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Encyclopedia / Parenting / Toddlers (1-2) / Baby & Toddler Constipation

How can you potty train a toddler who is frequently constipated?

My son turned 3 in February and will tinkle on the potty when we ask him to, does not volunteer to go on his own yet. The problem is that he has constipation problems, which is holding up the whole process because he refuses to go #2 on the potty and will only do it standing and I know sometimes it is painful for him. Dr said to use Miralax, i am trying to improve his diet and have him drink more water, as well, but he is a stubborn toddler when it comes to fruits and veggies! Any advice?

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2coolmama

Asked by 2coolmama at 2:40 PM on Jun. 20, 2008 in Toddlers (1-2)

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Answers (4)
  • When my kids are constipated my m.i.l puts a little ivory in the butts (yuck) it works though. If I can get them to the drs. fast enough he says do the B.R.A.T diet (B-bread R-rice A-apples T-tea)that also helps. Hope I helped.
    3krazekydz

    Answer by 3krazekydz at 2:49 PM on Jun. 20, 2008

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  • I have a little guy that doesn't eat veggies either...I give him V-8 fusion juice ...1 glass has one serving of vegetables.
    MommasCooCoo

    Answer by MommasCooCoo at 3:37 PM on Jun. 20, 2008

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  • Will he eat applesauce? That old "apple a day" adage is meant to indicate bowel regularity, you know. (True!) Also, an abundance of calcium in the diet can contribute to constipation as well, so you might want to regulate that.
    Beyond diet, I would simply encourage him to sit on the potty when he feels like he has to go. If you are patient with him (and encourage him to be patient with himself) he willeventually learn that it is actually MORE comfortable to poop sitting down (even when constipated). Let him take his time, and it should all work out. (No pun intended.)
    Good Luck!

    ~C.C.
    DivaMomCC

    Answer by DivaMomCC at 4:43 PM on Jun. 20, 2008

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  • If he is constipated on a normal basis, I would have him checked out by a GI specialist, to make sure there is no underlying cause. Here's a great website to help with constipation and other poop issues:
    http://enzymestuff.com/rtencopresis.htm
    faeriemamma

    Answer by faeriemamma at 4:44 PM on Jun. 20, 2008

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Encyclopedia / Parenting / Toddlers (1-2) / Baby & Toddler Constipation

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