30 Aug Constipation in Toddlers—What Every Parent Should Know
Constipation may not be every parent’s favorite topic to talk about, but it gets brought up a lot, particularly among parents of toddlers. During these formative years, many kids will have disruptions in their normal bowel movements, particularly as they start to try new foods. However, while things can happen when it comes to bathroom habits in little ones, regular constipation is not normal.
This is why there are a few things on the topic that every parent should know about as they rasie a toddler.
First, What IS Constipation?
Kids may be struggling with constipation if they have the following characteristics:
– Having fewer than three bowel movements per week
– Have trouble pushing out a bowel movement
– Have stool that is large, hard and dry
Occasional constipation will happen. However, if you find this happening regularly with your child, it is time to call a doctor.
What Are the Signs of Constipation?
In addition to noticing your child is going less often, there are other signs of constipation that parents should look for:
– Having pain when going to the bathroom
– Complaining of feeling full all the time
– Looking bloated or distended
– Straining when going to the bathroom
– Staining underwear with bits of stool
– Seeing small amounts of red blood on toilet paper
Typically, bouts with constipation are caused by kids not getting enough water and fiber. On some rare occasions it can be from a more serious condition like stress or IBS.
How to Prevent and Treat Constipation
The good news about constipation is that there are many things that parents can do to both prevent and treat constipation in their little one. This includes the following:
– Making sure your child is getting enough liquids, depending on their age. Aim for 3-4 glasses per day.
– Serving more high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables.
– Putting your child on a regular meal schedule. Eating is a natural stimulant for the bowels.
– Make sure your child gets enough exercise daily.
– Get your toddler in the habit of going. Fighting the urge will only make the problem worse.
Of course, if these things don’t work, then it is time to go into your pediatrician.
If you have questions about constipation in your toddler or other questions about their overall health, contact the experts here at Continuum Pediatrics. We are here to help answer your questions and to make sure that your toddler is eating the right type of diet and that they don’t have any constipation issues from underlying health conditions. If you have questions or would like to make an appointment with our team, call us directly at 817-617-8600 today.