#asktheexpert
Hello doctor,
My 2 years old baby generally passes hard stool. I give her lot of fruits and finer but she is a very picky eater.
Please suggest..

Question

#asktheexpert 
Hello doctor,
My 2 years old baby generally passes hard stool. I give her lot of fruits and finer but she is a very picky eater.
Please suggest..

Accepted Answer

It sounds like your two-year-old daughter is experiencing difficulty with passing hard stools, despite your efforts to give her fruits and fiber. This can be frustrating, especially with picky eating habits. Here are some tailored suggestions to help ease her constipation:

1. Offer More Hydration

Increase fluid intake: Ensure she drinks plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration is essential for softening stools.

You can also offer fluids in the form of coconut water, soups, and natural fruit juices (like pear or prune juice, which can help with constipation).

2. Incorporate High-Fiber Foods in Creative Ways

Since she's a picky eater, try sneaking fiber into foods she enjoys:

Pureed vegetables: Add pureed carrots, sweet potatoes, or spinach into pasta sauces, soups, or pancakes.

Fiber-rich fruits: Continue offering high-fiber fruits like pears, apples (with skin), prunes, and berries.

Whole grains: Serve whole-grain bread, oats, and brown rice in forms she enjoys.

Chia seeds or flaxseeds: Mix these into yogurt, smoothies, or baked goods.

3. Small, Frequent Meals

Try giving smaller meals more frequently. Sometimes large meals can overwhelm her digestive system.

Mix in foods she enjoys with new items, so she's more likely to eat them.

4. Probiotics for Gut Health

Probiotics like yogurt or probiotic supplements (after consulting your pediatrician) can help regulate digestion and promote softer stools.

5. Avoid Constipating Foods

Limit foods that may cause constipation, such as bananas, dairy products (like cheese or too much milk), and processed snacks like chips and crackers.

6. Encourage Physical Activity

Ensure she has enough physical activity, as it helps stimulate digestion and bowel movements. Fun activities like running, playing in the park, or dancing can help.

7. Establish a Bathroom Routine

Encourage her to sit on the potty at regular times, like after meals, even if she doesn’t feel the urge. This can help her body establish a regular bowel movement routine.

8. Introduce Fiber Slowly

If she’s new to a high-fiber diet, introduce it slowly to avoid bloating and discomfort. Start with small amounts of fiber and gradually increase it.

9. Consult the Pediatrician

If constipation persists, speak with her pediatrician. They might recommend a mild stool softener or suggest further evaluations to rule out any underlying issues.

By incorporating these changes gradually and making mealtime fun, you might find it easier to help her overcome constipation while navigating her picky eating habits.

#asktheexpert Hello doctor, My 2 years old baby generally passes hard stool. I give her lot of fruits and finer but she is a very picky eater. Please suggest..