Constipation is characterized by less frequent, hard and dry stools and is common in children, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Babies and toddlers under 2 years of age experience varied bowel movement patterns, so it is important to be familiar with your own child's habits in order to spot and treat constipation.
Causes
Your child might be constipated if she does not get enough fiber in her diet, which helps to regulate bowel movements. Rice cereal, a common first food for babies starting solids, is a low-fiber food. A lack of fluids and physical activity also cause constipation, as well as some medications. Toddlers might purposely withhold bowel movements, which can lead to constipation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of constipation include abdominal pain and hard, dry stools. You will notice that your child has fewer bowel movements than he usually does. In some cases, he might have what appears to be diarrhea in his diaper, which could actually be some stool slipping past the blocked area. In many cases, your baby or toddler will cry from the pain experienced with constipation.
Treatment
If your child is still consuming formula, consider switching formula brands to see if that helps. Offer plenty of high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which may need to be pureed if your child is under 1 year old. Give him fluids like water and prune juice regularly to help soften his stool, but ask his doctor first if he is 2 months of age or younger. The Mayo Clinic also recommends massaging your child's abdomen to help encourage movement of his bowels. If he is able to move around on his own, encourage him to crawl or walk frequently. In some cases, a doctor might recommend that your child take laxatives to relieve constipation.
Recommendations
Contact your child's doctor if her constipation symptoms last longer than 2 weeks. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends calling her doctor sooner if her constipation is accompanied by fever, blood in the stool, a swollen abdomen, weight loss or anal fissures.
