GASTROINTESTINAL
Constipation in Children
It can be very frustrating for parents when their kiddos are constipated. In younger children, it can really derail potty training. It is also quite distressing for children because they don't really have control over it but they sometimes feel like they are being punished for having accidents due to constipation.
We haven't written a whole section on Constipation in Children. Why? Because the experts at CHEO have already done this. Please see this amazing handout for more information.
We highly recommend a bench for your child to rest their feet on (Squatty Potty or other bench). Imagine how uncomfortable you would be if you were trying to poop with your feet dangling in the air!
The only thing missing from this handout is the I LOVE YOU (ILU) massage. We recommend a warm compress on your child's belly, about 30 minutes after eating a meal, followed by the ILU massage. This will help stimulate their little bellies and get the poop moving!
We recommend doing each letter 10 times before moving on to the next:
I x 10
L x 10
U x 10
This technique can be used on infants, toddlers and older children (and adults too!).