Be it babies or adults, constipation causes a lot pain and discomfort. Stomach ache, loss of appetite, cramps are some of the major problems which occur is constipation.
Healthy children usually poop at least once everday but some toddlers may have bowel movements thrice or twice a week. Constipation is often ignored by parents as a common problem but if left untreated, it may cause serious conditions and severe pain in babies. A hard and painful stool is the sign of constipation.
Constipation merely have any ill effects, but if it doesn’t heal for a longet time, it will form a large mass in your toddler’s colon.
It may cause pain, bloating, crankiness and other problems. Pushing out stool may also lead to bedwetting.
Signs that your Toddler is Constipated?
If you have a doubt that your child might be constipated, look for the appearance of the stool rather than the frequency. Some of the common signs of constipation are
● Crankiness
● Bloating
● Pain during bowel movements
● Resisting to go to toilet
● Loss of appetite
● Crossing of legs, making strained faces, clenching and twisting body.
● Blood in stool
If you see the above signs of constipation for more than 2 weeks, you must visit your pediatrician. Constipation may also cause bloody stools, fever, weight loss, lack of eating, vomiting, anal tears and other symptoms.
Causes of Constipation in Toddlers
The main cause of constipation in toddlers is intolerance to cow’s milk. Lack of dietary fiber, water or exercise is also one of the reason of constipation in babies.
Change in diet or introducing dairy products may also trigger constipation. Too much packaged or processed food is another reason of hard stools in babies.
If toddlers refuse to use bathroom and poop, it may also cause constipation. Kids are more likely to hold poop if they do not want to be bothered in playing. Kids usually are reluctant to use public tiolets and some of them are scared of restrooms.
Constipation can also be triggered by other stressful events like conflict with parents, school stress or early toilet training. Certain illness or medications also trigger constipation.
If you want to get beneficial information on the Toilet Training Tips For Toddlers you should follow the given link and find beneficial information related to the Toilet training.
Natural Remedies to treat Constipation
Change In Diet
Adding fiber in diet can help to keep your child’s digestion smooth. Small changes in children diet can really do wonders. If your child is suffering from constipation, include fiber-rich foods like prunes, raisins, oats, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables in his diet. Also, avoid serving processed food to improve constipation.
Plenty of Fluids
The best way to keep constipation at bay is to serve plenty of fluids to your child. Water, fruit juices, shakes, buttermilk, smoothies and milk are some of the effective liquids that can be used to treat constipation.
Encourage Exercise
Physical movements and sports also help in treating constipation. Make sure your toddler gets involved in outdoor sports, exercises and yoga. It will help them to have daily bowel movements and heal constipation.
Summary
Constipation is a common problem and can be treated at home with some minor changes in lifestyle. However if you find that your baby is in pain and passing bloody stools, visit pediatrician.
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