Constipation

Constipation

  • Pain or crying when passing a stool
  • No bowel movement for 10 minutes after straining or pushing.
  • 3 or more days without a bowel movement
  • Normal Range: 3 per day to 1 every two days
  • Once children are on normal table foods, their stool pattern is like adults

Causes of Constipation

  • High milk diet
  • Low fiber diet
  • Less fluid intake
  • Lack of exercise
  • Holding back stools because of pain or power struggles
  • Slow passage of food through the intestines – most often, this type runs in families & the condition is called Slow Transit Constipation

Treatment

  • Diet for Infants Under 1 Year Old :
    • Age over 1 month old who is on breast milk or formula – add pear or apple juice or fruit juice
    • Age over 4 months: add baby foods such as are peas, beans, apricots, prune, peaches, pears, or plums, i.e. high fiber foods twice a day.
  • Diet for Age Over 8 months Old:
    • On finger foods – add cereals and small pieces of fresh fruit
  • Diet for Children Over 1 Year Old:
    • Increase fruit juice (apple, pear, cherry, grape, prune)
    • Add fruits and vegetables high in fiber content such as peas, beans, broccoli, bananas, apricots, peaches, pears, figs, prunes, or dates
    • Increase whole grain foods
    • Limit milk products to 3 servings per day
    • For holding habit;
      • Use rewards to help your child give up this bad habit
      • Treats and hugs always work better
      • Avoid any pressure or punishment
      • Encourage Sitting on the Toilet and Set up a normal stool routine
      • Have your child sit on the toilet for 10 minutes after meals
    • Stool Softeners (Age Over 1 Year Old):
      • If a change in diet doesn’t help, child may benefit from stool softener such as MiraLax or Fiber products such as Benefiber

    Call Your Doctor If:

    • Constipation lasts more than 1 week after making changes to diet
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child symptoms becomes worse
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