3 Year Old Constipation

Updated on July 25, 2008
M.H. asks from Springfield, VA
6 answers

My son is 3 and is incredibly constipated right now. He has managed to get some small pieces out, but he needs some help! I am well aware of the diet needs and what he should be eating, but I can't get him to eat or drink much of anything right now because he is soooooo uncomfortable! I cut off milk and I am trying to get water down him, but he isn't complying very well. I kept him home today because he didn't sleep ALL night and I don't want him running around outside and getting dehydrated, because that won't help things! I wanted to use one of those tasteless fiber powders you can put in food and drink, but the label says to consult a doctor for children under six. What have you all used by way of fiber supplements or stool softners. I'm scared to give him something because I don't want him to cramp, but we are well past a diet fix right now I'm afraid. I'm not even sure why this is happening, nothing about his diet has changed. He usually goes 3 times/day! He is miserable and so am I, so please help! I have a message in to my doctor's office, but they aren't getting back to me! Another reason I am looking for a new pediatrician. I would really like to stay away from supositories now, I would like to try orally first. Thanks moms!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank you all. We started him on the Miralax yesterday and are still waiting. It says it can take 3 days, so we will see. For some reason, he isn't miserable anymore and sleeping fine again, so that is good. He ate a large dinner last night with black eye peas, that should help him. I just keep giving him as much juice and water as he will drink. When he regulates again, I am going to start adding benefiber to his morning drink to keep him going. I hope he works this out soon!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Sarasota on

Have you tried prunes , or prune juice? Try orange juice, or apple juice. Any juice made from natural fruits or vegetables should help. You must keep him hydrated or his condition is going to get worse. These are a few old remedies: 1. Phenemint gum is good. 2. Olive oil by the spoonful works well but taste is bland. 3. An OTC medicine "666" known as 3 6's is good for his condition but has a terrible taste so follow with a small cup of orange juice. 4. Cod liver oil is wonderful but taste horrible so follow with orange juice. OJ helps cut the after taste of a lot bad flavored medications. If all else fails, use the suppositories. Keep them in your house on stand by. You didn't describe his diet. You just stated nothing concerning it has changed so I can't advise you in that area. However, make sure his diet has plenty of fruit and fiber in it. Please keep him hydrated. Hope he gets better soon....

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Sarasota on

100% juice works well for my toddler. She doesn't normally drink juice (and it is very diluted when she does) so 2-4 ounces is usually plenty to get her to go. You can also offer him prune juice (mix it with apple juice if he doesn't like the taste.)

A warm bath, and exercise is also helpful in getting things moving.

Up his fiber intake (fruits, grains, veggies.) Apples or applesauce are the best source of fiber, and most kids will eat them like candy!

Cut back on excess milk, yogurt, cheese. Carrots, rice and bananas can also cause constipation.

Good luck! I hope he is able to go soon!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Sarasota on

Once in awhile when my 2yr old gets constipated I really push fruit or 100% juice. She likes the cherry flavor Juicy Juice. Also another fresh fruit that really seems to get things going is blueberries which are in season now. Also canned mandarin oranges,applesauce, and whole apples skin & all.Hope this helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Sarasota on

From my experience in this the only thing that has worked for my children is the suppositories. This can get much worse he can become totally impacted. Be careful with anything you give him orally(medications) If he is impacted he will get bad cramps and pain. Good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.L.

answers from Sarasota on

My 3 yr old daughter has trouble letting go of her poop. Her Pediatrician suggested we use Miramax. Miramax is a laxative & stool softner. I put a 1/2 teaspoon in her 8oz drink every morning. The pediatrician said my daughter can only be on it up to 6 months. I hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.D.

answers from Sarasota on

Miralax works great.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches