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Although constipation is relatively common in children, as a parent it can be difficult to know exactly when you should be concerned. Constipation(opens in a new tab) is a common problem among children, primarily occurring at the age of nine months and older. When a child is learning to go to the bathroom properly, there are bound to be some issues and instances of discomfort. Constipation is something that happens to everyone and often can be resolved easily, but it should not be ignored.
Signs of constipation to look out for in your child include:
- Lack of daily bowel movements.
- Bowel movements that are hard, dry, or difficult to pass.
- Pain while having a bowel movement.
- Blood on the surface of a hard stool.
- Stomach pain.
- Traces or streaks of liquid, pasty stool in your child’s underwear. This is a sign that stool is backed up in the rectum.
What Can You Do to Help Your Child With Constipation
Retrain your child’s body to have regular bowel movements. If your child is toilet trained, work with them to make going to the bathroom a regular habit. Choose the same time every day and follow the same routine.
- It is best to try after a meal.
- Have your child sit on the toilet for 5 minutes after eating, to try to have a BM.
- Place a footstool under their feet so they do not dangle. Tell your child to lean forward.
- Try to stay calm and not be too concerned if your child does not have a BM. Let them try again later in the day.
- Look at the stool each time so you know what is normal and not normal for your child. The stool should be soft, like mashed potatoes.
- Have your child drink diluted 100% fruit juice. A serving of prune juice or prunes once a day may help.
- Teach your child to come in from play every time they have the urge to poop.
- Encourage them to be active by playing instead of sitting.
If these things do not work, ask your healthcare provider to recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Be sure to find out the right dose for your child, when to take it, and for how long. OTC medicines for constipation often do not have this information on their label.
What You Should Never Do
Never punish your child when they cannot poop or if they have an accident in their pants. They do not do this on purpose. Punishment can stop them from learning good habits.
Constipation in Children
Constipation most frequently occurs due to a low-fiber diet, dehydration, changes in routine or resistance to toilet training. Treatment usually includes home remedies such as diet changes or changes to their routine.
Constipation is usually temporary and treatable. With the proper diet and fluid intake, your child can have more regular bowel movements.
If it’s not treated, constipation can become worse. If your toddler’s poop stays inside of their colon, it keeps getting larger, firmer and drier. This makes it more painful to pass, and your child will be more likely to hold back their poop.
Here is an article published on the Enemeez Blog about Constipation in Children.
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