How to Get Your Child to Have a BM
When your child doesn't have a bowel movement for several days, you may worry that he is constipated. According to MayoClinic.com, signs of constipation include abdominal pain, poor appetite, nausea and difficulty passing stool. Children tend to develop constipation due to a poor diet, lack of activity or even a fear of the toilet. You can encourage your child to have a bowel movement by feeding him healthy, fiber-rich foods and helping him develop healthy restroom habits.
Things You'll Need
- High-fiber foods
- Yogurt
- Books
- Small rewards
Instructions
Provide your child with a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. According to MayoClinic.com, kids need 0.5 grams of fiber for every 2.2 pounds of body weight. Aim to serve foods that contain 4 grams of fiber or more per serving, and avoid allowing your child to snack on junk food like chips and candy. Feed your child yogurt that contains probiotics. Give your child as much water as he wants, but restrict fruit juice to about 4 ounces per day. Children should drink 16 ounces or less of whole milk per day, according to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Encourage your child to exercise outside more and watch TV less, because exercising helps food move through the intestines. Provide a small reward for your child when he attempts to have a bowel movement. For example, you might give your child a sticker or read him an extra story at bedtime as a reward. Tell your child to go to the bathroom when he feels the urge to have a bowel movement, because when he is busy playing, he might put off going to the restroom. Give him something to do, like a book to read or read one yourself. Listening to music or playing a game may relax your child, and allow him to have a bowel movement. Have him sit on the toilet for up to 10 minutes within 30 minutes after eating. This will help him establish a routine and get him used to having a bowel movement after eating.
