Toddler Constipation

We all know, what is constipation? It is a health disorder, wherein the bowel movements are affected and therefore the person suffers from either no bowel movements, or finds it difficult to excrete stools, as stools become too hard! But, is this all known by our toddler? Can he recognize it? Certainly not! It is just crying, through which he/ she can express pain. Toddler constipation is a common condition and is mostly found on account of either incorrect diet or sudden changes in it. However, there are many other causes and remedies for the same. Let us find out all of them, one by one.

Toddler Constipation Causes

Diet alterations or incorrect dietary habits are the most important causes behind constipation in toddlers. However, mentioned below are some more probable causes of the same.

• Lack of Water: In most of the cases, constipated toddlers are suffering from dehydration. This mainly happens because of lack of sufficient quantities of water in their diet. Water helps in softening the stools, thereby easing out excretion.
• Low Fiber Diet: Another reason because of which, toddlers suffer from constipation is the lack of fibrous foods in their diet. Fibers help in proper digestion of food, lack of which might arise a situation of indigestion and further constipation might occur.
• Sudden Solid Food: This is the most probable reason for constipation in toddlers. Toddlers are not used to eating solid food, unlike adults. Therefore, their body finds it difficult to adjust, thus resulting in constipation.
• Internal Structural Abnormalities: This is a complex situation and it is very difficult to identify whether structural abnormalities in your baby's body are making him suffer from painful constipation. Sometimes, there might be abnormalities in the anus, rectum, or the intestinal tract, which need to be rectified immediately.
• Change in Milk: Cow's milk, although easy to digest for adults, might be a difficult deal for toddlers. Therefore, the transit from mother's milk to cow's milk should not be sudden one, it should be done gradually. Also, consuming too much of dairy products can lead to constipation.

Toddler Constipation Remedies

It is not a very difficult task to treat this problem. Toddlers however, might suffer from an overdose, therefore you need to take care that you avoid excessive feeding and keep away other health problems. Meet a doctor, when in doubt.

• Increase the fluid intake. Feed more water to soften stools.
• Introduce fibrous foods slowly in your toddler's diet.
• Mother's milk is the best, until the doctor permits to feed cow's milk.
• Reduce the intake of dairy products and also do not feed cooked carrots, etc.
• Tummy massage is another important remedial measure to treat constipation in toddlers. You can massage your baby's abdomen for a few minutes everyday.
• Impart early toilet training. A habit of being in diapers might compel the child to withhold his stools for a long time. This might cause constipation. Therefore, do not suddenly change his diaper habits.

Things to Remember

It is your baby at problem and not you! Therefore you need to take special care to cure constipation in toddlers. The most important thing to remember is to meet a pediatrician, when the child does not recover from the above given remedies, within a couple of weeks. Another factor is patience! The treatment might take some time. So do not force your toddlers beyond their capacity. This in turn might prove harmful to their health.

Stool softeners and laxatives are some other popular treatment measures for toddler constipation. However, see that you consult a pediatrician and then get the appropriate medications and dietary modifications prescribed. This is beneficial for your toddler and constipation can be prevented using these measures. Take Care!