Results tagged “constipation” from Momtourage: Need Advice?

My 14-month-old is always constipated. I don't like giving him laxatives. What can I do?

THE QUESTION :

My son is almost 14-months old. I switched him to Vitamin D milk when he turned 1, and for the first few weeks, I mixed the milk with his formula. Now that he's on milk alone, he doesn't seem to have regular bowel movements. He's always constipated, and I have to give him a laxative mixed in with his milk or juice. I give him juice daily but that doesn't seem to improve anything. He's pretty active, although he doesn't walk yet. Is there anything else we can do? I don't like giving him laxatives every day.

THE ANSWER:

Constipation is common in toddlers and can usually be corrected with some simple, healthy dietary changes. So before you take him off milk, take a look at everything your son eats and drinks.

Tanya Remer Altmann

Why does my 8-year-old get tummy aches so often?

THE QUESTION :

How can I help my 8-year-old son with his sore tummy? A sensitive stomach does run in the family. I was a worrier as a kid and I remember lots of tummy aches. I've tried talking to my son about how he's feeling, but he says he's not worried. Our general practitioner says sore stomachs are very common in children. Anything I can do?

THE ANSWER:

Stomachaches are very common at this age. But keeping a diary can often help you discover what is causing or contributing to your child's belly soreness. Write down everything he eats and drinks; when he goes to the bathroom; when he has the pain; and what is going on at the time of the pain.

Tanya Remer Altmann

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