Constipation In Toddlers

Constipation in toddlers is common yet can usually be avoided. Here we give you the information on the symptoms of constipation, what you need to avoid toddler constipation and what to do to if your toddler is constipated.

Here we have a general page on toddler constipation and we also have a more detailed page on what causes constipation and foods that relieve constipation.

Symptoms Of Constipation In Toddlers

If your toddler passes small, hard stools every 3 or 4 days he is likely to be constipated. Also, even if your toddler passes stools every day, the stools could be dry and hard and can be painful to eliminate. Constipation can also be accompanied by abdominal pain or vomiting. There may also be blood around the rectum or stools.

You may also notice some liquid stool leaking onto your child's underwear. This is where the bowel is blocked by the compacted stool but more liquid stool from the small intestines leaks around the hard stools and causes soiling.

The longer the constipation lasts, the harder and drier the stools become, and the more difficult and painful it is to pass. Fear of the pain then causes a child to continue holding the stools in. The stools can then become very large and when they are eventually passed they can stretch the rectum.

If this overstretching is repeated then it is more difficult for your child to recognise when he needs to pass a stool. Therefore this continues the cycle of constipation.

Anyone who regularly strains on the toilet can develop painful cracks around the rectum. These can bleed and there may be blood the rectum or around the stools. This can eventually lead to haemorrhoids or piles.

If constipation becomes chronic there may be a medical cause, such as an underactive thyroid or a spinal cord anomaly. These cases are rare and it is far more likely that the constipation is caused by a diet low in fibre, dehydration and a lack of exercise.

If you suspect that your child is constipated be sure to see your medical professional.

Causes Of Constipation In Toddlers

There are 3 main causes of constipation:
1. A diet low in fibre
2. Dehydration
3. Lack of exercise

Exercise plays a large part in causing and solving constipation. The body needs physical activity to work efficiently. Outdoor play, or walking, or indoor exercise is very important to avoid constipation.

Before using any lubrication or suppositories you must consult your medical professional. Lubrication around the anus can help the stool come out more easily. However, suppositories may make the problem worse and do not alleviate the underlying reason of why your toddler is constipated.

The key to solving constipation in toddlers is:
1. A healthy diet, high in fibre
2. Fluid
3. Exercise
4. A healthy toilet habit i.e. your toddler is happy to sit on the toilet a few times a day.

If your child has the symptoms of constipation then it is important to have your toddler checked by your medical professional. If toddler constipation goes unchecked it can lead to toilet-training being very difficult which will cause unnecessary stress and upset.

Encourage your child to sit on the toilet about 30 minutes after a meal time. Help him to relax by reading a book to him whilst he sits on the toilet. Make sure your toddler’s feet can touch a surface so you may need a footstool so that he can rest his feet comfortably. Ideally his knees need to be above his hips and he should lean forward a little.

Constipation in toddlers is common but can be avoided. When a child moves from being a baby to a toddler it's important to adjust their diet, fluid intake and daily exercise so that their bodies has the resources to develop healthily.