My Toddler Is Constipated. What Can I Do To Help?
|
|
A constipated toddler is frustrating to parents who wonder what they can do to resolve the situation. Luckily, most of the time the problem with constipation in toddlers is related to diet. This means you can focus on what she is eating and drinking to help resolve the problem naturally. Of course, it probably won’t happen overnight, but eating and drinking the right foods should get her moving again.
The first thing you want to do is make sure your little one is getting enough fluids. This includes water, milk and/or juice. Don’t give your toddler sodas or Gatorade. Stick with water, juice and milk. Just make sure your child is getting enough. When they are, their urine will be practically clear rather than yellow. Also, enough fluids helps stool stay soft and easy to pass. When a child is dehydrated or on the verge of dehydration the stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. So, always make sure your toddler is getting enough fluids, especially during hot weather. Doctors say that your toddler is drinking enough when she needs to urinate at least every three hours.
Another way to help your child over constipation is through fiber. Lots of fruits your child loves have fiber, which makes it easy for your child to get this. Also, there are plenty of breads that have added fiber as well as pasta that is worth buying and feeding to your little one. Try breakfast bars with added fiber, raisins, peas, and even peanut butter. There are other options to add more fiber to your child’s diet, too, through fiber drinks and things of that nature if it becomes too big of an issue.
One option in severe cases is to give your toddler two teaspoons of mineral oil two times per day. This would be for a toddler weighing from 20-30 pounds. Talk to your pediatrician about this, first, because some find it controversial. In most cases, the oil coats the stool and helps it to come out without any pain or problems. Add a teaspoon to the dosage after a few days in order to help the child begin passing soft stools and to allow any skin fissures to heal. Disguise the oil in ice cream, juice, shakes, or other foods.
Do not give your child any laxative. They are not for children and could cause serious problems. Always talk with your child’s pediatrician about options for treating constipation and never give any drugs or medicine without their permission.
Related Articles:
if you have any questions or comments!