Constipation is not unusual in children; it can occur while they are learning to use the bathroom or when they are so absorbed in play that they do not pay attention to the signals sent by the intestine. Generally, it doesn't take much to solve the problem, but if the constipation has lasted for more than two weeks, it is essential to go to the doctor to find out if your baby needs to take medication.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding out if a Child is Constipated
Step 1. Identify the symptoms of constipation
If the baby is constipated, he may protest the idea of going to the bathroom because he feels pain when he tries to pass stool. He may be holding his buttocks tight and squirming in an attempt to avoid bowel movement. More specifically, your child could be constipated if:
- Has difficulty in passing stools
- Stools are hard, dry (with or without traces of blood);
- Has a bowel movement less than three times a week
- You feel pain as you pass stool
- Do you feel sick;
- Complain of abdominal pain;
- She excretes small amounts of fluid or the stool has a clay-like consistency (you may also notice this from her underwear).
Step 2. Identify if the baby is at risk of becoming constipated
In certain situations the chances of suffering from constipation increase, for example if your child:
- Does not regularly engage in physical activity;
- It takes in an insufficient amount of fiber;
- He is often dehydrated;
- You are taking medications that have constipation as a side effect, such as antidepressants;
- Have a medical problem with the anus or rectum
- He is suffering from a neurological problem, for example from cerebral palsy;
- Suffering from emotional disturbances or has recently been exposed to severe stress;
- Have metabolic or thyroid problems
- You should also take into consideration the fact that constipation can be a hereditary disorder.
Step 3. Take your baby to the doctor if symptoms suggest it may be a more serious problem
In most cases, constipation does not cause complications and does not indicate the presence of a more serious disorder. Symptoms that may suggest that this is actually a more serious problem include:
- Fever;
- He retched;
- Traces of blood in the stool
- Swollen abdomen
- Weight loss;
- Tears in the skin around the anus
- Rectal prolapse (condition in which the tip of the rectum protrudes beyond the anus)
- Frequent or painful urination which may indicate a urinary infection (common in constipated children)
- Lack of appetite
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain.
Part 2 of 3: Relieve Constipation with Natural Remedies and Healthier Habits
Step 1. Make your baby drink plenty of fluids
They will make the stool softer, so it will be less difficult to pass them out. Make him drink lots of water and natural fruit juices.
- Milk sometimes causes constipation in babies, so it's best to avoid it.
- Drinks that contain caffeine, including tea, should also be avoided.
- Fluid requirements vary according to age, level of physical activity and climate. However, if your child feels tired and their urine is dark or cloudy, it means they are dehydrated and need to drink more.
Step 2. Encourage him to eat more fiber
Thanks to the fibers, the stools become softer, so your baby will be able to pass them out more easily. Foods that are high in fiber include legumes, wholemeal bread, fruits and vegetables. Adopt the following guidelines to meet your baby's fiber needs:
- In general, children should get around 20g of fiber per day;
- Teenage girls should get about 29g of fiber per day;
- Teenage boys need about 38g of fiber per day.
Step 3. Try getting your child to eat foods that have a mild laxative effect and are high in fiber
Ripe fruit is sweet and colorful, so you probably won't struggle to get him to eat many of these foods:
- Plums;
- Peaches;
- Pears;
- Plums;
- Apples;
- Apricots;
- Raspberries;
- Strawberries;
- Beans;
- Peas;
- Spinach.
Step 4. Limit the foods that can cause constipation in your diet
Potential culprits of constipation include:
- Milk and dairy products for some children;
- Carrots, pumpkins, potatoes, bananas and other starchy foods
- Ultra-processed foods high in fat, sugar, salt and low in fiber. These foods are particularly flavorful and tend to be satiety, so kids set aside the healthier, fiber-rich ingredients their bodies need.
Step 5. Get your baby to exercise
Exercise stimulates bowel movements. Recommended activities include:
- Run to the playground;
- Go by bicycle;
- Swim.
Step 6. Create a routine that helps him have a bowel movement
Ask him to sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes about 30-60 minutes after each meal to try to pass stool. You can use relaxation techniques to help ease your fear of pain.
- Use deep breathing techniques to help him relax the muscles;
- Ask him to visualize soothing images or to be able to pass stool without feeling any pain;
- Gently massage his abdomen before he tries to pass stool.
- Offer him your support and a reward for trying, for example, give him a sticker or play his favorite game with him;
- Get him a stool so he can keep his knees higher than his hips. This position should promote bowel movement.
Part 3 of 3: Ask the Doctor for Help
Step 1. Ask your pediatrician for an over-the-counter medication or stool-softening supplement
Fiber supplements and products that soften stool can make bowel movements less painful. Although they can be purchased without a prescription, it is always best to consult your pediatrician before giving them to a child.
- Your pediatrician will be able to tell you what the correct dosage is based on your child's age and weight.
- Many products are based on methylcellulose or natural psyllium fiber. For them to function at their best, your baby will need to drink at least one liter of water a day.
- Glycerin suppositories can also be useful, but should only be used occasionally.
Step 2. Do not give your child laxatives without the consent of the pediatrician
If the stool is blocking the bowel, a more potent drug may be needed to force it, but it is up to the pediatrician to make this decision. There are several types of laxatives, including:
- Mineral oil, a natural oil that was used as a home remedy by grandmothers;
- Bulk laxatives (based for example on psyllium fiber, methylcellulose, sterculia) which induce the body to retain liquids and form more humid and bulky stools;
- Osmotic laxatives (for example lactulose, polyethylene glycol and magnesium salts) which act by retaining water in the colon to favor the expulsion of faeces;
- Stimulant laxatives (e.g. senna, bisacodyl, and sodium picosulfate) to use when the stool is soft enough to pass but your baby can't. These drugs work by stimulating the muscles in the digestive tract to contract to push the droppings out. They are generally used as a last resort to treat constipation in children and in most cases only for a very short time.
Step 3. Treat the coprostasis
If hard and dehydrated stools have accumulated inside the rectum, it may be necessary to intervene with an enema or a suppository to help the baby pass them out. Also in this case it is a decision that can only be made by the pediatrician, and it is also important to strictly follow his instructions.
- A suppository is a capsule that contains a drug and is inserted into the anus, where the coating will dissolve and the medicine will be absorbed. Suppositories are often based on glycerin or biacodyl.
- An enema is a practice aimed at introducing a drug in fluid form into the large intestine through the anus. This is generally the most effective method for quickly expelling hard, dehydrated stools.
