The do's and don'ts to help relieve constipation

Of the multitudes of things that can stress a parent out on the daily when it comes to our kids, toddler constipation is right up there.

Constipation is a particularly common problem, though some are more likely to suffer than others.

How much we go to the toilet can vary person to person, so it's important to know your body and know when something isn't normal for you or your little one.

If constipation has been troubling you and your family, there is no need to panic. There are several things you can do to help relieve constipation and the symptoms that come with it...

The do's and don'ts to help relieve constipation:

1) Drink more water

One of the main causes of constipation, in general, is dehydration. If there is not enough water in one’s system when food is travelling from the stomach to the large intestine (colon), the large intestine will soak up water from your food waste (poop) making it hard and dry and therefore extremely difficult to glide the rest of the way and come out.

Ensuring that your little one is drinking enough water or getting plenty of fluids is a must. When they are playing, their sippy-cup or water bottle is often the last thing on their minds so make sure you regularly offer it to them to get their fluids up so that they are adequately hydrated.

2) Fill up with fibre 

Increasing your child’s fibre intake through fruits and vegetables and some cereals and legumes should help relieve constipation. Young children should get plenty of fruit and vegetables which have lots of fibre. To relieve symptoms, up their intake slowly by adding foods such as apricots, berries, melon, oranges, peaches, plums, pears, mangoes, broccoli, spinach, peas, beans, sweet potatoes, whole-grain bread, and bran cereal (if these foods are new to your child, you’ll have to introduce them into their diet slowly and not all at once).

3) Get your toilets habits right

Try to stick to a toilet routine and go at the same time and place every day.  Try not to give in to the urges to go out of this time and respond to your bowel's natural pattern.

4) Get your constipated toddler moving around

Usually, at that age, toddlers are little busy bodies that can’t keep still but, in the day and age of Disney and Youtube videos, you might notice that your little one isn’t quite as active as they should be. If this is the case, it could have a lot to do with why they are constipated. Get them out and about and moving around for at least an hour a day as exercise helps move the food through the digestive tract enabling bowel movements.

5) Massage your constipated toddler’s belly

Abdominal massage has long been used to relieve constipation in adults and children alike, and if you feel confident enough (and your child will sit still long enough to let you), you could try giving your baby’s belly a little rub down.

You should try gently moving your baby's legs in a bicycling motion or carefully massaging their tummy to help stimulate their bowels.

It shouldn’t be painful and you could make it into a little game. Getting someone to distract them, or putting on their favourite children’s show (there’s no use in denying that the TV comes in handy at times like these) can also help to keep them still. Get your child to lie down on their back, rub a little body cream or almond or coconut oil into your palms and gently rub onto your child’s belly. Using your thumbs or the first three fingers on each hand, start from the belly button and make circular motions downwards, pressing lightly.