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Questions About Treating a Constipated Six Year Old

Posted By Evelyn (Virginia Beach, Va) on 07/08/2015

I have a 6 year old granddaughter who lives with me. She tends to become constipated easily. I have tried an oral laxative and suppositories, but it seems it is very difficult to get her bowels to move. Usually a combination of a laxative at bedtime followed by a suppository the following morning sometimes will assist in getting her bowels to move. I usually have her get up early and give the suppository and then after it seems the suppository has melted she begins to cramp a little at which time I place her on the toilet. A friend of mine suggested to skip the laxative and suppository and just take her into the bathroom and give her an old fashion enema. I have an enema bag that I used on my daughter years ago. would this be a good action to take for a constipated child? I also have an old red rubber bulb syringe that is also available. Please advise.

evelyn

Replied by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/08/2015

Dear Evelyn,

For your grand daughter with constipation, I would try some dietary changes. Suppositories, laxatives, and enemas are only temporary solutions. Used long term they will make her dependent on them.

Dairy products can be constipating, especially if a diet is high in dairy and low in fruits and vegetables. A few prunes a day may be helpful.

A magnesium supplement may be helpful. Natural Calm is a magnesium supplement powder that mixes in water and is easy to take.

One of my children had a problem with constipation that was not helped with diet alone. I used a Dr. Christopher's Supplement for him - Kid-E-Reg. I used it for him for about a year and a half. It helped him a lot. The herbs help to strengthen the bowel. After that time, he no longer seemed to need it. I do still give it to him on a day he has a lot of dairy products, just in case.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 07/08/2015

Hi Evelyn,

I'm sure you are doing what you think is best for your granddaughter. However, I wonder if she wouldn't do better if her diet could include more fruits and vegetables, or perhaps a teaspoon of coconut oil mixed in with her oatmeal, hot beverage or simply spread on toast with some peanut butter? Is she well hydrated? These would be less intrusive ideas that may lead to a more relaxed attitude to bathroom habits. And keep in mind that not everyone's system needs a daily bowel movement to maintain good health. Best wishes.

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