What To Give A 2 Year Old For Constipation

What Are The Symptoms Of Constipation In A Child

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They may include:

• Not having a bowel movement for a few days

• Passing hard, dry stools

• Having belly bloating, cramps, or pain

• Not feeling hungry

• Showing signs of trying to hold stool in, such as clenching teeth, crossing legs, squeezing buttocks together, turning red in the face

• Small liquid or soft stool marks on a child’s underwear

The symptoms of constipation can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How Do I Know If My Toddlers Constipation Is Serious

If your toddler is pooping less than three times a week, is clearly in pain when they do go, has abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, blood in the stool, or any of these other symptoms, call your doctor. It can also be helpful to think through whether what your child is experiencing is normal for themor if its a totally new issue.

And how bothered by the issue they seem, or if its more that you are preoccupied by how little they seem to be going.

What Causes Constipation In A Child

Stool gets hard and dry when the large intestine takes in too much water.

Normally, as food moves through the colon, the colon absorbs water while it makes stool. Muscle movements push the stool toward the rectum. When the stool gets to the rectum, most of the water has been soaked up. The stool is now solid.

If your child has constipation, the colon’s muscle movements are too slow. This makes the stool move through the colon too slowly. The colon absorbs too much water. The stool gets very hard and dry.

Once a child becomes constipated, the problem can quickly get worse. Hard, dry stools can be painful to push out. So the child may stop using the bathroom because it hurts. Over time, the colon will not be able to sense that stool is there.

There are many reasons why a child may become constipated. Some common diet and lifestyle causes include:

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Things To Do In Constipation

• Guava is a very effective remedy for constipation. You should eat it with its seeds.
• Few moms use the Vaseline trick to lubricate babys anal.
• Few people suggest to use the castor oil but I dont recommend. Its not a right choice for your little ones still developing tummy.
• Keep your baby active so that his bowel movements can be more regular.
• Give all the fruit juices in a diluted form otherwise, it can cause diarrhea.
• Try to keep your baby as relax as you can.
• If you are a breastfeeding mom then limit dairy intake in your diet.
• Make a routine of going to the toilet as first thing in the morning. Encourage your child to poop in the morning.
• Ground flaxseed can be used as supplemental fiber.

Treatment For Constipation In Elderly People

To begin the treatment of chronic constipation, all underlying conditions that may be causing it should first be diagnosed and properly managed. Also, a revision of all medications should be done to identify and find substitutes for those causing constipation, if possible. Then, we can proceed to implementing other lifestyle changes, drugs, procedures, and home remedies for constipation in elderly people.

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Key Points To Remember About Constipation

Making sure your child has plenty of water to drink, and enough fibre in their diet, can help prevent constipation.

• constipation is when your child has hard, infrequent poo
• it is a common problem in childhood
• constipation often starts after 1 hard poo has caused pain and so your child has tried to avoid pain the next time by ‘holding on’ to the poo, resulting in a vicious cycle
• increasing the fluid your child drinks and the amount of fibre in their diet can help prevent constipation
• laxatives are often necessary – they work by making the poo softer and easier to poo out
• sitting on the toilet regularly is important
• children often need laxatives for months and sometimes years to manage the problem

Sitting on the toilet regularly is important.

Fear Or Other Emotional Causes

Ah, potty training isnt it a delight? In addition to the not-so-joyous elements of poo accidents and setting up camp for hours in the bathroom, potty training comes with difficult emotional aspects for some children.

Toddlers may feel fearful, skeptical, or even embarrassed about using the toilet. Then theres the possibility of feelings of resentment at having to give up the familiarity and convenience of diapers. Any of these negative emotions can lead to minimal output.

Finally, distracted play can make some kids less likely to stop what theyre doing and answer the call of nature because who wouldnt rather stack blocks than visit the boring old potty?

Fortunately, getting your child to better bowel movements doesnt always have to involve major intervention. In many cases, some simple changes can help.

For mild, temporary constipation, try these at-home steps:

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Medical Treatment For Constipation In Babies Toddlers And Children

If home treatments dont improve constipation, your pediatrician may administer a gentle enema to release impacted feces.

Before treatment, your pediatrician will complete a physical examination and check your babys anus for impacted stool. They may ask questions about your childs diet and physical activity to help diagnose constipation.

Medical tests arent usually necessary. In cases of severe or long-term constipation, your pediatrician may order tests to check for problems in your childs abdomen or rectum.

These tests include:

Here are a few tips to help prevent constipation in babies, toddlers, and children:

• Dont give solid foods until your baby is at least 6 months old.
• Aim to serve more high fiber foods, such as beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Increase your childs water intake to at least 1 liter a day.
• Encourage physical activity, such as riding a bike, kicking a ball, or walking the dog.
• Teach your child not to ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
• Help your child develop a pattern of using the bathroom after meals. Have them sit on the toilet for about 10 minutes after eating so that bowel movements become a regular part of their routine.

Promote Healthy Bowel Habits

We adults would probably say our bowel habits benefit from a regular routine and the same is true for toddlers.

Although schedules can, of course, change from day to day, its helpful to provide your child plenty of opportunities to poop throughout the day. If they dont seek out the toilet on their own, be sure to ask them regularly if they need to go.

Meanwhile, if your toddler fears the potty monster or has dug in their heels about ditching diapers, try to stay calm and laid back. The more you stress, the more your child may pick up on tension around all things bathroom-related which wont help constipation.

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How Do Doctors Treat The Complications Of Constipation In Children

Doctors may be able to treat complications of constipation in children during an office visit. Your childs doctor may recommend at-home treatments, too.

For a child age 2 or older, your doctor may recommend giving mineral oil. Your child will take the mineral oil by mouth or through an enema.

Your childs doctor may be able to treat rectal prolapse during an office visit by manually pushing the rectum back through the childs anus. Helping a child prevent constipation is the best way to prevent rectal prolapse.

What Foods Should A Constipated Toddler Avoid

Many find that dairy can make constipation worse, as well as classic binding foods like rice, bread, and bananasyou know, the foods that youd give if your toddler was going too much! .

Aim for more produce and healthy fats than refined carbohydrates if possible. In the case of a dairy allergy or sensitivity, dairy can make constipation worsethough the probiotics in yogurt and kefir may actually help.

TIP: You can try taking a break from cows milk and cheese, but trying a few different yogurt options.

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When A Child Is Constipated

If you see your child struggling pass stool, its possible the he is constipated. When a child suffering from constipation is finally able to pass stool, it may be large and hard or even pellet-like. The American Academy of Pediatrics has published guidelines to help parents figure out if a child is constipated and needs medication.

Babies under six months

The average baby under six months has two to three bowel movements per day. But kids are all a little different, and having one to five stools per day is possible and normal. Formula-fed babies will have fewer bowel movements than breast-fed babies.

Babies between six and 12 months

Slightly older babies have an average of two bowel movements per day. But again, one to five stools per day is possible and normal.

Toddlers one to three years old

A toddler may have between one and three bowel movements per day. Some young children will have bowel movements as infrequently as every other day for a week or two without having problems.

Children over age three

One bowel movement per day is common for preschool-aged kids, but some kids will have two. Others will have a bowel movement every other day without any problems.

Potty Training With A Disabled Child

Some children with a long-term illness or disability find it more difficult to learn to use a potty or toilet. This can be challenging for them and for you, but it’s important not to avoid potty training for too long.

The charity Contact has a parents’ guide on potty training with a disabled child . Visit the Contact website for further support and ways of getting in touch with other parents with a disabled child.

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Bread Rice Potatoes Pasta And Other Starchy Foods

Starchy foods, such as bread, breakfast cereals, potatoes, yams, rice, couscous, pasta and chapattis provide energy, nutrients and some fibre.

You can give your child wholegrain foods, such as wholemeal bread, pasta and brown rice. But it’s not a good idea to only give wholegrain starchy foods to under-2s.

Wholegrain foods can be high in fibre and they may fill your child up before they have taken in the calories and nutrients they need. After age 2 you can gradually introduce more wholegrain foods.

Precautions When Trying Home Constipation Remedies

Laxatives and enemas offer fast constipation relief in adults. However, dont give these to your infant or toddler. Only a doctor should recommend this.

You can safely give one to kids 4 years and older to soften stools and relieve constipation, though.

Always consult a doctor before giving children a laxative or enema. They can recommend a safe dosage.

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Milk Of Magnesia Works Too

Many people also use milk of magnesia to treat constipation as it a form of laxative. It primarily functions by pushing water into the intestines, which triggers the bowel movements. But this is used for a short duration only. You can mix a spoonful of the powder with milk and feed it to your child. But try this remedy only after consulting with your childs paediatrician.

Drink Some Fruit Juice

Fruit juice is also effective for relieving constipation because some contain the sweetener sorbitol, which can function as a laxative.

If your baby is at least 6 months old, you can offer 2 to 4 ounces of fruit juice. This includes 100-percent apple juice, prune juice, or pear juice in addition to regular feedings.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Constipation

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They may include:

• Not having a bowel movement for a few days
• Passing hard, dry stools
• Having belly bloating, cramps, or pain
• Not feeling hungry
• Showing signs of trying to hold stool in, such as clenching teeth, crossing legs, squeezing buttocks together, turning red in the face
• Small liquid or soft stool marks on a child’s underwear

The symptoms of constipation can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Beans Pulses Fish Eggs Meat And Other Proteins

Young children need protein and iron to grow and develop. Try to give your toddler 1 or 2 portions from this group each day.

Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, foods made from pulses and meat are excellent sources of protein and iron.

Nuts also contain protein, but whole nuts, including peanuts, shouldn’t be given to children under 5 in case they choke.

It’s recommended that boys have no more than 4 portions of oily fish a week, and girls no more than 2 portions a week.

This is because oily fish can contain low levels of pollutants that can build up in the body.

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What Is Normal For Children

Normal bowel habits for children vary. Most children have a bowel movement at least once every 2 or 3 days, but some may go up to 3 times a day.

Your child is constipated if they are doing hard poo or have trouble pushing poo out. If your child is constipated, they probably arent pooing regularly either.

Many healthy children have problems with constipation from time to time. It is fairly common in babies, and also tends to happen around the time of toilet training.

Key Points About Constipation In Children

• Constipation is when a child has very hard stools, and has fewer bowel movements than they normally do.

• Constipation can be caused by a childs diet, lack of exercise, or emotional issues.

• Once a child becomes constipated, the problem can quickly get worse.

• Making diet and lifestyle changes can help treat and help prevent constipation.

• Never give your child an enema, laxative, or stool softener unless the healthcare provider recommends this.

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What You Can Do

• Try not to give your child too much fiber, as it can cause tummy pain.
• If your child’s diet is low in fiber, give them more fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals, rice, dried fruits, breads and dried fruit.
• Encourage your child to drink lots of fluids .
• Encourage your child to get enough exercise.
• Encourage your child to recognize their need to poo, even if they are busy playing.
• Encourage your child to let all their poo come outeach time they go to the toilet.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Constipation

Your child may be constipated if they have some of the following:

• large and hard poo
• no poo for 3 or more days
• pain or crying when having a poo
• bright blood around the poo due to tears in the skin around the anus
• tummy pain
• urinary tract infections, wetting pants , bedwetting – constipation can increase the risk of these
• liquid poo that may leak out at times in between harder poo
• soiling accidents

Constipation in children is common.

There are many possible reasons for your child’s constipation. Often, it is several things:

• not drinking enough water
• weaning from breastmilk to formula
• starting solids
• not having enough fibre – ready-made food and takeaways are low in fibre
• not doing much physical activity
• not eating and drinking as much as normal, for example when your child is unwell
• a natural tendency to having slower gut movement

Toileting habits are important. Your child can become constipated if they:

• ignore the urge to do a poo
• don’t let all the poo come out when going to the toilet
• don’t sit on the toilet regularly

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Is My Toddler Constipated

The average toddler makes a bowel movement once a day. Usually, a child who has a bowel movement fewer than three times a week , and whose stools are hard and difficult to pass, is constipated. Also, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, any child with stools that are large, hard, dry, and accompanied by painful bowel movements, soiling between bowel movements, or blood on the outside of the stool may have constipation.

Don’t be worried if your child has a bout of constipation — it’s perfectly normal once in awhile. But if your toddler’s constipation lasts for two weeks or more it’s called chronic constipation, and you should see your pediatrician.

Your doctor may ask you to keep track of your child’s bowel movements — how often they occur, how big and hard they are, and if there is any blood in your toddler’s stool. You should also look for other symptoms that can occur along with constipation, such as:

• Stomachache
• General crankiness
• Crying or screaming during bowel movements
• Avoiding the toilet
• Smears or bits of liquid stool in the diaper or underwear

Other Treatments For Baby Constipation

If youre caring for a constipated baby or toddler, prune juice isnt your only home treatment option.

Newborns, infants, and toddlers may benefit from a relaxing, warm bath. Bathing your child may help them relax their muscles and release a bowel movement.

Babies 6 months and older can be given water to drink. Hydrating the digestive tract is a simple way to get things moving and soften stools.

Massaging your childs stomach in a clockwise motion, or holding your childs knees together and pushing their legs up gently, may release gas and help with passing stool.

If your toddler is constipated, they may need to try several different positions on the toilet to get enough leverage to release a hardened bowel movement. Try adding a small stool underneath your childs feet or propping their legs up to help them get this leverage.

Give your child plenty of time to pass a bowel movement and tell them so. Getting nervous on the toilet is common for toddlers and can make symptoms of constipation last longer. Bring some of their favorite books to the bathroom to help pass the time and make if fun.

Constipation in babies and toddlers most often develops from one of the following:

• sensitivities to infant formula
• a low-fiber diet
• not taking in enough water

Since constipation is common in infants and toddlers, your best bet is to be vigilant about the symptoms of constipation. Symptoms to look out for include:

• a fever that lasts longer than 24 hours
• sudden weight loss

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