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It is not unusual for children to grunt, strain, draw up
their legs and become red in the face when having a bowel movement.
Constipation means the bowel movement is hard and dry, making it painful
and hard to push put.
Some children have two to three movements daily. Others
may have a normal movement only every 5 to 7 days. Breastfed children can
have large, soft movements without pain every 7 days. Formula-fed children
will have firmer stools.
Adding new foods to your child's diet can cause
constipation. Eating or drinking too much milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream
or other milk products can cause the problem. Certain medicines, such as
iron, also can cause constipation. Constipation can also result from
waiting too long to go to the bathroom. School-age children can become
constipated because they are afraid of or feel uncomfortable using
the school bathroom. Family problems also can cause some children who are
being toilet rained to become constipated.
Most cases of constipation can be treated at home as long
as the child does not have a lot of belly pain.
What should I do?
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Constipation is usually not a serious problem. It can
cause your child to be uncomfortable without proper care.
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if you baby is less than 4 months of age, twice a day
given fruit juices such as apple, grape or prune juice
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When your baby is four months of age you can begin
strained baby foods. Squash, carrots, apples and bananas may make the
constipation worse. Feed your baby solid food two to three times
daily.
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If you child is one year old or older, he should eat
fruits and vegetables three times daily. Cut the food into small
pieces to prevent choking. Avoid food that can't be chewed easily.
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Babies need to drink water each day. The proper amount
depends on you child's age and your doctor will be able to tell your
the proper daily amount.
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It can be hard for babies to have a bowel movement
lying down. You can help by gently holding the knees against his
chest. This is a more natural way to push out a stool.
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Encourage your child to be more physically active.
Contact your doctor if: your child has not had
bowel movement in several days, your child has bowel movements that are
very hard or painful to pass, you see blood in the diaper or bowel
movement, the rectal area has tears
Seek immediate care if your child has constant,
sever abdominal pain that has lasted more than 2 hours.
Source: The PDR Family Guide,
Encyclopedia of Medical Care (1997)
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