Constipation is Common in Toddlers

Q:  I have a 17-month old granddaughter who suffers from constipation constantly. Her mother has taken her to the doctor and been given the recommendation to cut back on the amount of milk she receives. I feel that she needs milk to help her grow and that there may be something more serious going on. What can be done to help her?

A:  Constipation is a very common problem in young children and most often due to dietary issues. Constipation results when liquid is resorbed from the stool remaining in the intestine for too long. The stool then becomes hard, becoming more difficult and painful to expel leading to worsening constipation. Iron in infant formulas can also be a cause of constipation as can a diet deficient in fruits and vegetables.

Adequate fluid intake is key. In children in this age group, small amounts of prune juice can be helpful as well as appropriate doses of milk of magnesia. Occasionally, a glycerin suppository will help. Once regularity is achieved, maintenance is important.

A gastroenterologist at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin recommends the use of Karo syrup. The protocol used can be initiated with children as young as one month. It’s most effective when mixed with bottle feedings (breast milk in a bottle or formula) and done only twice per day beginning with one-half teaspoon waiting 2 to 3 days and, if no results, gradually increasing the amount. Call your child’s doctor before initiating this treatment.

For children on solids and over the age of 6 months, dietary treatment can be initiated with age-appropriate preparations of prunes, pears and plums. There are more aggressive measurements that can be initiated, but only with the guidance of an experienced physician.

The likelihood that a more serious problem is a cause is remote. I would suggest that you let your daughter work through this with her child and physician.

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