Constipation is a common problem in young children. It can be an intermittent issue or a constant struggle for some children. It may present in your child as stomach aches, gassiness and bloating, changes in frequency a decrease in a normal pattern, passing very hard or dry stools, and pain and crying with passing stool. If you would like some nutrition strategies for managing this problem, please come to this workshop. We will talk about the following:
- Types of constipation
- Functional vs Organic
- Normal stooling
- Constipation treatment goals
- Dietary treatment for infants 6-12 months, and children over 1 year
- Your child’s fluid needs
- Sources and types of fiber:
- Soluble and insoluble
- Whole grain cereal, breads, crackers, pasta, brown rice, and other high fiber grain options
- Fruits and vegetables
- Legumes and beans
- Snack foods
- Fiber goals and intake for your child
- Sample menu for the day with fiber amounts of individual foods
- Is your child’s dairy intake contributing to the problem?
- What amount is enough?
- What amount is too much?
- Should you try alternative dairy drinks?
- Other foods that may be constipating
- How to read the new food label
- Add on foods that may help:
- Poop goop recipe
- Ground flaxseed, chia seeds, hemp seeds, wheat germ etc.