddlers occur only two or three times a week. Constipation in toddlers is common for whom the stools are hard and too difficult to pass. Symptoms that accompany constipation are nausea, stomach ache, bloating, loss of appetite etc., it is essential to watch the diet to contain constipation in toddlers. Avoiding heavy and processed foods could solve the problem to a certain extent.

Ways To Treat Constipation In Toddlers

Here are certain ways to regularize bowel movements in toddlers.

A healthy diet
A healthy diet is something necessary to avoid constipation in toddlers. Give your kid a diet that is rich in fiber. The toddler should take subsequent food that is gives him health and also one that is delicious. Fruits and veggies to the diet are a good option. Decorate the food attractively, so that he doesn't skip the meal. When you focus too much on feeding your kid with fiber, do not forget to give him some liquid food. This plays a major role in regulating the bowel movements in toddlers.

Clear the bowels
You may also give laxative, stool softeners to treat constipation in toddlers. These stool softeners are safe to use and can be used easily. However take the advice of the pediatrician for better results. Also, take care that you don't stop the stool softener too early.

Physical activity
Physical activity plays a major role when it comes to maintaining the health and physical activity in toddlers are no exception. Make sure that your kid gets necessary exercise every day. If not make sure he does it. A kid should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day and this will help to regulate the bowel movements in him.

Watch the medicines
You may give your toddler medicines, but always take the advice of a specialist. Watch the medicines you give him. If you find that the medicines he takes causes constipation, then it is better you stop it. Also, while you advocate some medicine which works properly on him, take a note not to stop it too early. This is the best way to treat constipation in toddlers.

A discipline
Small discipline can do the magic. Fix a regular toilet time for him. Make sure that he goes to the toilet in the same time every day. It is better to tell him "it is time for bathroom now" . Inculcate a discipline in him.

Trying all the above approach, it is sure that constipation in toddlers may treat the better way.
You should combine all these results and approaches. However, if a kid goes low on fiber and takes a stool softener it will not be of much effect. On the other hand lack of physical activity and high-fiber diet and stool softener may also not yield the needed results. So it is good that you combine all these efforts to prevent constipation in toddlers.

Story first published: Friday, November 22, 2013, 13:17 [IST]
Read more about: kids