Constipation involves hard or infrequent passage of stool. It's a common condition for young children, and, according to the Nemours foundation, can stem from a number of causes, including stress, diet changes and medications. Most often constipation can be easily treated by adding extra fiber and fluids to your child's diet, by encouraging extra physical activity and by maintaining a schedule.
Fiber
Fiber is found in plant material and our bodies are unable to digest it. Thus, it remains in the digestive tract. The Mayo Clinic states that while fiber passes through our body it softens fecal waste, helping it move through the intestines and easing elimination. Increasing the amount of fiber your child eats will help produce loose, bulky stools that are easy to pass. Include fiber with every meal, and make sure any snacks you offer are high fiber. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. Eat vegetables and fruits with their fiber-rich skins on, and look for tasty whole-grain options such as popcorn or whole grain cereals. Eliminate or cut down on the amount of low fiber foods your child eats, such as meat, refined grain products and other processed foods.
Fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids is essential to resolving constipation. Fiber requires plenty of water to be able to provide its laxative function. The Nemours Foundation recommends three to four glasses of water per day for school-aged children. Additionally, the Foundation suggests trying a few ounces of prune juice per day to help resolve the constipation that may occur as you begin to wean your infant. Remind your child to drink between meals, even if he is not thirsty. Because excess milk can constipate some children, according to the Mayo Clinic, try to focus on other fluids.
Activity
Encourage plenty of physical activity when trying to resolve constipation in your child. Although the specific type of exercise is not critical, the Nemours Foundation states that activity prompts your child's digestive system to eliminate fecal matter, and it's imperative that other home remedies are accompanied by plenty of physical movement. Join your child in walking, playing tag, biking or her favorite sport.
Schedule
Constipation can be caused by irregular meal and elimination schedules. Although the Nemours Foundation states that there isn't a standard for how often a child's digestive system will produce a bowel movement, his body will develop a routine and it's important to maintain consistency. Try to have meals at the same time every day, and the Mayo Clinic suggests encouraging your child to sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes about 30 minutes after the meal to help promote elimination.
