Constipation in children aged 2-3 years: our advice and remedies

Is your child constipated? Here are our tips (from grandmothers) to prevent constipation and fight it effectively. We tell you more.

It’s not always easy to see your child suffering from constipation. If already, for an adult, this disorder which results in difficulty in pass stoolscan be difficult to manage, so for a child aged 2-3 years, it is not a cakewalk.

First of all, there is no need to worry if your child has difficulty passing stools, constipation is one of the digestive disorders most common in children. Moreover, constipation is often due to diet, drug treatment or even an event (stress, anxiety, change of environment, etc.). To prevent constipation or treat it effectively, there are some tips to apply on a daily basis. And you will see that these troubles will no longer be a source of concern for you. Note that constipation in a 2-3 year old child usually only lasts a few days. Nevertheless, it is recommended to consult a doctor if the constipation is too severe, painful or lasts too long.


Constipation in children aged 2-3 years: how to react and what are the right steps to follow?

If you notice constipation in your child, it is first important to define the cause. If this is due to a food ingested recently or to taking medication, it is advisable not to consume it or to stop treatment. Secondly, determine the number of saddles. As a reminder, a child of 2 to 3 years has a bowel movement about 3 times a week and the consistency should be normal (neither too hard nor too soft). Finally, it is recommended to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment and advice.

  • When do we talk about abnormal stools?


We are talking about abnormal stool when it is difficult to evacuate, it causes stomach pain or other digestive disorders, or if the stools are small, dry or too bulky. Finally, if your child has very few bowel movements during the week, it is advisable to consult a specialist such as a general practitioner or a pediatrician.


What are the causes of constipation in a child aged 2-3 years?

As we mentioned, constipation in a child aged between 2 and 3 years is in most cases due to food. In general, it is advisable to consume morehigh fiber foods which facilitate transit and allow you to have a bowel movement easily. In this situation, there are only a few eating habits to change to return to a normal situation. However, constipation can also come from taking medical treatment or from a very strong emotion, such as stress or anxiety. This is why it is important, at the first signs of constipation, to define the cause of this disorder.


What drug treatment for a child of 2-3 years constipated?

To effectively fight against constipation, it is advisable to consult a doctor or pediatrician. This one will surely prescribe a drug, of laxative type, adapted to the age of your child. In general, these are so-called laxatives osmotic which are prescribed for children. They help soften the stool and moisturize. There are also lubricating laxatives to facilitate the evacuation of stools or even a rectal laxative such as suppositories. Be careful however, do not abuse it and respect the number of days recommended by the professional.


What grandmother’s natural remedies for a constipated 2-3 year old child?

Of course, there are natural methods to limit and treat constipation. First, it is advisable to:

  • Consume fiber-rich foods to facilitate transit. We are talking in particular about cereals type: wheat, barley, oats, spelled… but also vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, squash or even fruits such as orange, pear, apple or dried fruit: prunes, dates or figs.
  • You can make fresh fruit juice to give to your child.
  • At the same time, it is recommended to to drink a lot of water (preferably a water rich in magnesium which softens the stools).
  • Practice a physical activity to stimulate his body and digestive system.
  • You can also perform an active massage to relieve pain and facilitate transit. How to do this massage? Simply lay your child on their back and perform a circular massage on their stomach.
  • Constipation can also be brought on by stress. It is therefore advisable teach your child to take the time to go to the toilet and to offer him entertainment during this time, thanks to a toy or a book.
  • Finally, it is important to educate the intestine. For this you can set a schedule to follow every day to have a bowel movement, in the morning when waking up or after a meal or in the evening before going to bed. The body will get used to it.


How to prevent constipation in children?

In order to limit the risk of constipation in your child, it is important to adopt certain actions. For example, bet on a diet rich in fiber, limit fatty and sugary products and teach your child to hydrate regularly. There are also certain foods to avoid. We are talking in particular about starchy foods such as rice or potatoes, white bread but also bananas or even chocolate. Of course, it is advisable to consume these foods, but within reason and finding the right balance.


Constipation in children aged 2-3 years: when should you worry?

Although constipation is not serious, it is important to monitor it closely to avoid any complications. The signs to look out for are:

  • your child complains of stomach pain
  • vomiting
  • tense belly
  • loss of appetite

If your child has these symptoms, see a specialist urgently. Prevention is better than cure. Is not it ?

A journalist passionate about the lifestyle universe, Ava deciphers all the trends. She is committed to addressing all the subjects that mark our daily lives. Fan of travel, she works as a freelancer…

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