How to Help a Child Who Is Constipated

Constipation, or difficult, irregular bowel movements, can be an uncomfortable problem for some babies and children as well as for adults. It's fairly easy to treat, though ' and usually doesn't require medication.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bran Cereal
• Fruits
• Juices
• Vegetables
• Child-safe Laxatives
• Fruits
• Vegetables

1. Add fiber to your child's diet. Bran cereals, whole-grain products and fibrous vegetables such as broccoli and beans can help to reduce constipation.

2. Reduce constipating foods ' for babies, constipating foods include rice, milk, cheese, apples and carrots. For older children, many high-fat and high-sugar foods can aggravate constipation.

3. Look for hidden causes. Often, extra stress can cause constipation, so try to find and reduce stressors in your child's life. Sometimes children aren't comfortable using public or school restrooms, and may try to withhold bowel movements until they get home; this can lead to constipation.

4. Remind your child to go to the bathroom ' some children get so involved in playing or reading that they ignore or resist the urge to go.

5. Make sure your child is not dehydrated ' drinking lots of water can help to restore regularity.

6. Give your child some prunes or prune juice, but not too much. Prunes are well-known to be an effective natural laxative. A toddler may need as much as 8 oz. of prunes, juice or puree, while a baby will probably only need a tablespoon or two.

7. Offer a child-safe laxative if all else fails. These are available in oral or suppository form ' ask your doctor or pharmacist for a recommendation.

Tips & Warnings

• While prunes are the best known natural laxative, other stone fruits can have a similar effect. Try peaches or apricots, fresh or dried.
• It may help your child to sit on the toilet regularly after each meal. If he has trouble getting comfortable, offer him a footstool or phone book to prop his feet on.
• Rule out underlying health problems such as hypothyroidism, lead poisoning and other illnesses. If your child is constipated regularly, have him checked out by a doctor.
• Do not let your child become dependent on over-the-counter laxatives; use them sparingly, and try as many natural options as possible first.
• Severe, chronic constipation and bowel straining can lead to anal fissures, or to a condition called encopresis ' contact your doctor if your child complains of severe pain during and after bowel movements, or if he soils his clothes.

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[lisa411]

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[mellybrace]

on 12/20/2008 What a great and much needed topic for today's time! Great ideas, thanks!

[Eli767]

on 3/21/2008 There is a remedy that is 100% safe. It's Chlorophyll. There's nothing worse that a child with constipation issues. If chlorophyll is safe and effective for small children, it will help you. It's fantastic because there are no harmful side effects like with medication and it's amazingly effective. It also doesn't cause cramping like laxatives. Take chlorophyl and your BM will be smooth and easy without strain. Go to mynews2u.com and find out more. He's the link! Try it!
http://www.mynews2u.com/video.php?vid=74

[Eli767]

on 3/21/2008 There is a remedy that is 100% safe. It's Chlorophyll. There's nothing worse that a child with constipation issues. If chlorophyll is safe and effective for small children, it will help you. It's fantastic because there are no harmful side effects like with medication and it's amazingly effective. It also doesn't cause cramping like laxatives. Give you child chlorophyl and her BM will be smooth and easy without strain. Go to mynews2u.com and find out more. Here's the link! Try it!
http://www.mynews2u.com/video.php?vid=74
I checked it out with my pediatrician and he thanked me for reminding him of it. Now he recommends it to all of his constipated kids!

[Eli767]

on 3/21/2008 There is a remedy that is 100% safe. It's Chlorophyll. There's nothing worse that a child with constipation issues. If chlorophyll is safe and effective for small children, it will help your child. It's fantastic because there are no harmful side effects like with medication and it's amazingly effective. It also doesn't cause cramping like laxatives. With chlorophyl your child's BM will be smooth and easy without strain. Go to mynews2u.com and find out more. Here's the link! Try it!
http://www.mynews2u.com/video.php?vid=74