You asked

My child is constipated quite often – what can I do to solve the problem?

Constipation can happen to anyone, at any age. However, very young children tend to suffer from it quite often, particularly if they are drinking formula. The problem lies mostly in the diet.

If your child is not getting enough liquids, then constipation can be a sign of mild dehydration. It also happens to children who are not eating enough fibre.

To solve the problem, make sure your child is getting enough fibre, in the form of whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables. To work out how much is enough, at five to your child’s age in years. Therefore, a one year old would need six grams, and a two-year-old seven, and so on. Prune juice is a well known and safe home remedy for constipation, and it pays to keep some on hand if your child is prone to constipation.

If the problem is severe, or ongoing, you can speak to your doctor, who can recommend treatment, and once it is resolved, make sure that you avoid foods that cause constipation, like cheese, bananas, and rice cereal.

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