What Is The Best Solution For Toddlers With Chronic Constipation?
Constipation may not seem like a huge deal for adults, but it's the kind of thing that can cause a lot of frustration, pain, and discomfort for your toddler. If you're in the process of potty training and your toddler hasn't had a bowel movement in days, your child's stomach may be bloated and he or she could be experiencing a lot of pain. Before administering medication, it's best to take your toddler to the pediatrician to explain what is going on.
Adding Fiber
If your toddler isn't going often enough, the pediatrician may recommend adding more fiber to his or her diet. Some of the high-fiber foods include broccoli, pears, prunes, and apples. These are simple foods you may be able to get your toddler to eat. If your toddler is a picky eater and you're struggling to get him or her to eat any fruits or vegetables, the pediatrician may recommend fiber gummies while encouraging you to be persistent with the fruits and vegetables. If you're persistent enough and adding them to your child's plate with other foods he or she is familiar with, your little one may be more willing to try these fibrous foods.
Using a Laxative
Because your child may not have had a bowel movement in a long time, he or she could be scared to pass the stool because it's so large. In that case, the pediatrician may recommend using a gentle laxative designed specifically for toddlers. Laxatives for toddlers are available in both chewable tablets and liquid form. While it may be the right solution for the moment, it's not something you should use regularly to get your child to use the bathroom. The pediatrician may suggest that you only give your toddler a laxative when all else fails.
Adding a Probiotic Supplement Into Food and Beverages
Adding a probiotic supplement into something your child eats or drinks, such as a cup of milk or a bowl of yogurt may help. Probiotic supplements for children support regularity and contain lots of fiber. You only need to add one packet to your toddler's food or beverage each day and mix it in well. Not only does it help children use the bathroom more often, but it makes the stool slightly softer so that it isn't nearly as hard to get out.
If your toddler is constipated and hasn't used the bathroom for several days or even a week at a time, you should see the pediatrician for professional advice. The pediatrician may suggest adding more fiber to your child's diet, using a laxative to help with the constipation right now, and adding a probiotic supplement into your child's food and beverages.
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