Answer: Hi there,
firstly there are a few things to consider. Constipation is very common when little ones establish a diet which is predominantly solids. Tots kidneys can find it a little hard to process food bi-products and little bodies use more water, so they need a little more fluid to help with this. Often offering regular sips of water (it won’t fill them up as it hasn’t any calories) can really help. This is probably the most common cause of constipation.

Also keep in mind that just because a child doesn’t have a bowel motion everyday doesn’t mean they are constipated. Constipation is dry hard stools that are difficult to pass. They tend to occur because the body hasn’t enough fluid so it removes as much as it can from food/fluid that passes into the body, literally wringing it out. So what is left as it passes through the intestinal channel becomes dry and solid and hard to pass. Constipation can also occur when children put of going to the toilet (they are often far to busy to bother, or some put off going because of past unpleasant experiences). Some little ones go every day others may only go a couple of times a week, if this is normal for them and they show no discomfort then it is likely to be fine, changes in bowel habits should be checked out.

Other things to keep your eye on is if baby is on formula check the dilution, especially if you have made a move to a different formula (you may in this case also like to chat to someone about a less constipating formula). Ensure the scoop isn’t tightly packed it should just be a scoop from the tin and leveled off with a clean knife. Sometimes baby massage can be helpful and also if baby is on a formula ones with probiotics may help to keep poos softer.

In the case of fibre, it isn’t overly common for toddlers to be lacking in fibre, but the easiest option is to ensure adequate fruit and vegies over the day, and grains and cereals (so bread, rice, noodles, pasta etc). But again, I would check out the water situation first, your toddler should be drinking around 2 cups a day, may be more. Some people report excessive cheese and/or milk constipate, so check these also.

Plus a good yoghurt with probiotics (healthy bacteria) can help soften stools. If you would like to read up a little more about constipation I have a fact sheet on Huggies, the link is:
http://www.huggies.com.au/BeingAParent/FeedingYourBaby/KidsHealthIssues/Constipation.asp

If you find that this doesn’t help pop into see your CHN or GP for a quick check of things.

All the best
Leanne