Your child maybe constipated if they show any of these symptoms

  • fewer bowel movements than usual (normally less than 3 bowel movements per week
  • difficulty passing motion (sometimes with pain and crying)

 

Causes

  • Stool withholding
    • Pain while passing stools: This could be the vicious cycle of constipation, as the child feels pain when passing motion, they might withhold from going to the toilet when there is urge to go
    • Unfamiliar environment or toilet: Changes, such as travelling, going to a new school or daycare, may cause your child to feel uncomfortable in using the toilet in an unfamiliar environment. They might also feel uncomfortable using a public toilet.
    • Distractions: Your child may prefer to play with his friends or toys rather than “waste time” on the toilet bowl.
  • Low dietary fiber intake
    • Picky eater: Some children just dislike taking fruits or vegetables.
    • Difficulty in getting sufficient amount of dietary fiber: Sometimes it is difficult for children to eat sufficient amount of fiber as parents work full day and childen attend daycare or school for full day. Unless they are provided with sufficient amount of dietary fiber from the meals provided, it might prove difficult for children to obtain sufficient dietary fiber from food.


      American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that children from 2 years of age should consume (Age+5g) – (Age +10g) of fiber per day. This means that if the child is 3 years old, they should consume 8g to 13g of fiber per day.

 

Tips to get your child’s bowel moving

  • Establish regular toilet routine: Encourage your child to sit on the toilet bowl after meal time for a few minutes. Praise him if he passes motion but do not scold or punish if he does not.
  • Get your child to drink up: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water each day as water helps to soften up stool
  • Feed your child fibre: Fibre helps hold water in the stool, making the stools softer and easier to pass. It also provides the bulk that the colon muscles need to stimulate the forward motion of the stools. If your child is picky and refuses to eat up his fruits or vegetables, you can provide him with fibre supplement specially formulated for children as he learns to eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Get your child moving: Staying active is an excellent way to keep the bowels moving.
  • Patience and understanding: Lastly, keep your cool when toilet training. Passing motion should not be perceived as a stressful chore for your child.


    Reminder: Do not give laxatives or administer enema (through anus) unless prescribed by doctor. These might impair the normal functioning of the child’s colon.


    Which method have you tried in helping your child with constipation? Has it worked?
     

 

This is an education service provided by Kidz Total Fiber™

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