How to Relieve Your Infant or Toddler of Constipation

Constipation is an unfortunately common occurrence for many babies and toddlers. Passing hard, dry bowel movements or being unable to pass them at all are often caused by dietary problems rather than major medical conditions, but they can be painful for a young child. You can often treat constipation at home, but call your pediatrician if it doesn't clear up after a few days or if your child has other symptoms such as vomiting.

Increase Her Liquids

• If your child isn't drinking enough liquid, her bowel movements will become too hard to pass. Encouraging her to drink more can soften the matter and get it moving. Give your baby a bottle containing 2 to 4 ounces of water at each feeding, in addition to her normal formula or breast milk. If your baby is eating solid foods, feeding her pureed baby food as well will get some additional liquid into her diet. Give a toddler a cup or bottle of water during each meal, and remind her to drink from it. Give her apple or prune juice if the water doesn't seem to make a difference.

Feed Her More Fiber

• A diet low in fiber is a common cause of constipation. For an infant who is still feeding exclusively on formula or breast milk, talk to your pediatrician before introducing any new foods. Feed older babies barley, wheat or bran cereal instead of rice cereal. Serve older babies and toddlers high-fiber foods such as mashed peaches, pureed greens or whole wheat pasta. Cut back on feeding your child low-fiber foods such as cheese and bananas, which have a binding effect. Try sprinkling flax seed into your baby's applesauce or cereal for an extra boost of fiber.

Ease Her Anxiety

• A baby's constipation shouldn't be caused by anxiety, but it may be the root of a toddler's pooping issues. As a toddler starts to become aware of the potty, she may become frightened about the prospect of using the toilet and pushing out some part of her. If you've started potty-training, back off for a few weeks or months. Even if you haven't started training, explain to her how pooping works and why it's important to push bowel movements out. A toddler who is already constipated may also be afraid to poop because it hurts. In this case, give her plenty of liquids and high-fiber foods, and help her relax by distracting her with books and games after meals.

Try Medications

• Suppositories and laxatives should be the last resort for treating constipation at home, and you must call your doctor before administering any medication to your child. He might recommend an over-the-counter oral laxative or stool softener for a child. Check that the type you buy is intended for use in children. Though they should only be used occasionally, glycerin suppositories are another option. A suppository is particularly useful if inserted into your child's rectum right when she starts to show signs that she needs to go.