Constipation can be confusing, uncomfortable, and even a bit scary for kids. They may not fully understand why their body felt that way, and expressing such discomfort can be a struggle for them.
Constipation can be a challenging issue for children, but with the right approach, you can help them feel better. By staying alert to the signs and knowing how to help treat and prevent constipation, you can provide your kids with the comfort they need.
Here are some helpful tips to help ensure their tummies stay happy and pain free!
What Causes Kids’ Constipation?
Constipation in children can be caused by a variety of factors, and holding in poop is often a major contributor. Kids may avoid going to the bathroom for several reasons:
- Reluctance to leave playtime
They may not want to stop having fun with their friends.
- Fear of teasing
At school, some kids are afraid of being teased by classmates if they go to the restroom.
- Discomfort from gas
If they’re already feeling gassy or bloated, they might fear that pooping will hurt.
In addition to these behaviors, constipation can also be triggered by poor diet, lack of water, or stress.
Signs Your Child may Be Constipated
Keep an eye out for certain symptoms!
- Your kid is having fewer than three bowel movements a week or is expressing discomfort in his or her stomach.
- Your child may even cry while attempting to defecate because of hard, dry, or lumpy stools.
- Traces of blood on the toilet paper and avoidance of bathroom use due to pain are also concerning signs.
Constipation Remedies that Might Help Your Little One
If you spot any sign that your child might be constipated, don’t hesitate to take him/her to the doctor. They can prescribe laxatives and suggest dietary changes to help with the symptoms.
If they’re not showing symptoms, reading the following tips might help prevent constipation.
1. Help Them Get Hydrated
One of the simplest ways to help prevent constipation is to ensure your child drinks plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps keep stools soft and easier to pass. To encourage your child to drink water regularly throughout the day, try making it more exciting!
- Colorful Cups and Bottles
Invest in fun, colorful drinking cups or water bottles featuring your child's favorite characters or themes. Having their special cup can make drinking water feel like a treat!
- Infuse with Flavor
Add slices of fruit like lemons, strawberries, or oranges to their water for a tasty twist. Allow your infused water mixture to sit in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight for a stronger flavor.
- Hydrating Snacks
Incorporate foods with high water content into their diet. Refreshing options like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges not only taste great but also helps with their hydration.
- Fun Challenges
Turn drinking water into a game! Challenge your child to drink a certain amount of water each day. Reward them with a sticker or small prize when they meet their goal. Just don't go over the recommended water intake.- 1 to 3 years old: 4 cups.
- 4 to 8 years old: 5 cups.
- 9 to 13 years old: 5 to 6 cups
- Creative Straws
Use fun-shaped, colorful straws to make drinking water more appealing. Kids often enjoy sipping through straws, making hydration feel like play-time.
2. Encourage Them to Move
Teaching kids to be physically active can help prevent constipation while keeping them entertained. When kids move around, it promotes the movement of food through their intestines. Moreover, active children often have better muscle tone (the contraction of muscles), including the muscles in the abdomen and pelvic floor. These muscles help in supporting better bowel function.
For babies under 1 year, aim for at least 30 minutes of crawling. Encourage them to move by having them reach out to their toys. Toddlers aged 1 to 2 should engage in at least 180 minutes of daily activity, including light play and energetic activities like running, preferably outdoors. Preschoolers aged 3 to 4 also need at least 180 minutes of daily activity, with 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous play, such as tag or bike riding.
3. Teach Them to Have a Potty Training Schedule
Always remind your children about "poo time" to help establish a regular bathroom schedule. Encourage them to listen to their bodies and go to the bathroom at the same time each day, such as after meals or before bedtime.
Supervise them during bathroom visits, especially younger ones, to prevent slipping accidents. Place a non-slip mat and have a stable stool or step to help your babies reach the toilet comfortably.
4. Be Patient with Your Kids
It’s completely normal for kids to experience bowel accidents, especially when they’re dealing with constipation. Instead of getting upset or frustrated, it’s important to approach the situation with understanding and reassurance. Let your child know that accidents happen to everyone and that it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
5. Introduce Them to Probiotics
Giving your child probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus reuteri, can help with digestive issues. In a study, researchers found that children taking this probiotic experienced a significant reduction in pain intensity over 8 weeks. This means that many kids felt less discomfort in their stomachs while taking the supplement.
If you are looking for a kid-friendly supplement, you might want to consider BioGaia Flotera Chewable Tablet (Lactobacillus reuteri ProTectis) for your kids.
What Are the Benefits of this Supplement?
It is a probiotic Food Supplement for Digestive Health that contains 100 million CFU of Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) DSM 17938®which is used to help enhance intestinal ecology, improve digestion and help enhance natural resistance to intestinal infections. Moreover, incorporating BioGaia Flotera Chewable Tablet (Lactobacillus reuteri ProTectis) into your routine may aid in the maintenance of overall gut health with proper diet and exercise.
DIRECTION FOR USE: Recommended use for children 4 years old and up: Orally, 1 to 2 chewable tablets per day, or as directed by a doctor.
How Should I Store BioGaia Flotera Chewable Tablet (Lactobacillus reuteri ProTectis)?
• Store at temperatures not exceeding 25ºC. Product may be stored in the refrigerator.
• Avoid contact with water when storing the product.
Also available in other formats:
For Children
- Flotera Biogaia Protectis Oral Drops (LactobacillusReuteri ProTectis)
Recommended oral use for children 1 to 3 years old: 5 drops once a day, or as recommended by a doctor.
For Babies, Kids, and Adults
- BioGaia Flotera Powder (Lactobacillus reuteri ProTectis)
Recommended oral use for infants 6 months onwards: 1 to 2 minipacks per day, or as recommended by a doctor.
MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG BIOGAIA FLOTERA POWDER, BIOGAIA FLOTERA CHEWABLE, FLOTERA BIOGAIA PROTECTIS ORAL DROPS AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.
ASC REFERENCE NO.: U0082P112124F
References:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/constipation-in-children (8 pages)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17785-constipation-in-children#:~:text=Toddlers%20often%20become%20constipated%20because,re%20doing%2C%20such%20as%20playing. (14 pages)
https://www.chkd.org/blog/foods-that-help-relieve-constipation-in-kids/ (4 pages)
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hydration-tips-for-children#:~:text=The%20recommended%20daily%20intake%20of,old%3A%205%20to%206%20cups (4 pages)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/health/constipation-in-children/ (2 pages)
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-children-under-five-years/ (3 pages)
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/constipation.html (5 pages)
https://www.asterhospitals.in/blogs-events-news/aster-medcity-kochi/digestive-health-and-exercise#:~:text=5.,aiding%20in%20their%20proper%20functioning.(5 pages)
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Fecal-Soiling.aspx#:~:text=In%20most%20cases%2C%20however%2C%20fecal,to%20resist%20having%20bowel%20movements. (2 pages)
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/constipation.aspx (7 pages)
https://enemeez.com/blog/post/pooping-anxiety-and-stool-withholding-in-children (4 Pages)
