How A Healthy Diet Will Prevent Your Kids From Experiencing Constipation

The average toddler makes a bowel movement once a day. Some toddlers go every other day, but constipation in toddlers is fairly common. Usually, a child who has a bowel movement fewer than three times a week (or less often than he typically does), and whose stools are hard and difficult to pass, is constipated. Also, according to experts, any child with stools that are large, hard, dry, and accompanied by painful bowel movements, soiling between bowel movements, or blood on the outside of the stool may have constipation.

When Should You Be Worried?

Don't be worried if your child has a bout of constipation. It's perfectly normal once in awhile. But if your toddler's constipation lasts for two weeks or more it's called chronic constipation, and you should see your pediatrician.

Your doctor may ask you to keep track of your child's bowel movements. How often they occur, how big and hard they are, and if there is any blood in your toddler's stool. You should also look for other symptoms that can occur along with constipation, such as:

• Stomach ache
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• General crankiness
• Crying or screaming during bowel movements
• Avoiding the toilet (signs that your child is doing this include clenching the buttocks, crossing the legs, turning red, sweating, or crying)
• Smears or bits of liquid stool in the diaper or underwear (soiling)

What Causes Toddler Constipation?

A variety of things can cause constipation in toddlers, from diet to medication. Here are a few of the most common causes:

Diet. The culprit in many cases of toddler constipation is a diet that's too heavy in processed foods, dairy, and sweets, and too light in fiber (like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables). Not getting enough fluid can also lead to constipation, because it makes the stools harder. Any change in diet -- such as when your toddler transitions from breastmilk or formula to cow's milk or starts eating new foods -- can also affect the stools.

Holding it in. The average 2-year-old is far more interested in playing with toys than going to the bathroom. Some children are embarrassed or afraid to use the toilet, especially when it's a public restroom. Toddlers who rebel against the toilet training process sometimes express their power struggle in a refusal to go.

Fear of discomfort. Constipated toddlers who've had painful bowel movements in the past sometimes avoid using the bathroom out of fear that it will hurt again. Not using the bathroom can turn into an uncomfortable cycle. Stool begins to build up in the lower part of the bowel, getting bigger and harder until it's even more difficult and painful to pass.

Change in routine. Going on vacation and being away from their normal toilet can make some toddlers unwilling to go to the bathroom.