Diet changes for stool problems
If your child is constipated and has painful stools it is very important to deal with this right away. Here are few things that should help.
- Have your child eat at least 5 grams of fiber plus their age in years
(7 grams for a 2 year old). High fiber foods include skinned apples, peas, peaches, pears,
Fig Newtons, corn, raw tomatoes, sweet potatoes, popcorn (only if >4 years), prunes, pineapples,
whole wheat or bran bread and bran muffins.
- Metamucil wafers, Milk of Magnesia, Miralax, or Citrucel are helpful in softening
stools. Ask your pediatrician.
- Have your child drink plenty of water. Apple juice may either soften stools or
cause constipation in different children
- Also keep away from constipating foods like too much milk, cheese, cooked carrots,
rice and bananas.
- Try switching to soy milk (it softens stools) instead of cow milk.