Constipation is a very common problem in young children. It's defined as the passage of hard stools, or when your kid goes for more than 3 or 4 days without a bowel movement.
Commom causes of constipation
- insufficient water
- waiting too long before going to the toilet
- a low fiber diet
- taking too much milk
How to treat it
The best way to treat it is to make changes to his diet. You can try the following:
1. cut down on milk, cheese, and other "heaty" foods such as bananas, durians (definite no-no), chocolate etc.
2. increase the amount of fluid intake (at least 3 - 4 glasses of water or juices daily
3. increase fiber intake, such as vegetables, wholemeal bread, legumes, fruits - an easy remedy would be vegetable soups - if your kid will swallow it!
What about stool softeners?
Many of these can be purchased over the counter at a nearby guardian pharmacy. Milk of magnesia is an example. Use them once or twice a day until your toddler's stools soften. If it doesnt work, increase the dose slightly. On the other hand, if he start having diarrhea, cut back or stop altogether.
Ultimately, you have to find a long term solution to your child's constipation problems. Do ensure that his diet is well balanced and that he's getting enough fiber on a daily basis.
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