Treating constipation in kids

One of the things that Pediatric nurses love to talk about is poop. Get a pediatric nurse talking about poop and will go on, and on and on. So, why talk about this one the blog? Because nobody besides nurses and docs like to talk about poop. Kids get embarrassed when you ask them about it. Parents don’t really think to ask about it. But, it is super important. Mama Nurse will tell you some tips for treating constipation in kids at home.

Here are some super important tips for treating constipation in kids at home

Newborns: Did you know it is normal for an exclusively breast fed infant to go up to 7 days without pooping? Yes, S-E-V-E-N days. If they are formula fed, they should be going at least every 2 to 3 days, if not more. If your baby is breastfed and has not pooped in 7 days, or hasn’t pooped in 3 days if they are formula fed, you should talk to your baby’s Pediatrician.

Infants and children: When infants start solid foods, you can expect the size and frequency of their poop to change. Every child is different and may poop after every meal, and some may only poop once a day. There is no “normal” and it will really depend on your child. However, what is not normal is if your child has little pellet or ball poops that look like rabbit pellets. If your child is only passing rabbit pellets, they are constipated.

Why does constipation matter?

Why does it matter? Although, it doesn’t seem like a terrible thing, constipation can cause many issues including nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, bloating and pain with bowel movements. Chronic constipation can cause the colon to become stretched,. This can lead to life-long bowel issues and constipation in adolescence and even adulthood. It is very important to treat when they are young and keep bowel movements regular and soft. The first step is to increase your child’s water intake and fiber in their diet. Some children may need to be started on medication if you have tried these things without any benefit.

And some more tips:

For babies age 1 month and older who are constipated, try adding a small amount of water or fruit juice to the diet. Water is usually best to try first, but apple or pear juice contains a sweetener called sorbitol that helps relieve constipation. You can try prune juice for that same reason if your baby is older than 3 months. Your healthcare professional can guide you on how much fruit juice to give. But limiting juice to less than 4 ounces (120 milliliters) may be suggested.

Miralax is a medication of choice for parents and Pediatricians. Miralax draws water into the colon and is generally tolerated by most infants and children. Talk to your Pediatrician for guidance on how much and how often. If your child is taking miralax and is still not having regular bowel movements, talk to your pediatrician to see what other medications to use, and if they need a work-up for things that could potentially be more serious. Also, don’t use enemas on your children unless directed by a doctor. Pediatric Glycerin suppositories can be used safely at home, but not more than once per day.

Also, when wiping your child, make sure you are teaching your girls to wipe from front to back, and for children with scrapes (called fissures) from straining with pooping and hard poops, they might be tender when you wipe them. You can use these soft flushable wipes to gently dab and help them be fresh and clean. WaterWipes Original Baby Wipes, 99.9% Water, Unscented & Hypoallergenic for Sensitive Newborn Skin

Don’t be afraid to talk all things poop with your Pediatrician and friends. Everyone does it!

Happy Pooping!