We hate to see our little ones in pain, especially if they’re constipated. Constipation can not only be confusing our tots but painful too. While we can’t avoid the little tummy aches our little ones will have to face, here are some great tips on how you can deal with your tot’s constipation.
Are they constipated?
There is no normal schedule when it comes to your tot’s bowel movements, so it’s best to be prepared for all scenarios. Their patterns will depend on what they eat, and of course how active they are. Typical signs of constipation include: less frequent bowel movements, your tot is uncomfortable about going to bathroom and noticeable diarrhoea.
Reasons
There can be many reasons for your tot’s constipation, from illness to dietary requirements. But here are the usual causes behind your tot’s tummy upsets:
Low fibre foods – If your child eats too much milk, cheese, yogurt, or jam, and not enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, they could wind up constipated.
Toilet fears- This is quite common with toddlers, especially if they’re still potty training. Your tot may have developed a fear about going to the bathroom and could possibly become constipated as a result. Even if your child is potty-trained, they may not be taking enough time on the toilet to completely empty their bowels. Sometimes the only way to help them to overcome their fears, is by taking them with you when you go to the bathroom. If they see that nothing bad occurs when your on the toilet, they will slowly start to overcome their fears.
Dehydration – If your toddler is not drinking enough liquids, their digestive system will respond by absorbing all the fluids from whatever they eat. This can lead to constipation for your tot and can be quite painful. It’s important to make sure that your tot is drinking enough liquids, especially water to prevent this from happening.
Lack of activity – Exercise is important for your tot for numerous reasons, especially when it comes to your little one’s bowel movements. Movement helps blood flow to your toddler's digestive system, so if she's not active, she may experience trouble in the BM department.
If you’re still concerned about your tot’s constipation, it can be a good idea to pop a visit to your local GP to check that everything is ok, as well as reassuring yourself.
