If you’ve ever been constipated as an adult, you’re well aware of how inconvenient it can be. Consider yourself a baby, toddler, or young child suffering from constipation.
They don’t know what’s going on, and their symptoms aren’t often communicated due to their age. Your child may have been constipated for a long time before you know it. In this article, we will tell you how to prevent constipation if your child is constipated.
What are the symptoms of constipation in a child?
Each child’s symptoms may develop uniquely. They may include the following:
- For a few days, he hasn’t had a bowel movement.
- Stools that are firm and dry.
- Bloating, cramps, or pain in the stomach (abdominal).
- He is not hungry at all.
- Clenching teeth, crossing legs, pressing buttocks together, and growing red in the face are all indicators of trying to hold stool in.
- On a child’s underwear, there are small liquid or soft stool marks.
How to prevent constipation in kids?
With these tips shared below, you can prevent constipation in kids easily. So, let’s get started.
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Drink more water:
When stool becomes dry and stiff, constipation can set in. Stools can be softened by drinking plenty of water, making them easier to pass. You can give your infant 2 to 3 ounces of water at a time to alleviate constipation if he or she is at least 6 months old.
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Make sure your kids eat more fiber:
Constipation can be avoided by eating high-fiber meals including fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread. Because fiber cannot be digested, it aids in the cleaning of the intestines by moving the bowels. A diet high in fatty, sugary, or starchy meals might cause constipation. When adding extra fiber to your child’s diet, do so gradually over a few weeks and make sure he or she drinks enough water. Fiber does not have to be a deterrent for children. Apples, pears, beans, oatmeal, oranges, ripe bananas, whole-grain bread, and popcorn are some of the best foods to eat. Another option to get fiber is to add flax meal or bran to homemade fruit smoothies.
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Establish a bathroom routine:
If your child has been potty trained, assist them in developing a restroom routine.
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Limit constipating foods:
Keep a watch on your child’s intake of foods that cause constipation. Bananas, rice, and cheese are the worst offenders because they can cause constipation when consumed in significant amounts.
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Encourage your children to exercise regularly:
Encourage your children to get plenty of exercises to help their bowels function properly. It could be as simple as going for a stroll, playing catch, riding a bike, or shooting some hoops.
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Meal schedule:
Make a food schedule that you can stick to. Regular meals may help children develop consistent bowel habits because eating is a natural stimulant for the bowels. If necessary, start breakfast a little early to allow your youngster to have a leisurely potty break before school.