1. Help Children Establish Healthy Bowel Habits
The most common cause of constipation in children isn't illness or diet related. It's bad bowel habits. Many children forget to use the toilet when they have to go, especially if they're engaged in an interesting activity when the urge strikes. Older children aren't always comfortable using the bathroom at school or at a friend's house, so they'll wait until later. Unfortunately, the longer they wait, the harder it is to go--literally. Ignoring the natural urge allows the colon to absorb water from the stool, causing constipation.
Teach your child healthy bowel habits. Try not to toilet train him too early since kids who aren't completely comfortable with the toilet are more likely to avoid it. Once he is trained, encourage him to use the bathroom at regular intervals and to take his time while he's there. Ask him to "try" for at least five minutes before leaving the bathroom. Setting aside bathroom time in the morning and evening can also help a child relax about needing to use unfamiliar toilets, which in turn can prevent stress-related constipation.
2. Eat for Good Bowel Health
Sticking to a healthy, well-balanced diet promotes healthy bowel habits too. Increase the number of vegetables and whole-grain foods your child eats. Fiber-laden foods like peas, beans, popcorn and graham crackers can prevent constipation by helping dry stools to absorb liquid, making it easier and less painful to poop.
Keep in mind that increased fiber intake also increases the need for fluid intake. Offer your child at least 8 cups of liquid a day, sticking to water and diluted fruit juices since milk can have a constipating effect. Along the same lines, make sure she's balancing cheese and yogurt with fruits and green vegetables. Though your child needs the calcium supplied by dairy products, too much dairy can cause constipation.
3. Exercise Can Prevent Constipation
Exercise is good for the heart, soul and bowels. Movement promotes peristalsis, the muscle contractions that move waste through the intestines. A sluggish peristaltic instinct can cause constipation. Get your child up and moving. She doesn't need to be participating in an organized sport, as a daily bike ride around the neighborhood, dancing around with her friends or a family walk will do just fine. Babies can exercise too. Bicycle your infant's legs by bending her knees gently toward her belly and making pedaling motions. She's bound to reward you not only with regular bowel movements, but also with a big belly laugh.
