3.5 year old constipation issues?
Morning all, to cut a long story short for months we've had hard poos, soft poos, tears in her bottom, enemas etc. I need to try and keep her poo soft so besides diet, has anyone got any ideas or useful tips? I've got the diet stuff taken care of but I bought some Coloxyl drops but I'm not sure they are right because most people on forums have had negative effects. The poor little kid is in such pain and now has a rash on her bottom which is making things worse! Anyone with any advice at all would be brilliant! thank you!
Thank you all so much. Have been to several doctors, specialists etc. They say its completely common and you need to just work it out as every child is different. I'll try all your suggestions as her diet with fibre, fuits, vege's, yoghurts, milk etc is very good and so is her exercise. We have even cut out cheese and bananas as apparently they can clog you up. Anyway, thank you all very much - much appreciated.
When a child does not eat enough fiber, drink enough liquids, or get enough exercise, constipation is more likely to occur. It also happens when children ignore the urge to have a bowel movement, which they often do out of either embarrassment to use a public bathroom, fear or lack of confidence in the absence of a parent, or unwillingness to take a break from play. Sometimes constipation is caused by medicines or a disease.
Prevention of Child Constipation
Diet — The most important thing is to increase fluid intake. However, some children get into the habit of only drinking sodas to satisfy their thirst. Most children are dehydrated from sugary drinks and from not taking the time out to quench thirst. Offer clean, pure water. A child should be drinking half of his/her body weight in water each day. Include servings of fresh, organic fruit and vegetables. Teach your child to eat raw as much as possible. Make 50% of each meal fresh, raw, unprocessed foods. Include whole grains, nuts and seeds in the diet. Limit white flour, chocolate, sugar, dairy and milk products. Train your child to eat slowly and moderately. Provide a relaxing environment while eating. Take a probiotic supplement such as Latero-Flora™ daily to facilitate the growth of “friendly bacteria” in the colon.
Bowel habit training — Your child should be taught not to wait to have a bowel movement. To establish a regular bowel habit, ask your child to sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes at about the same time each day, preferably after a meal. Make sure your child can place his or her feet firmly on the floor while sitting on the toilet. If this is not possible, put a footstool in front of the toilet. While your child is sitting on the toilet, you might let your child read a storybook or listen to the radio. Educate your child, at an early age, on the importance of good bowel habits. Let them know that this is not something to be embarrassed about but a normal and very necessary function for good health.
Exercise — Make sure that your child is getting enough exercise. Children spend way too much time in front of computers and TV. Encourage outside activities as much as possible. Physical activity speeds the movement of waste through the digestive tract.
Stress — Yes, children experience stress! Children are some of the busiest people I know. Stress causes the body to break down and constipation can be a result. Talk with and spend time with your children. Teach them how to relax and to be calm. Encourage them, support them and speak encouraging words to them. Teach them how to handle difficult situations, to be happy and to communicate their problems. Most important—model this behavior in front of them.
Keep The Bowel Clean — Keeping the bowel clean is a great preventative step and very necessary in keeping the body in good health. For complete cleansing of the digestive tract we recommend a product called Oxy-Powder®. Oxy-Powder® is a safe and natural way to cleanse the whole digestive track while also providing the body with oxygen. Consult your healthcare practitioner for dosages appropriate for children.
Chiropractic Adjustments – Helps prompt bowel movements. The waves that move material through the colon occur as a result of nerve excitement that originates at the spinal nerves. Adjustments also help normalize the action of the ileocecal valve, the valve that separates the large from the small intestine.
I hope this helps you, check out the link, there is more information there!
If she is just constipated, maybe laying her on a heating pad (on low heat) would ease her pain a little.