Children may occasionally suffer from constipation, especially if they consume an unhealthy diet filled with processed foods and very few fruits and vegetables. Most childhood constipation is temporary, according to the Mayo Clinic, and altering your child's diet may be all that's needed to correct the problem. Avoid giving your child laxatives to ease constipation unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Definition
According to website Family Doctor, a child suffers from constipation if he experiences less than three bowel movements per week. In addition, the child's stools may be hard and dry and the child may find it difficult to have a bowel movement.
Function
Your child's diet may be the culprit. Lack of dietary fiber, a non-digestible carbohydrate that absorbs water and softens stools, may trigger constipation, says Family Doctor. Other childhood constipation triggers include inadequate fluid consumption, a diet high in sugar and fat, or switching your toddler from baby food to table food.
Solid Foods
Add vegetables to the dinner menu. Most vegetables contain fiber that may ease occasional and mild constipation in your child. Switch from sugary breakfast cereals to bran cereal and offer your child fresh apple slices or carrot sticks at snack time instead of cookies or candy. The Mayo Clinic recommends feeding your child whole grain cereal products, such as 100-percent whole wheat bread, and minimizing his intake of meat, cheese and processed foods.
Liquids
Increase your child's liquid intake. Family Doctor suggests adding prune juice to an infant's cereal and giving older children prune juice to drink. Offer fresh water to your child throughout the day. You may serve fruit juices straight or dilute them with an equal amount of water as a meal beverage. Large quantities of milk, however, can lead to constipation in some children, warns the Mayo Clinic.
Considerations
Hard stools may make your child avoid a bowel movement. This may lead to stool impaction, which can be painful. Forcing a bowel movement may cause tiny tears in the tender skin surrounding the anus. If your child suffers from recurring constipation, see your doctor to rule out an underlying disorder.
