5 Top Reasons Why Your Baby Is Constipated
Waking up to the cry of a constipated baby is one of a mom's worst nightmares. It's worse when constipation persists for several days—panic sets in, which could result in trying local remedies or dashing out to the nearest hospital.
A child should have about two bowel movements per day by age two. As a mom, it's important to note that baby poop has different colors and consistency. If it comes out hard, it means your baby is constipated. Do you need to know why your toddler constipates? Then, this article is for you!
Having less Fiber in Baby's Food
Your toddler's food should have fiber and be given water occasionally. A lack of these two can lead to constipation. Two-year-olds may stay several days without pooping. If constipation becomes frequent, it can affect their mental state whenever they want to poop. Signs that your young one is constipated include hard poop, crying when trying to pass stool, and grunting.
Here are fiberless foods you should avoid giving your toddler:
Processed foods
Junk food
Chips
Meat
Instead, give the following fiber foods to ease constipation:
Legumes- black beans
Nuts- peanuts
Vegetables like carrots
Whole grains- oatmeal
Fruits like oranges
Reaction to Allergic Foods
Toddlers can develop allergies to certain foods from an early age. And this can be frustrating to any mom. Check whether there's a new food you have introduced lately. It could be the cause of constipation. Eliminate the food from the baby's diet, then monitor for a week.
Change in Environment
A baby who frequently poops at home may change pooping habits when taken to a different environment. For example, the two-year-old may find the new bathroom strange and hold in the poop while on vacation. The result is constipation. Ask for a baby toilet seat or carry a potty to make life easier for your toddler.
Anticipation of Pain
Toddlers with constipation who avoid using the bathroom do so because they fear undergoing the painful process again. Stool starts accumulating in the lower section of the bowel, size increases, and toughens, complicating the passing of stool. Lack of bathroom use can lead to an unhealthy cycle.
Hereditary Factors
Your child can develop constipation if your family has a history of constipation. The main reason could be environmental, like shared habits and the same diet or hereditary factors. Children with severe constipation often have family members experiencing the same.
Final Thoughts
As a mom, you know your baby and understand the various cries. And when constipated, you could be tempted to use softeners that can relieve your baby quickly. But use them under a doctor's directive. If you can't end the constipation cycle, seek medical help.
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