Toddler constipation
is one ailment
as a parent that you will have to deal with
at sometime during your child's toddler
years.
Unlike adult constipation
which is defined as having fewer than three
bowel movements a week, when it comes to
toddler's bowel movements there is no
“normal” number.
A toddler's bowel
movements pattern depends on their diet, how
active they are and how quickly they digest
their food.
There are several reasons
why your toddler can become constipated.
Dehydration, low fiber
intake and putting off going to the bathroom
are a few reasons how your toddler can
become constipated.
There are several things
you can do to try to treat and prevent
toddler constipation.
Dehydration is one of the
most common reasons for toddler
constipation. If your toddler is not getting
enough fluids then their stools can become
hard and difficult to pass. Keeping your
toddler hydrated will aide in keeping their
stools soft and easier to pass.
Another cause of toddler
constipation is low fiber intake.
If your child eats lots
of cheese, yogurt or peanut butter and not
enough whole grain cereal, wheat bread or
vegetables then your child will mostly
become constipated. The bulk and texture of
fiber helps to prevent hard dry stools.
Putting off going to the
bathroom can also lead to constipation.
A lot of times children
will be playing and feel that they are too
busy for a bathroom break or if the child
has passed a hard stool before, they will
try to avoid going to the bathroom so that
they do not have to go through the
discomfort again.
It is important to
encourage your child to use the bathroom
when they feel the urge to go.
It is important to contact your child's
pediatrician if you have any questions or
concerns about your child's constipation.
Your child's pediatrician can go over
treatment options that would best suit your
child.
