Tips for a constipated toddler?

Question

My son is 2 and a half and has had problems with hard stools since day one. He had been doing well for about 7 months and now he's back to straining. He goes about 3-5 times a DAY but it's always just a teeny bit, and it's really hard. He strains when he's doing it too, and says his butt hurts. We've tried prunes and prune juice, and have just started him on a mix-in fiber additive. He gets lots of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as plenty of water, so I have no clue what to do.
He has an appointment for next week, but I am going to see if I can get him in sooner. It's been a while since he's had a normal BM on his own. Otherwise he's always had either the tiny bit at a time or a huge, painful BM that was brought on with a glycerin suppository.

Answer 1

Sounds to me like visiting the doc is the right choice. I would ask them about food allergies or sensitivites.
till then keep up all the great things you are doing to help him.

Answer 2

Poor thing. Ok it is hard at the bottom not the top this is why it can't come out easily so giving laxatives will help but cause stomach cramps which as a toddler he can't communicate other than crying. The end bit needs to be softened in order for gravity to do its bit and everything else come down. Get some vasline ready and get him into a nice warm soapy bath. During play you are going to have to get a dollop or 2 onto your finger tip and pop it in! No easy way to do it but be very gentle. It will take time to work - maybe overnight. Cream or cream cakes are good as the oil in the cream helps soften from the inside. He may not feel like eating at all as the "space" is full. Fruit juices and keep water on the go all the time. Pickie eater or not this cannot continue and you need to ensure more fruit & veg are in his daily diet otherwise he cannot work out this is the result of bad pickie faddy diet !

Answer 3

Ah, I wish I could remember the name...it's one of those little Gerber juice drinks from the baby food section - apple prune, I think. My cousin told me about it when my son was constipated. It worked like a charm! I kept some on hand, just in case. Check the baby food aisle and see if there's one by that name, in a small plastic bottle - a single serving size for a toddler.

Answer 4

Okay we had this problem a few weeks ago with my 2 yo daughter. You are doing everything right. If you are giving peanut butter or bananas please cut back, even though those are good for you they both are a good way to stop up a person. I would check with dr about extra fiber cuz this can be a bad thing for there small stomach. Apples are a sure thing for my daughter to have a good loose and soft bm.

Answer 5

It sounds like you are doing everything you can by giving him extra fiber, keeping him hydrated, and eating healthy. Since it is painful for him, give him some canned pumpkin-filling (like what you make a pie with)- it has tons of fiber in it and usually creates a bowel movement fairly quickly. Still take him to the doctor though since this is a constant problem.

Answer 6

My daughter had the same problem, she went 5 days without a bowel movement. The doctor told me to give her orange juice with pulp every day. It doesn't work right away, but it helps to keep things loosened up.

Answer 7

There is an over the counter laxitve you can use..I had to use it for my grandchild when I seen him last..works in seconds and he comes out like a charm...if he is in pain now then I would suggest going to the drug store asap and getting it and atleast letting him use it before going to the dr.

Answer 8

Try Karo waffle and pancake syrup...two tablespoons. Works like a charm!

Answer 9

apple juice works wonders
lots of apple juice

Answer 10

lots of apple juice