When it comes to a toddler's bowel movements, there is no normal number or any schedule it is simply a case of what is
normal for your child. They may pass a stool after every meal, or wait one or two days or more between bowel movements. Their
individual pattern depends on what they eat and drink, how active they are, and how quickly they digest their food. If you're
concerned that your toddler could be constipated, look for the following clues:
- Less frequent bowel movements than normal for your child,
- Dry, hard stools that are uncomfortable to pass.
- Very liquid stools in your child's nappy or, if they are potty-trained, soiled underpants. Do not assume as this is liquid
that your child has diarrhoea as liquid stools can slip past the blockage in the lower intestine
Causes
The most likely reasons for your toddler's constipation are:
- Not getting enough fibre
- potty anxiety, sounds silly but if your toddler is feeling pressured about potty training, they might start deliberately
withholding their stools.
- dehydration, if your toddler isn't getting enough liquids, then their system will respond by absorbing more fluid from
whatever they eats or drinks and from the waste in her bowels, as well. This can result in hard, dry bowel movements that
are difficult to pass.
- They are not active, movement helps blood flow to your toddler's digestive system, and so if they not active, they may
experience trouble with constipation.
Treatment
Ensure that your child has plenty of water, fresh fruit, vegtables, bread and cereal every day, try to encourage them to
move about as much as possible to help their digestive system, if they are having problem using the potty try not to make
a big deal of it and be sure to praise them even if they just try to use it, it will come with time. There are over the
counter preparations that can be used to help, but it is better to check with a doctor if the problem is so persistent that
you feel that they need medication.
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