Constipation in children (The Basics) How often should my child have a bowel movement? — It depends on how old he or she is: • In the first week of life, most babies have 4 or more bowel movements each day. They are soft or liquid. • In the first 3 months, some babies have 2 or more bowel movements each day. Others have just 1 each week. • By age 2, most kids have at least 1 bowel movement each day. They are soft but solid. • Every child is different. Some have bowel movements after each meal. Others have bowel movements every other day. How will I know if my child is constipated? — Your child may: • Have fewer bowel movements than normal • Feel pain when having a bowel movement • Arch his or her back and cry (if still a baby) • Avoid going to the bathroom, do a “dance,” or hide when he or she feels a bowel movement coming. This often happens when potty training and when starting school. • Leak small amounts of bowel movement into the underwear (if he or she is toilet trained) What if my child gets constipated? — In most children with mild or brief constipation, the problem usually gets better with some simple changes. Have your child: • Eat more fruit, vegetables, cereal, and other foods with fiber • Drink some prune juice, apple juice, or pear juice • Drink at least 32 ounces of water and drinks that aren’t milk each day • Avoid milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream • Sit on the toilet for 5 or 10 minutes after meals, if he or she is toilet trained. Offer rewards just for sitting there. • Stop potty training for a while, if you are working on it When should I take my child to the doctor or nurse? — You should have your child seen if: • He or she is younger than 4 months old • He or she gets constipated often • You have been trying the steps listed above for 24 hours, but your child has still not had a bowel movement • There is blood in the bowel movement or on the diaper or underwear • Your child is in serious pain
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 14:49:13 +0000
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