Articles
Is Your Child Constipated
When it comes to constipation in children, it is not how often they go that is important, it is the type of stools they are passing, and wether they are experiencing pain. A child is constipated if their stool is hard, dry or crumbly, or if they experience pain while on the toilet, or in their stomach,
accompanied by bloating. A constipated child may be irritable and disinterested in food.
Toilet habits are different for every child. Breastfed babies may pass a stool after every feed, or only once per week. Toddlers may have 2-3 per day, or only 2-3 per week. If you are concerned your child is constipated, check their stools. If they are not soft you can make simple changes to help. For babies, on formula, ensure it is made up correctly. If they are on solids, add stewed prunes or prune juice and introduce baby cereal that cid fibre enriched. Try gentle tummy massage. In toddlers, offer more fruit, vegetables and whole grain products. Offer plenty of fluid and exercise based play and encourage them to sit on the toilet a few times a day for 5 or so minutes at a time.
Added to site on : Monday, 18 June 2012