Everybody needs to poo: .
Let's talk about how to help a toddler who is constipated.
Constipation affects up to 30% of children and is common in toddlers and preschoolers.
It can cause great distress to a child and parent so if you're worried about helping a toddler who is constipated, without taking laxatives, read on for my top tips as a toddler poo expert!
What causes constipation in toddlers?
There's a few different reasons why your toddler might be constipated, here's a few of them...
- Bottle-fed babies are more likely to become constipated than breastfed babies (breastfed babies can still get it though!)
- Changing your baby’s formula milk can be a cause of constipation.
- Potty training can be a time when constipation is more common, probably due to the fact that more children are reluctant about doing a poo than a wee. They may have picked up on the idea that doing a poo is “dirty” from all the noises we make when changing their nappies.
- Too much or too little fibre.
- Low fluid intake.
- Anxiety or emotional upset.
- Some medications - these may include some cough medicines, antihistamines and iron supplements.
- Introducing solids.
I have found with some children you never find the cause but you could try some of my top 10 tips below.
10 ways to help your toddler poo-without taking laxatives.
Whilst laxatives are often necessary for those with constipation (as they can be really effective for the families I work with), if you are struggling with a toddler who needs help with pooing, there might be other ways to help your toddler poo before trying laxatives. Here are my top ten ways for helping your toddler poo.
1. Drink plenty of water, 6-8 150ml cups a day, and avoid tea, coffee, fizzy or sweetened drinks.
You are probably thinking this is easier said than done so here are some tips to encourage fluids:
- Use a fancy straw.
- Buy a new cup, chosen by your child.
- Use a star chart to reward them.
- Have a race to see who can drink the most!
- Make Sugar free jelly.
- Make diluted fruit juice homemade lollies-perfect for the summer months.
2. Avoid excessive amounts of milk This can have a constipating effect on some children.
3. Eat more fibre as this helps to retain fluid in the poo, keeping it soft and easy to push out.
Fruit is a good source of fibre
Apples, apricots, grapes, peaches, pears, plums, prunes, raspberries and strawberries.
Pears are especially high in fibre, tinned or fresh. But be mindful too that too much fibre or not the right kind of fibre can make constipation worse.
4. You may need to cut down on bananas as these can cause constipation in some children. More ripened bananas are better as the resistant starch converts to sugar.
5. Exercise more as it sends blood to the intestinal tract which helps move food waste through the bowels.
6. Create a good toilet routine 20 – 30 minutes after eating food. This makes the most of the natural squeezing that happens after eating.
7. Massage stomach -Offer some massage to the stomach area if your child is happy for you to do it. Always in a clockwise direction. It helps the poo move through the gut and can help your child empty their rectum fully.( this is common for children to do a little poo and then hold onto the rest). The "I love you" stroke is a favourite stroke I teach my 1-2-1 families.
8. Blowing bubbles can work wonders as it relaxes the sphincter muscles.
9. Use a footstool in the toilet area. Your child needs to sit properly on the toilet. Potty posture is key as our rectum is not at the ideal angle to allow poo to easily slide out.
10. Talk about poo,
read books on poo- make it a normal part of everyday life. My favourite Poo book recommended by the paediatric nurses during my NHS training is called
"Everybody poos." by Taro Gomi.
When should you worry about constipation with a toddler?
Sometimes constipation can be linked to another undiagnosed problem like a milk allergy and babies may need to be prescribed a special formula. There will probably be other signs so if you are concerned discuss it with your GP or health visitor.
Also, don't forget to consider how lifestyle changes can affect bowel habits, things like starting school, moving to a new house, new sibling, family separation or going on holiday.
Children like routine and any changes to their daily patterns can upset them and constipation is their way of holding onto the old-so if the above tips don't work, it's worth considering these things too!
If you find your child is struggling with constipation please contact me for a
free 15 minute call to discuss further , there is lots more to explore and it's best to sort constipation early on before it becomes more of a problem.
