Toddler Constipation Remedies

Is your toddler suffering from constipation? If so, then getting the right toddler constipation remedies is a must. Toddlers can suffer a lot when they get constipated and their inability to have a regular bowel movement can pose harm to their overall health.

According to WebMD, the average toddler (if there is such a thing) makes a bowel movement once a day. Usually, a child who has a bowel movement fewer than three times a week (or less often than normal), and whose stools are hard and difficult to pass is constipated. Also, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, any child with stools that are large, hard, dry, and accompanied by painful bowel movements, soiling between bowel movements, or blood on the outside of the stool may have constipation.

Don’t be worried if your child has a bout of constipation — it’s perfectly normal once in awhile. But if your toddler’s constipation lasts for two weeks or more it’s called chronic constipation, and you should see your pediatrician.

Your doctor may ask you to keep track of your child’s bowel movements — how often they occur, how big and hard they are, and if there is any blood in your toddler’s stool. You should also look for other symptoms that can occur along with constipation, such as:

• Stomachache
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• General crankiness
• Crying or screaming during bowel movements
• Avoiding the toilet (signs that your child is doing this include clenching the buttocks, crossing the legs, turning red, sweating, or crying)
• Smears or bits of liquid stool in the diaper or underwear (soiling)

Source: WebMD

There are actually a couple of toddler constipation remedies that you can opt for to help your toddler. Livestrong has enumerated 5 ways including massage therapy, pushing fluids, increasing fiber intake, boosting activity and using natural laxatives.

They explained that, a yoga position, called Apanasana (more commonly known as knees to the chest pose), helps eliminate waste from the system. Lay your toddler on his back. Hold his lower legs straight and gently press his knees toward his chest. Repeat five times. According to “The Encyclopedia of Children’s Health,” this exercise relieves gas and nourishes the abdominal organs to relieve constipation. The posture uses the thighs to massage the abdominal area and invigorates energy into the kidneys.

The kidneys are responsible for ridding the body of toxins, and water helps dilute the concentration of toxins in the blood, flushing out the system. Increasing your toddler’s fluid intake can resolve constipation. According to Dr. Stuart H. Ditchek and Dr. Russell H. Greenfield, the authors of “Healthy Child, Whole Child,” make sure your toddler drinks one cup of water for every 10 pounds of weight on a regular basis. For example, an 18-month old that weighs 28 pounds should consume almost three cups of water a day.

The inclusion of fiber-rich foods into your toddler’s diet aids in digestion health as well. Fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, bran flakes, beans, and brown rice will increase their fiber intake. Rich in pectin, blueberries, a favorite among many toddlers, help regulate the digestive system and alleviate constipation.

Physical activity is vital to regulate your toddler’s digestive system. Make sure your toddler stays active every day. Walking, playing outdoors or any activity that involves movement helps blood flow to the digestive system, thereby reducing the chances of constipation.

Flax is a high-fiber natural laxative, and ground flaxseed meal is something you can easily sprinkle over your toddler’s food when he is constipated. Use it occasionally to prevent constipation, according to Dr. Ditchek, author of “Healthy Child, Whole Child.” Avoid whole, unground flaxseeds as it worsens constipation. Toddlers two years and older can have one teaspoon per day.

Source: Livestrong.com

So, never forget these toddler constipation remedies. They might just come in handy whenever you find your toddler having difficulty with bowel movement.

Toddler Constipation Remedies is a post from: Natural Health Magazine