Constipation in Children
If a child does not have a bowel movement for more than a couple of days it is possible they are suffering from constipation. Watch out for when they do go to check if they have difficulty in passing a stool or it is painful for them to do so.
There are three basic reasons why a child may suffer from constipation. The first two are physical reasons and the third is more of a mental problem.
Getting Diet Right
The first possible problem revolves around diet. Just as with adults children need a diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Any high fibre food will help so wholegrain foods should also be included in their diet. High fibre foods help to soften stools and make them easier to pass.
If you have a child who is particularly prone to constipation then try introducing foods such as ripe pears, prunes and Weetabix into their diet to see if the condition improves.
As well as foods, liquid also has a very important part to play. Therefore it is important to ensure a child has plenty to drink. Watch out for milk though, because too much milk can have the opposite effect and contribute to constipation. It is difficult to say exactly how much milk could cause a child problems as amounts that trigger constipation tend to differ from child to child and older children are usually able to tolerate greater quantities without a problem. Therefore if you think milk may be a contributory factor to your child's condition ease off on milk and see if it helps.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!
Not enough exercise should not be a problem with "on the go" younger children, but it is important that as children get older they do plenty of exercise. Exercise can be put forward as a kind of "cure all". While this may be taking it too far it can be beneficial for a number of conditions including constipation.
When a child takes regular exercise it becomes even more important that they keep their fluid levels topped up to avoid becoming dehydrated.
Mental Blockages
Constipation can often be caused by the brain! It is surprisingly easy for a child to develop an aversion to passing a stool. Perhaps in the past they have been constipated and found going to the toilet painful. If this is the case or they have had another unpleasant experience it may become difficult for the child to overcome the problem without help. A gentle caring approach from a mum or dad can help so make sure you give plenty of encouragement.
It is also possible that signals sent to the brain saying that now would be a good time to visit the loo are not as strong as they could be. This can especially be the case with active children who are focused on playing. If you think this may be the case then it is a good idea to talk to your child and try to help them become more aware of when they are ready to "do a poo".
Constipation usually passes in more ways than one! With most children it is either a short lived phase or a problem that comes back from time to time, perhaps when they have not kept up their liquid levels or the quality of their diet has dipped for a short time. If on the other hand your child suffers from regular constipation or shows signs of a lack of appetite, is not gaining weight or their tummy becomes distended then a check up from the doctor is advised.
NOTE:
The health section of Parenting.co.uk is not to be used as a substitute for your GP; if your child is ill then seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay.
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