Constipation in Toddlers

Toddlers are delicate! They are neither habitual to the daily hustle and bustle of our life, nor they are used to the various types of foods, we adults eat! Any changes and decisions pertaining to their diet and lifestyle, should be made very carefully and only after consulting an expert. Speaking of diet alterations, the most common problem faced by toddlers due to it is constipation. Although constipation in toddlers is a common health issue and is faced by almost all of them, it needs to be treated promptly and also their diet plan should be properly planned, under the guidance of a qualified dietitian.

Causes of Constipation in Toddlers

• Cow Milk: Feeding cow milk to the toddlers might land them in trouble, causing constipation. Most of the toddlers find it difficult to digest cow milk. If you wish to give cow milk to your baby, then you need to consult a doctor and then gradually make him/her habitual to it.
• Lack of Fibrous Food: Fibers help in digesting the food properly. However, if toddlers are deprived of fiber rich foods in their diet, then they might face the problem of constipation.
• Internal Structural Problems: Although most common, diet is not always the reason for constipation in toddlers. Sometimes your toddler might be suffering from internal structural abnormalities in the rectum, anus or intestinal tract. If you are in such a doubt, you need to take your baby to the doctor immediately.
• Introducing Solid Foods: Solid foods are an important constituent of the adult diet. However, with toddlers, the case is a bit different! Solid foods should be introduced gradually, as suddenly feeding the baby with solid foods might cause indigestion and therefore constipation.

Constipation in Toddlers: Treatment

• Potty training is one of the most effective remedy that can be used. Potty training actually improves their stool habits and therefore cures and also prevents constipation.
• Lack of sufficient amount of water is also an important reason that can be behind the problem. Therefore you need to feed them adequate water. This would help in softening their stools and also prevent them from many other health problems such as dehydration.
• Dairy products should be avoided, unless the problem is cured and your toddler becomes old enough to digest them.
• Feed the child mother's milk. Wait for the doctor's advice to shift the focus from mother's milk to cow's milk.
• Massaging your baby's tummy, for a few minutes everyday, can also relieve him from constipation.
• Feed your baby with fibrous foods. This would aid in digestion and also soften the stools.

It is not really difficult to treat this problem. However, you need to be careful while treating it, as your baby is delicate and not used to heavy medication and dietary alterations. You also need to be patient enough to see this problem getting cured. But remember to meet a pediatrician if the above cures do not work, as there might be some other reason also. The doctors might prescribe, laxatives, stool softeners or give some other appropriate medicines, suiting your baby's body type, needs and requirements. Take Care!!!