There are many times when you will need to understand which foods will help your toddler have healthy bowel movements. Diet strongly impacts your child's regularity, and can have a huge effect on his health. Manipulation of diet can alleviate irregularities like loose stools or constipation. This can be especially important during these early years when your child can't always communicate sources of discomfort. Illness, in particular, can cause loose bowels and binding foods might make your child more comfortable. Other causes of irregularity include dietary changes, stress or changes in routines.
Binding Fruits and Vegetables
Some fruits are notorious for their binding effect. High on the list are bananas and applesauce. They are sweet and easy to eat, and most young children consume them willingly. An overabundance of bananas or applesauce in a toddler's diet can lead to constipation. According to Dr. Marianne Neifert, writer for Parenting Magazine, carrots are also a potentially binding food. She advises avoiding these three foods in particular if your toddler is having difficulty with constipation.
Binding Grains
Rice is a binding food. Pediatric Nurse Practioner Lisa-Ann Kelly reminds parents that rice cereal, while commonly introduced early in the process of starting solid foods, often firms up a baby's stools. This continues to be true into the toddler years, when eating rice and rice products can lead to binding. In addition to rice and rice cereal, monitor your child's intake of rice cakes and rice-based treats such as rice squares.
Binding Dairy Products
Dairy products can be binding, as well. In "Constipation in Children," the Mayo Clinic links milk product allergies to constipation in young children. Dr. Neifert states that toddlers having difficulty with constipation should avoid excessive milk intake, and the National Institute of Health lists cheeses on their list of foods to avoid when troubled by constipation.
Binding Protein Foods
Meat and eggs can be binding for some children. Sometimes filling foods like these can dampen a child's appetite and take the place of more healthy, fiber-rich foods that promote regularity. It's important that your toddler's diet be varied and balanced in order for the digestive system to function properly.
Fluid
One final factor that impacts a toddler's digestive health is fluid intake. Proper amounts of water will aid digestion and help the child avoid becoming constipated. Each child is an individual, and various foods may be binding for any individual. It's important to learn to understand your baby's personal needs.
