If your toddler suffers from constipation, there are several things you can do before you resort to over the counter medications.
There are several foods that work as a binder such as bananas, cooked carrots, cooked squash, milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. These are the foods that you should monitor if your child is prone to constipation. Make sure that your child is not eating more that the recommended amounts of these foods for his age.
Add fibre to your child’s diet. Fibre can come from whole wheat crisps, cereal, breads, and some fruits and vegetable such as prunes, plum, peas, apricots, beans, and broccoli.
Dehydration can cause constipation so make sure your toddler drinks plenty of fluids each day. A good indication is to keep track of the number of wet nappies or how many potty trips. If your child is still in diapers, she should have four or five wet diapers each day. If you are potty training, she should urinate every five to six hours.
Encourage your child to be active. Movement will cause blood flow that can help with constipation.
Massage her belly about five centimeters under her navel using gentle pressure. You will be able to feel firmness in her intestines. A three minute massage can do wonders.
If all else fails, and you must use medication, make sure you talk to your child’s doctor first.
