Toddler Poop Problems: Navigating The Post-Laxative Minefield

How to Get a Toddler to Poop After Laxative

It is common for toddlers to experience constipation, especially during potty training. While it is usually not a sign of any serious disease, it can be a source of discomfort and frustration for both the child and the parent. If your toddler is having trouble pooping even after taking a laxative, there are several things you can try to help them. First, it is important to stay calm and patient. Getting stressed about your child not pooping will only make them more stressed, and stress doesn't equal happy, healthy poops! Next, make sure they are drinking enough water and eating plenty of fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can also try offering diluted juice, such as prune juice, once or twice a day, but aim for no more than 4 to 6 ounces per day of pure juice. Positive reinforcement can also be helpful. Make bathroom breaks a relaxed activity and offer rewards or praise whether or not they are successful in pooping.

Encourage drinking fluids and eating fibre-rich foods

After a laxative, it is important to ensure your toddler's digestive system gets back on track. Drinking fluids and eating fibre-rich foods can help with this.

Firstly, it is important to ensure your toddler is well-hydrated. Water is the best option, but you can also give them water with a splash of fruit juice. It is best to avoid milk, as this can be constipating for some children. Toddlers need about 2 to 4 cups of water per day, in addition to their milk intake. You can also offer them up to 4 ounces of prune juice per day, which has the double benefit of hydrating and stimulating the bowels. If you are giving your child juice, opt for 100% fruit juice, rather than juice blends with added sugar.

Fibre is also key to keeping your child's digestive system healthy. Fibre-rich foods include fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. You can also give your child probiotic-rich foods such as yoghurt and sauerkraut. Try to avoid foods that are high in refined grains and sugars, like white bread, pasta, cookies, and pastries.

• Apples: a small apple contains 3.6 grams of fibre. You can also add peanut butter for an extra 1.6 grams.
• Popcorn: three cups of popped popcorn contain 2 grams of fibre.
• Carrots: half a cup of mini carrots with cinnamon contain 2.9 grams of fibre.
• Bananas: a medium banana contains 3.1 grams of fibre.
• Whole-grain bread: two slices of whole-wheat or whole-grain bread contain on average 4 grams of fibre.
• Berries: raspberries contain 4 grams of fibre per 1/2 cup. Blueberries and strawberries are also good options, with 1.8 grams and 1.5 grams per 1/2 cup respectively.
• Whole-grain pasta: whole-grain pasta contains 2 grams of fibre per 1/2 cup.
• Pears: a medium-sized pear with the skin contains 5.5 grams of fibre.
• Sweet potatoes: a medium sweet potato contains 3.8 grams of fibre.
• Oatmeal: a cup of cooked oatmeal contains about 4 grams of fibre. You can make it more appealing to your child by adding cinnamon, maple syrup, and raisins.
• High-fibre cereal: a cup of shredded wheat contains 6 grams of fibre, while a cup of Cheerios contains about 3 grams.
• Peas: a cup of green peas contains 8 grams of fibre.
• Black beans and chickpeas: half a cup of either contains 8 grams of fibre.
• Avocado: half a cup of avocado contains about 6 grams of fibre.
• Almonds: a 1-ounce serving of almonds contains 3 1/2 grams of fibre.
• Mango: a cup of mango contains nearly 3 grams of fibre.
• Quick-cooking whole grains: a cup of cooked whole-wheat pasta or quinoa contains about 5 grams of fibre. A cup of cooked brown rice contains 2 grams of fibre.

Exercise and physical activity

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, which can be broken down to 30 minutes a day, five times a week. While these guidelines are for adults, they can be used as a rough guide for toddlers, too.

Any form of physical activity can help to get things moving, but cardio exercises are particularly beneficial. Running, dancing, tossing a ball, and playing on a playground are all great ways to get your toddler's heart pumping and their bowels moving. Swimming is another excellent option, as it combines physical activity with hydration—another important factor in preventing constipation.

If your toddler is already constipated, a 30-minute brisk walk can help to get things moving. Even a gentle walk of 10 to 15 minutes can be beneficial, especially if done several times a day.

Yoga is another great way to stimulate your toddler's bowels and relieve constipation. Certain yoga poses massage the digestive tract and help move stool through the intestines, particularly those involving sustained twisting of the torso or crunching of the stomach muscles.

• Lie flat on your backs with your legs extended in front of you. Slowly raise your right knee up to your chest and hold it in place with your arms for 20 breaths. Release and repeat on the other side. Then, repeat with both legs at the same time.
• Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bring your left knee up so that your foot is flat on the ground, then twist your core by placing your right elbow on the outside of your left knee and looking over your left shoulder. Hold for five breaths, then repeat on the other side.
• Lie on your back and bring both knees up to your chest. Stretch your left leg out straight, then move your right knee across your body to the left and look toward your right. Hold for 20 breaths, then repeat on the other side.

Remember, it's important to stay patient and relaxed when dealing with toddler constipation. Combining physical activity with other strategies, such as a high-fibre diet and positive reinforcement, can help your toddler overcome constipation and have a positive potty experience.

Positive reinforcement and modelling

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement can help encourage your toddler to feel motivated and proud of their accomplishments. Here are some ways to implement it:

• Celebrate and reward your child for their successful potty use. Cheer together as they flush the toilet, use a sticker chart to track their progress, and encourage them to share their accomplishments with other family members.
• Offer bribes or treats, such as a trip to the park or a special treat from the store, after a certain number of successful potty uses.
• Provide rewards or praise for each step of the process, such as letting you know they need to go, pulling down their pants, or sitting on the potty.
• Give verbal praise to let your toddler know you are pleased with their efforts. For example, say something like, "Good job letting Mama know you have to go potty!" or "Aren't you proud of yourself for sitting on the potty?"

Modelling

Modelling can help normalise the behaviour of using the potty and eliminate some of your toddler's fears. Here are some ways to implement it:

• Let your child watch you use the bathroom and explain what you are doing, such as "Mommy's going poop in the potty."
• If you feel comfortable, let your child see the poop and watch you flush it away.
• Read books about potty training together, such as "Everyone Poops", "Where's the Poop?", or "We Poop on the Potty!".
• Practice test runs with toilet paper only, being clear about what is flushable to avoid any accidents with toys or other objects.

Relax and be patient

It's understandable to be concerned about your toddler's bowel movements, but it's important to remember that constipation is a common issue in toddlers, especially during potty training. The good news is that with the right interventions, you can help your toddler get back to regular bowel movements. Here are some tips to help you stay relaxed and patient during this process:

Understand the Causes of Constipation

Recognising the causes of constipation in toddlers can help you address the issue more effectively. Common causes include dietary factors, such as not consuming enough high-fibre foods or fluids. Potty training itself can also be a contributing factor, as toddlers may feel pressured or interrupted during the process. Emotional factors, such as worry or anxiety about new life changes, can also play a role. Understanding these causes can help you address them directly and reduce the likelihood of constipation.

Encourage Healthy Habits

Promoting healthy bowel habits in your toddler can help prevent constipation. Encourage your child to consume plenty of fluids, especially water. Offer high-fibre foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as these help keep the bowel happy by moving food through the digestive tract at a steady pace. You can also introduce probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and sauerkraut. Additionally, regular physical activity can aid in digestion and prevent constipation, so ensure your child gets enough opportunities to exercise and play actively.

Establish a Routine

Creating a consistent routine can be beneficial for your toddler's bowel movements. Provide them with regular opportunities to sit on the potty or toilet, especially after meals or before bed. Even if they don't need to go, this routine can help establish a healthy habit. Remember to praise your child for their efforts, regardless of the outcome. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to continue trying.

Stay Calm and Reassure Your Toddler

Constipation can be a stressful experience for both you and your child. However, it's important to remain calm and reassuring. Your toddler may sense your tension, which could inadvertently contribute to their stress around bathroom-related activities. Instead, create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Gently massage their tummy in a clockwise rotation to help stimulate bowel movements and provide a calming bonding experience for both of you.

Seek Professional Advice

If you're concerned about your toddler's constipation, don't hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare professional, such as your child's paediatrician or GP. They can provide tailored guidance and recommend appropriate treatments, such as laxatives or stool softeners, if necessary. Remember, it may take several months for treatments to work, so patience is key. Additionally, a healthcare provider can offer advice on preventing constipation from recurring, such as recommending your child continues taking laxatives temporarily to ensure regular bowel movements.

Seek medical advice

It is important to seek medical advice if your toddler is experiencing constipation. While mild constipation is common, severe constipation can be a medical emergency. If your toddler's constipation lasts longer than two weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, pain during bowel movements, rectal prolapse, or blood in the stool, it is time to consult a doctor.

Your child's doctor will likely ask about your child's medical history, including past illnesses, diet, and physical activity patterns. They may also perform a physical examination, which could include placing a gloved finger into your child's anus to check for abnormalities or impacted stool. In some cases, more extensive testing may be necessary, such as an abdominal X-ray, anorectal manometry, or a barium enema X-ray.

It is important to never give your child a laxative or enema without a doctor's recommendation and instructions on the proper dosage. Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives, probiotic supplements, or magnesium/milk of magnesia may be recommended by your doctor to help soften your child's stool. However, these should only be used under medical supervision.

If your child is experiencing severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms in addition to constipation, seek emergency medical attention. This could indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as intestinal bleeding, appendicitis, a strangulated hernia, bowel obstruction, or fecal impaction.

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