POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 6 m old boy9 months agoA. If your 3-year-old is experiencing constipation, it’s important to start with gentle, natural remedies and consult your pediatrician before giving any medication. Here are some suggestions for relieving constipation in young children:
1. Increase Fluid Intake:
Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration helps soften the stool and makes bowel movements easier.
2. Increase Fiber in Diet:
Add more fiber-rich foods like fruits (e.g., apples, pears, prunes), vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, spinach), whole grains, and beans to your child's diet. Fiber helps move the stool through the intestines.
3. Encourage Physical Activity:
Physical activity can help stimulate bowel movements. Encourage your child to play, walk, or even dance.
4. Prune or Apple Juice:
Offering prune juice or apple juice in small amounts (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) can help relieve constipation due to its natural laxative properties.
5. Warm Bath:
A warm bath can help relax your child’s abdominal muscles and relieve discomfort associated with constipation.
6. Over-the-Counter Medications (Under Pediatrician's Advice):
If natural remedies don’t help, your pediatrician may recommend a mild laxative or stool softener, such as:
Lactulose (a mild stool softener)
Polyethylene Glycol (Miralax), if advised by the doctor.
Glycerin suppositories for immediate relief, but only under a doctor’s guidance.
7. Probiotics:
Probiotic-rich foods or supplements (like yogurt or specially formulated probiotic drops) can help balance gut bacteria and improve digestion, which may ease constipation.
When to Consult a Doctor:
If constipation persists for more than a few days, causes your child pain, or is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, blood in the stool, or weight loss, it is important to seek medical advice.
Please consult with your child's pediatrician before giving any medicine or making significant dietary changes.
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