Bowel Movements in Toddlers
Toddlers commonly suffer from bowel movement problems off and on…it may not seem like a very serious thing, but when you see the pain they suffer and how miserable they feel, then you know it is something that you need to deal with. This can be especially common while potty training, your toddler becomes fearful of bowel movements in the toilet or potty.
When they are in a diaper, it's not the same, they can't see something coming out of their body. They may not even realize how it got there or what is even there since they have never changed their own diaper. But once they start training, they are suddenly brought to the awareness that there is something big coming out of their body that they never knew about. As a pediatrician had once explained, they don't know that this is a regular part of elimination, no matter how simply you explain it to them, they think they are losing a part of themself. It takes a little while for them to understand the concept.
This is reason why this part of potty training is the most difficult and usually why they become constipated. Bowel movements will eventually become a natural part of them, but that initial fear is the most difficult for them to deal with and overcome.
You can help alleviate the problem by giving your child high fiber foods such as whole grain cereals, raisins, and grape juice. Peanut butter is also another food that helps with constipation. Also make sure your child is getting enough to drink. Sometimes when they are no longer breast-feeding or on the bottle, their fluid intake drops and this can cause a hard bowel movement. You will need to remember to offer him juice and water though-out the day.
It may be wise to cut out milk and cheese products for little while until the bowel movements are back to normal. Cheese and milk can be very constipating, making it more difficult than it needs to be. Also, start implementing longer potty time after each meal giving his body a chance to develop a schedule. Never give your child any over-the-counter laxative without first contacting your pediatrician. With so many natural ways to treat it, you don't need to. |