How to Prevent Constipation during Potty Training

Potty training can be a challenging evolution for both the child and the parents! One of the more unspoken issues is constipation caused from the anxiety of using the potty. For some children, having a bowel movement on the potty is more intimidating than urinating. If your child experiences a painful bowel movement during potty training, he or she may then associate that pain with using the potty. There are several things that can help prevent the occurence of constipation in your potty training child.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Offer plenty of water to your child. Drinking more water will create more practice for using the potty and will also prevent dehydration. Dehydration can cause difficult to pass bowel movements and constipation.

2. Relax and let your child relax. Although potty training can create some stress, it is important to keep things in perspective. Your child will use the potty when he or she is ready. Creating a relaxing environment will encourage the use of the potty. If your child is too uptight, he or she may not be able to be successful in urinating or having a bowel movement.

3. Avoid foods that cause constipation. It is important to make their ability to have a bowel movement as easy as possible. Avoiding foods that historically have made bowel movements more difficult is important.

4. Contact your pediatrician if your child shows signs of constipation. Your Pediatrician may suggest first trying prunes or other fruit. If this fails to help, they may recommend a stool softener.

[kristara]

on 9/21/2009 Excellent potty training advice 5*

[cherold598]

on 9/20/2009 Great tips for potty training constipation problems. 5* and recommend.