Guide to Managing Constipation in Children and Infants

These days one of the most common clinical complaints I encounter is constipation in children. Infrequent bowel movements or hard, dry stools are a very common problem, especially in children. It is uncomfortable and painful, but in most cases constipation is temporary. But if left untreated, sometimes, symptoms can get worse!

Understanding Constipation in children

A lot of anxious parents coming to my clinic don’t understand what constipation is. It‘s not ‘not passing the bowel every day’. Bowel patterns vary from child to child. While some kids pass bowel 3 to 4 times a day, others may go 2 to 3 days without it. And that can be normal.

The frequency of bowel movement is not as important as the hardness, smell, and color of the stool. If the stool is too hard to pass, looks blackish or brownish, and has a strong smell, then the kid is constipated. And it’s important to attend to the issue immediately.

The longer the stool stays stuck in the colon, the larger and drier it gets. This makes it harder for your child and they may become scared of stool time, because of the hurting. 

Also Read : Ayurvedic Home Remedies for constipation

Constipation in infants

Though constipation is rare in infants, especially breastfed infants. Breast-fed babies tend to pass loose, runny, yellow stools. This is because breast milk is easier to digest and it’s full of nutrition. Breast-fed babies may clear their bowel after every feed. However, some breast-fed babies may pass bowel once a week. It depends on the kid’s digestive system!

However, prolonged change in the feces and difficulty in passing the bowel can mean the child is constipated. It is better to consult a doctor if the child cries every time, he or she gets nature’s call. 

Also, when babies start on solid foods their stools may change. The frequency, the color, and the smell may differ. Usually, the stools become thicker, darker, and tend to smell. Some kids experience constipation during this switch. But in most cases, it is temporary.

Also Read: Mood and constipation

Symptoms to check in the child

Keeping a close eye on the kid’s bowel is very crucial. The bowel is an important indicator of the child’s digestive health. 

Here are a few things that you can check –

• Not passing bowel for a week.
• Passing a hard stool with difficulty.
• Bloating, cramps, or pain
• Loss of appetite
• Holding stool in. 
• Clenching teeth, crossing legs, squeezing buttocks.

Also Read: Ayurvedic Treatment for constipation

Identifying the cause factor of constipation

Holding back – The first and most common cause of constipation is withholding stool within. If the child ignores the urge to clear the bowel, then it often results in hard stool and sometimes, constipation. 

This mostly happens in any of the following situations –

• The child is scared to pass stool because it hurts
• They are too busy with gadgets.
• The child is away from home.

Toilet training – If the toilet training is too hard on the kid, if he or she doesn’t enjoy the sudden change then they may tend to hold on to the urge to pass stool. Also screaming at the kid for making mistakes in adapting to the new potty rules can scare them.

Diet – This is another major cause of constipation in kids. A diet lacking in fiber, fruits, and vegetables can cause constipation. Children who binge on chocolates, ice-creams, and fast foods are more prone to constipation.

Milk allergy – Some kids may be allergic to cow’s milk or dairy products. This can also lead to constipation.

Genetics – Constipation can be hereditary. If this disorder exists in the close family, then the kid may experience constipation. Sometimes, it can also occur because of the shared conditions.

Medical reasons – Though it’s rare, constipation may be a symptom of a metabolic or digestive system problem in the child. It may indicate another underlying condition. That’s why it’s important to consult a doctor.

Lack of exercise – A young child needs 3 to 4 hours of physical activity in the daily routine. Butthis does not happen often, especially after the pandemic. This is a major cause of constipation in kids. Also, sitting in the same place for hours watching TV or playing video games can result in constipation.

Emotional issues – Mood and constipation are deeply linked. So, if the kid is stressed, frightened or experiences anxiety, then they may suffer from constipation.

Also Read: Vacha – It’s the Best natural stimulator for your mind!

Simple solutions to prevent constipation in children

Constipation is common but it can be prevented. Here are a few simple ways to ensure that –

1. Do the Diet right 

 Eating the right food in the right way is very important for the child. Meals should contain 3 veggies and the child should eat 2 different fruits in a day. Another important thing is to drink sufficient water and stay hydrated. 

2. Exercising 

 No matter how old the kid is, getting the dose of daily exercise is crucial. It helps them with digestion and simple movements also help in pushing the food forward and getting it out. Exercising also helps in destressing!

3. Good bowel habits 

Regularity in bowel habits can help in preventing constipation. They may prefer it early in the morning or just after meals, whenever they feel like it, make sure they sit at the loo for some time, daily.

4. Drinking the right fluids 

 Liquid intake helps in the formation of proper stools. However, not all liquids are good. The kids should avoid soda, sugary drinks, or any juice that comes in a package. Water, coconut water, natural juices, buttermilk, are great choices. Buttermilk is actually very beneficial in combating constipation!

Also Read: Single Child Syndrome

Takeaway!

Most kids, at some point or the other, may face issues with hard stools. It may be because of a change in their routine, diet, atmosphere, or any of the other reasons that I mentioned. Constipation is common, but it must be treated. Apart from the pain and discomfort, chronic constipation can also result in several other complications!