If you're potty-training: kids will sometimes hold BMs until they're ready to bust because they've had one that hurt, and they're scared it's always going to hurt. Try running him or her a warm bath with 3 oz of baking soda in the tub. Give them some tub toys and let them play for up to 30 minutes. The warm water and the baking soda will help them relax if they're consciously holding it, and just go. (If he or she goes in the tub, that's not the end of the world - there's always bleach!) I've had moms of stubborn 2 year olds come to me and tell me later that their child didn't even need the full half hour - after a few minutes, they got out and got on the potty themselves.
If that's not the case: the quick fix is to try taking your child's temperature rectally. This usually stimulates them to go. Or, go to the pharmacy and buy glycerine suppositories. (They can be huge, so if that's the case, break off a chunk and use it.) It'll stimulate them to go and smooth the way so it's not painful.
If this is a chronic problem, the dietary fix is more fiber - whole grain bread, crackers, more fruits and veggies. They can have juice - apple, pear, grape, prune, or cherry. (Just be careful not to give too much - you don't want to deal with diarrhea!) Orange or grapefruit juices aren't helpful at all. Also, decrease milk products, rice, bananas, and cooked carrots - these are all constipating.
If this doesn't help, you need to consult your pediatrician.
2007-03-02 12:59:35
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answer #1
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answered by zippythejessi 7
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Not sure if this has been suggested yet (didn't read all 33 answers!), but order whipped mineral oil from your pharmacist. It is called Kondremul (the spelling might not be right, but the phonetics are!). Prunes and juices only succeeded in making my sons gassy but didn't help the constipation problem. Whipped mineral oil is a little sweet and looks like marshmallow cream which is how I got my kids to take it. It works wonders!
2007-03-02 14:50:05
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answer #2
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answered by Jodi F 2
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My daughter has the same problem and has had it for a few years there is a laxative the doctor can prescribe called Myrolax it works wonders. She had to take it for about six months then her body was used to going so she was able to go without any help. I know how horrible it is to see them hurt and not be able to help. Like everyone said lots of water and juice and her doctor. Try to stay away from foods that constipate you bananas, yogurt, etc. Good Luck.
2007-03-02 01:21:49
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answer #3
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answered by mominla 3
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My daughter has had this problem for years, starting in infancy, she was also colic which didnt help. This is what I used then and continue to use now when she has a problem. I dont know if its available where you live but here it is kept behind the pharmacy counter.It is not a prescription . It is called Malt Supex. (I think that is how you spell it :) It came in a powder but I beleive it is also in liquid form. It is a natural laxative make with wheat, barley and other organics. It has corrective doses and maintenence doses. It is safe for new borns right thru old age. It is also non addicting and non dependant. It was alittle expensive but it was well worth it. Approx $20 Not only did it help her bowels, it got rid of the colic for us. And evened out her system. She is 13 now and I will still give it to her and my 6 year old. I just mix it in their food.
2007-03-02 01:18:24
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answer #4
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answered by tcg7213 3
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It depends on how long he's been constipated. If it's only been for a day or two, you might try some prune juice or pumpkin. Any longer than that, though, make a trip to the doctor's. I'd be worried about obstruction. Is he prone to putting toys in his mouth?
2007-03-02 01:05:47
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answer #5
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answered by apissedoffpixie 2
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If you have tried the standard prune/apple juice and it didn't work, go to the drugstore and get a stool softener NOT a laxative. The most common is gylcerin suppositories (start with a half dose, they are powerful). There are also liquid forms.
Stool softeners unlike laxatives can not cause dehydration and they are not habit forming. They generally do not cause diarrhea either.
2007-03-02 00:58:47
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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This will sound icky but it works, try suppositories. Ask the pharmacist, he will know what you are asking for. My little sister had the problem at about that age and it worked really well. The prune juice is great but I'm not sure if you'll be able to get him to drink it or eat prunes.
2007-03-02 04:29:13
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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aside from the obvious with the prunes, a heating pad on the back will relax the muscles, or the real icky thing would be mix up some epsome salts, (the kind you soak in) with water and have the kid drink some. its suppose to loosen up other wise the child would have to have an enema (which can be terrifiying to the kid) good luck. oh my mom used to make me drink a teaspoon of dish soap, for some reason it works but i would not do that to a child its gross
2007-03-02 01:05:20
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answer #8
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answered by mole 4
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Hi I'm serious have you tried the old fashioned fruit juices and fruit? How about digital dis impaction? increase fluids? If all else fails go to the doctor and he may prescribe a laxative or enema or admit to the hospital for intensive treatment, Good luck
2007-03-02 01:04:32
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answer #9
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answered by nylatinanurse 5
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My mother in law swears to this remedy. It works. Warm a cup of orange juice to a comfortable temp and have the child drink while still warm. Within an hour or 2 tops a bm should occur.
2007-03-02 03:56:58
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answer #10
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answered by mamaladybok 3
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