My son is pretty constipated...I tried some Apple Prune juice but that didn't help. Anyone have any ideas how to help him?
2006-11-10 04:53:20 · 12 answers · asked by totspotathome 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
He tries to go, but strains and says it hurts...it's been that way for 2 days
2006-11-10 05:07:07 · update #1
I don't think he holds it in intentionally, he's never resisted going or anything. But he's had kind of hard poops since he was a baby.
2006-11-10 05:16:33 · update #2
I used to deal with this a lot with my son. The above answerer is right glycerin suppositories, not great dinner conversation but quickly effective.
In the future add some fiber, etc, but unclog him first and don't dwell too much on it as it can be very upsetting to kids and they can get into a cycle of holding it.
Just adjust and try not to send him the other way!
Good luck to you guys!
2006-11-10 05:02:32 · answer #1 · answered by Lori 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, does he drink enough water? Water's important.
Second, some foods cause constipation. Cheese is a BIG culprit. If your son loves cheese, try using it as a reward for eating/drinking other stuff, and limit his daily intake on it.
Third, if he goes for 3 days without a bowel movement, I strongly suggest getting an enema (Fleet makes children's enemas too, but you can use an adult one if needed---just DON'T use all the adult bottle on him; maybe half or less). If you go the enema route, it helps to hold the closed bottle under running hot water for a couple of minutes and keep shaking it, to warm up the solution. AND, lubricate the bottle tip with KY Jelly before insertion. (Don't get the solution too hot---a little short of body temp, lukewarm, is good. If it's cold, it can cause cramping, which makes the procedure more uncomfortable for the child.)
Finally, is this a one-time thing, or does it happen all the time? Some children (like my son) have a psychological condition where they withhold pooping... it's a control issue. It took us forever to get him willing to go, regularly---and the longer they hold it in, the drier it gets.
There are certain things you can add to his diet besides prune juice that can help... including a SMALL amount of Aloe Vera juice (IIRC it's like 1/2 tsp. per DAY; Grocery stores often carry it in the health food section), anise seeds, and some other items. Before using any of these, I STRONGLY suggest you consult with his pediatrician, and also research from some medical books that contain herbal remedies. Know what you're using, and how much---many medicines are made from herbs, so when using them, treat them *like* a medicine, and know which ones are right, and proper dosages, before using them.
Good luck! :)
2006-11-10 05:08:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
How much prune juice did you try? You can also buy dried prunes. They're pretty good and really do the job. As for the juice you have to give it at least twice a day for 3-5 days in a row. it needs time to work but eventually it will.
2006-11-10 04:56:51 · answer #3 · answered by Nicole H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honey is a mild natural laxative that can be given without the recommendation of a healthcare.
extra water or fruit juice once or twice a day. A common treatment used by parents is adding Karo syrup or other light or dark corn syrups to their infant's bottles of formula. While this is often discouraged because of the theoretical risk of botulism, the AAP reports that it is safe to do. If giving formula, changing to a soy formula can also be helpful.
Medications used to treat infants with constipation are usually limited to colace, maltsupex, lactulose and the occasional use of a glycerin suppository.
2006-11-10 06:00:35 · answer #4 · answered by audrey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a three year old son that has had this problem since he was a baby. I have tried all the "natural stuff" and it just didn't work for him. Trust me, I wish it would have. I ended up taking him to see a speacialist and he put him on medicine to keep his stool soft. It's called Glycolax. It's a powder and you mix it with clear liquid. You can't taste it. This was my last resort. Obviously I would recommend the natural stuff first.
Good Luck
2006-11-10 07:12:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how long he's been that way. If it's been a while, you can go to a drug store or wal-mart, etc. and buy a suppository. They are super cheap and work wonders in this situation. Is he constipated from something he ate? Or is he scared to go? My nephew just went through a phase where he was scared to go after getting in trouble while being potty trained.
2006-11-10 04:56:26 · answer #6 · answered by hthrmchl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have him just keep drinking lots of fluids... constantly drinking fluids to soften the bowels some more. If he hasn't gone within an hour, before buying anything , call your pediatrician and ask for their advice because they know kid's bodies best. If you can't wait for their call back, buy some Little Tummies, it's all natural and it works wonderfully.
2006-11-10 05:04:34 · answer #7 · answered by Mel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Glycerin suppositories ... go now, get one and slip it in. He'll scream and fuss, but he'll go.
It's just going to get harder the longer it stays in his little colon. You can actually do him some damage there if you don't do something now.
Also, give that boy some fiber!
2006-11-10 08:23:29 · answer #8 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Glycerine suppositories. Kinda gross, I know, but they work cramp-free and are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
2006-11-10 04:55:36 · answer #9 · answered by jilldaniel_wv 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If that is not working for 3 days, I would take him to see your family docter. Because something may be wroung.
2006-11-10 05:11:03 · answer #10 · answered by mary l 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋