There are many reasons why your little one might be constipated, which can make it incredibly tricky to figure out how to help your child. We sat down with pediatric naturopath, Lisa Moane, to answer all your burning questions, and today, we’re talking poop. Bear with us, this one's important.

What symptoms should you look out for?

Symptoms of constipation include irritability, a drop in appetite, poor sleep, withholding behavior, straining, rabbit pellet stools, tummy pains, bloating, nausea, reflux, and incontinence. We realize this is quite a list, so make sure you’re watching out for the red flags. If your little one is persistently vomiting, is experiencing weight loss or poor growth, or if there is blood in their poop, it's important to consult a doctor.

Firstly, there’s 2 types of constipation in children: organic constipation and functional constipation. Organic constipation is far less common and is usually caused by a structural or metabolic reason such as an allergy, neuropathic disorder, a reaction to certain medications or some type of malformation in the body that prevents your bub from passing stools. Functional constipation is far more common, so here are some key factors to consider:

Diet Issue

Depending on how old your little one is and what foods they are eating, there could be something they don’t agree with or are allergic to. They may also not be eating enough fiber, which helps soften the stool and move it through the digestive tract.

Lack of physical activity

Its important for little ones to have clear eating times and clear activity times. At the mimimum, we need some level of physical activity to allow our bodies to pass a stool.

Withholding 

Stool withholding behavior is fairly common in little ones, especially if they are potty training. Though it can be stressful and confusing to parents, your little one’s constipation may, in reality, be due to them simply not wanting to “go.”

Microbiome imbalances

Balances in the microbiome may also cause constipation. This can be more common in c-section babies, as the delivery method can play a role in altering the gut microbiome, as opposed to vaginal delivery (probiotics can help with this).

Inappropriate introduction of solids

Inappropriate introduction of solids can contribute to constipation - whether that be due to starting solids too early or with non-ideal food choices (such as rice cereal). Ideally, your little one should be starting solids at around 6 months. Any later than this, and it could potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies or allergies. You’ll want to introduce your little one to as many foods as possible during this 6 month stage. Fun fact: allergies are caused when your little one is exposed to a new food through their skin instead of their gut. When you introduce your little one to a range of new foods, this can help prevent allergies from arising. 

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