Constipation in a 19 month old?

Question

My daughter is 19 months old and has been having problems with constipation for about a month. Its gotten to the point where her stools are so big and hard, they get stauck and she just screams in pain so I've had to use vaseline and a q tip to help it out. I've bought a stool softener and yes, it works but i've also read that she can become dependant on it. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

This is a common problem. My first child went through the same thing and it last several months. She wouldn't go for a week at a time and I would get scared because I would notice her tummy bulging. We also had a cabinet full of laxatives and she was constantly going to the doctors. I found that using glycerin suppositories worked the best to help her go when she was trying to push it out (they have ones for infants). I read all the comments and they were all very good. A change in diet is important, more fiber, more fruits and veggies. No banana's or cheese (these are binding). The only one I didn't agree with was apple juice. This can work both ways and my doctor had told us to keep her away from it. We also used mineral oil. Although....try getting a kid to take a teaspoon of that...ha! You have to mix it with something. The good news is...your child will grow out of it. In the mean time keep taking your child to the doctor. It's important that they monitor the issue so she's not damaging her insides. Write down everything she eats and drinks, how much and how often and share it with your doctor. Best of luck...I feel for you, I know it's hard to watch your little one in pain.

Answer 2

Several foods can easily cause this in a child. Some that are commonly eaten by little ones are bananas and cheese - especially mozzarella.

You should make sure the kid is drinking plenty of fluids and eating lots of fruits and veggies. Prune juice or prune baby food work really well and have lots of vitamins but not all babies like the taste. If your baby can eat grapes without risk of choking, they work pretty well too.

You really should consult your pediatrician before using things like stool softeners, etc. Although this problem is probably caused by diet, there could be other causes that really should be checked by the Dr.

Answer 3

I have dealt with the same thing with both of my boys right around that age. Went to a pediatric gastrointologist the first time and what a waste of money. The only thing they will tell you is that it's a very common problem and you need to change their diet. And yes she can become dependent on the stool softners. However if you cannot change her diet than keep her on the stool softners or she will have such a hard time going that she may begin to hold it for fear of the pain and then you have a whole new problem.

Good luck honey

Answer 4

I've hd the same problem my son is 17 months. I try to ward it off by giving him things in his diet like oatmeal (fiber) if it's bad I'll give him some prune juice. Too much cheese is bad for this. Fruits like raisins, prunes are good. I've heard the same thing bout stool softeners.

Answer 5

my daughter is two and has had the same problem. take your daughter to the doctor and tell them everything, don't hold back. they will probably prescribe some thing. my daughter is on miralax. it is very safe to be on and has no taste at all. she gets a half a cupful in her morning juice and has had no problems. people suggest fruit, water and prunes but this can be very hard for you if your child is a picky eater. the more pain she is in with her pooping, the worse it is going to get because she will begin to "hold" it and become more and more constipated. the miralax is pretty much the only thing that worked for us.

Answer 6

my daughter had the same problem.screaming with the pain. give her plenty of apple juice.pop corn helps but shes 2 young for that. she probably wouldnt like the taste of prune juice but give her also some rasins to eat.and 50ml off apple juice. should do the trick.if she drinks choco milk this can add to the problem of constipation so cut it out.and dilute her cows cows milk.

Answer 7

a teaspoon of extra-virgin real italian olive oil in the morning prior breakfast or prior eating anything. In 3/4 days she will do great. Also be sure she is drinking regularly a lots of fluids (milk, juice, water...) Also pure Aloe Vera gel (not from concentrate) will help her. You can find it in stores selling only natural food

Answer 8

attempt pear juice or peach juice. Or a tablespoonful of Karo syrup jumbled mutually formulation or milk. stay faraway from apples it's going to make it worse. in case you realize of anybody that sells Watkins produce that udder balm works wonders on diaper rash. once I used it on my young infants the rash replaced into normally long previous with tips from the tip of the day. otherwise lotramin cream. it is an anti fungal and used for athletes foot. Works relatively good on yeast rashes.

Answer 9

Does she get enough water and fruit? dehydration can cause constipation. Milk intolerance can, too.
Have you asked her doctor--I don't think stool softener is a good permanant solution.

Answer 10

Try more fiber. If she doesn't like foods with it, try the mix in kind. We have the same doc, and he told us to give him a bit of Milk of Magnesia. It works. I think this happens because toddlers can be picky eaters and not get a balanced diet.