Constipation?
So, your are putting the food in at one end but it is not coming out at the other end, right?

Causes not treatments
In some ways constipation in toddlers can be treated the same as it can in adults, however, there are a few major differences too. In this article we will be looking at causes rather than treatments. Identifying the underlying causes of the condition will have a more beneficial effect rather than merely treating the symptom of constipation.

Short-term constipation
Because of their young age, toddlers are not going to have chronic constipation like adults often have, so any problem is not likely to be long-term in nature. This is particularly true since we are monitoring their every movement (literally!) and we will know as soon as a problem arises. Any poor-health condition is easier to resolve if we have caught it in its early stages and curing constipation in toddlers is likely to be an easier task due to this reason. Due to their smaller size and faster metabolism, toddlers react more quickly and and are more sensitive to remedies or treatment we may give them.

Constipation as a symptom
It is important to remember that constipation in toddlers is going to be as a result of something else, some other condition which is causing the constipation. The first thing to do is to get your child checked out by the doctor, and then if you do not want to use orthodox drugs to treat the constipation, you can begin to consider what else might be causing the problem.

Any medications?
Medical physical causes having been ruled out by a trip to the doctor, you can start to think of other reasons why your child may not be able to go to the toilet as usual. You should probably first consider any medication that you are giving them and remember to ask the doctor whether this may have constipation as a side effect.

Changes in living conditions
Changes in environment and living conditions have been known to cause constipation in toddlers and adults alike, and if one of these emotional reasons is the cause for the constipation, you will need to work out a solution based on the individual personality of your child.

Food changes
Consider too, any changes in food that have been recently undertaken. Sometimes, it takes the body a little while to adapt to a change in habit or usual routine, and after a little while things start to move normally again.

Allergies and sensitivities
Like adults, toddlers can become constipated due to an allergy of some kind. This could be a sensitivity to anything to which they have come into contact, and you may need to do some testing to find out what is causing the sensitivity. If your toddler’s constipation has been a recurring theme in their life, then you can keep a food diary for them and this may show you what may be the likely culprit. Sensitivities sometimes show themselves in other ways too which might help to pin down the substance. Often an emotional response is present as well as the physical one and so you may need to be extra vigilant for these kind of out-of-character indications to a substance sensitivity.

Time is of the essence
Finally, make sure you give your child enough time. Constipation in toddlers can be caused by them being rushed due to our own busy life schedule, as well as their own busy play schedule. Try to have some relaxed time after meals when your child will be able to use the potty/toilet without pressure to do other things, and when you are not rushing to go out. Many children suffer from constipation due to choice – they rather spend time doing something else and do not make the time for their toilet.