Do you ever feel like a large percent of your time as an infant and toddler parent is consumed by dealing with poop? Me too! I certainly would have my doctorate in “poopology” by now.
So why can it be so darn hard to regulate this process and what can be done to help without resorting to medication?
My triplets have ALWAYS had difficulty pooping. All three were on Miralax regularly as infants (under the guidance of my pediatrician). Now that they are toddlers I want them to feel like they can control their own bodily movements or at least give it a valiant try!
Causes of constipation
The best way to prevent constipation is by avoiding the following causes:
- Low intake of high fiber foods
- low fluid intake
- ignoring the urge their body is giving them to poop
But what if your child just won’t eat or drink enough?
You can’t force them, right?
I actually went through this with my daughter’s chemotherapy medications and found a few tricks that I’ll share here.
- Hydration Solutions:
- Offer popsicles for hydration: this was a fun alternative to nagging her about drinking water.
- Make drinking a game: when playing a board game or watching a show together pick a cue to drink water and do it with them.
- Allow your toddler to pick out a new, special cup to drink from as encouragement
- Fiber Solutions:
- Fruit and veggie pouches fron=m Target saved my sanity! Seriously!! A God send
- Dried fruits can add fiber and a different texture.
How do you know if your child is constipated?
Contrary to popular belief, pooping everyday for toddler isn’t mandatory. My son is so consistent you could set your watch by him. But my daughters waiver somewhere between regular and occasionally skipping up to 5-6 days!
- Small, round and hard stool
- Grimacing, straining, grunting, crying
Complications of constipation
Of course complications can arise when a toddler does get constipated. Occasionally the skin can tear near the anus called an anal fissure which is very painful and should be kept as clean as possible while healing.
A barrier protection like petroleum jelly can help when applied to the fissure. Once the child’s constipation resolves, the fissure should heal naturally.
I have used this “homemade cereal” since the triplets could eat soft solids and it WORKS MIRACLES!! Here’s how I make it:
The original recipe came from a family gastrointestinal doctor.
Ingredients:
- Kellogg’s All Bran
- Applesauce
- Prune juice
Combine all three ingredients in EQUAL proportions in a medium sized bowl. Mix and allow the cereal to absorb the juice over an hour or more. Serve with breakfast and store in the fridge.
For us this cereal is a staple breakfast dish we use everyday. My kids like to decorate the cereal with Cheerios while they eat it.
This is my way of serving your needs as a parent and cancer mom, so you can get to know me better. I’m hoping you’ll do the same! Please reach out to me below or on Instagram so I can get to know you better.
