Constipation in Toddlers
Constipation is a condition that no person would like to be suffering from. It is exasperating, upsetting and painful. It makes one ill at ease as the patient constantly feels full and heavy inside – literally. This is from an adult’s point of view. One could just not imagine what constipation in toddlers would feel like for them.
At least, for adults, the malady is made more tolerable by the fact that it is known to them. This makes fixing the “problem” a lot easier for the adults. Unfortunately, constipation in kids is an entirely strange and incomprehensible concept for them. They could hardly describe and explain what they are feeling, thus, thwarting prompt relief of constipation in toddlers.
Just like in adults, constipation in toddlers involves lack of or difficulty in defecation caused by slow bowel movement and hard stools. The child may not defecate up to four or more days.
How does one tell the onslaught of constipation in toddlers, one may ask? As mentioned, constipation is characterized by painful irregular bowel movement and defecation, which is less than once daily. Moreover, the stool excreted is hard and dry, which usually cause bleeding to occur. Other symptoms may include stomachache, nausea, bloating, loss of appetite, crankiness and toilet avoidance. Children usually cry and sweat heavily when defecating.
The treatment of constipation in toddlers generally involves reversing its causes. Hence, in knowing how to help toddlers that have constipation, it is first important for parents and guardians to identify how the condition is acquired.
First, constipation in toddlers is caused by the child’s improper diet. The foods that cause constipation in toddlers are: heavily process food like junk foods and sweets; foods that contain very little fiber; and banana. Alternately, children must be fed with highly fibrous foods like whole grains and bran, popcorn, cereals, wheat, etc.; vegetables like beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas and tomatoes; fruits such as apples, pears, apricots and grapes; milk and dairy foods like yogurt and cheese; and at least 2 to 3 glasses of water every day are foods for constipation.
Second, Toddler constipation may be brought about by the child’s avoidance of or dreading to go number two. This usually occurs when the child is busy playing or when he feels uncomfortable using the toilet. A solution to this is to give the child proper toilet training. He must be constantly reminded of the need to go to the toilet. When needed, the child must be brought to the toilet at least fifteen minutes after every meal. Also, the home toilet must be made pleasant and comfortable for the child.
Third, constipation in toddlers may be attributable to the child’s lack of exercise. Here, a child must be frequently encouraged to do daily physical activities like walking, running or dancing. This promotes proper digestion.
Fourth, an illness, physical condition or medication may also bring about constipation in toddlers. Here, the parents or guardians must seek professional medical help. The doctors could even prescribe suppositories and lubricants to help the waste to come out with less or even without pain.
As a final note to the parents and guardians, it must be remembered that constipation in toddlers must be made more bearable for them. They need to be assisted when using the toilet. Here are some waste-inducing methods that parents could use: the knees must be positioned above the hips; the child must be urged to lean forward with elbows rested on the knees; the abdomen should be pushed and massaged downwards; and like a woman giving birth, the child must be encouraged to breathe and push at regular intervals. The parent could even show support by imitating the sound a child makes when defecating.