How Does Constipation Affect a Toddler?
Physical and Emotional Effects of Constipation Constipation can affect a toddler in both emotional and physical ways. Physically, constipation causes pain in a toddler. Emotionally, it can cause fear. Once painful constipation takes hold, the toddler will probably be afraid to try to pass his stool. This leads to the toddler trying to keep it inside his bowels, causing the rectum muscles to become weak and the stool to become hard. When the hard stool finally does go through the rectum, it can cause bleeding and pain. This is scary to a baby, and the cycle begins all over again. Luckily, you can keep your toddler from developing constipation by knowing and avoiding the common causes of constipation. Causes and Prevention of Constipation Poor diet can cause constipation, especially a lack of low-fiber foods in the diet. Toddlers need lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in order to avoid becoming constipated. If your toddler eats too much dairy, try adding some apples with that c
