What could be causing my toddler's constipation?

Question

My 3 year old is suddenly having some major constipation issues. I am trying all sorts of things to figure out what is causing it. She has a healthy diet and I know she gets enough fiber and veggies to eat. I have been feeding her only whole grain foods and all sorts of fiber foods lately and she still was having some problems. I have just recently switched her to soy milk and it seems to be helping. What do you think could be causing this? `

Answer 1

Is she getting enough water for one, and maybe she is lactose, just a bit. Umm...too many grains and fiber food can cause stool to harden. Try some apple juice, prune juice, or cranberry juice. Also you can try pedialite, i hope that this helps, if it becomes to much of a problem then go to the doctor.

Answer 2

It is possible that she is allergic to something she is eating.  The best way to understand why being allergic makes you constipated is that your body holds on to the food to "fight" it, so it won't let you digest. Also, if she is eating healthy, is she getting plenty of liquids, water?

Answer 3

Constipation is not a sign of milk allergies however it is a sign of lactose intolerance.  Off hand I would say your child is lactose intolerant, that is different than having milk allergies, most children outgrow milk allergies, however they do not outgrow lactose intolerance.  I know, I've been lactose intolerant since infancy so have my kids.  

Answer 4

to many bananas? that was causing my daughter constipation... good luck  

Answer 5

hot weather and not enough fluids?

make sure she drinks 3/4 to a whole litre of water or juice throughout the day.  

Answer 6

Oh dear, this sounds like mine, last year!  She eats healthily (for her age - hardly any food hangups) but still gets constipated fairly frequently.  Another common factor besides dehydration/fiber is that they don't want to go to the toilet when the need arises.  Because either they're still frightened of it (but unready to admit it!) or just refusing to recognise the importance of obeying bodily urges.  I've no tips to deal with that - I've no experience of it not becoming a struggle, as child or parent!

Answer 7

Maybe she just doesn't want to make a bowel movement.  Do you think it's possible she's holding it in?  My daughter is going through this right now.  I can tell when she is holding it in because she'll start acting really funny and tightening up her body.  We went through this for about a month last year.  Now she's at it again. Oh brother!