Dealing with constipation in a 1 year old

[Spongebob99]

Hello, what should I do about my 1 year olds constipation problems..he's had this on and off since weaning and I contacted a health visitor at the time who advised try a more mixed diet and seeing what improves it but he still gets constipated and now with going onto full dat milk which I'm mixing with formula he's constipated again.. he really struggles to go..if I hold him with his knees to his chest it helps him go but its uncomfortable for him but otherwise he's sat on the floor pushing again and again and struggling to pass it, his stools are hard..sometimes big and sometimes like little hard grapes. He's happy otherwise but not nice seeing him uncomfortable.. I don't know what to do anymore.

Last time I felt judged by the hv as if I'm doing something wrong and it's my fault. Do I call again? I feel they will only give the same advice again. I never had this problem with my first child

[MrsHello Community Ambassador]

Hiya, how are things going now? That’s really difficult managing constipation in little ones and it’s so much harder if you felt judged by your HV. With my children I often find the changes in formula have lead to bowel changes. I used some baby massage I was shown in a baby massage class. I also tried to keep a diary of both the constipation and food intake and would do a bit of trial and error to see if food changes were making a difference. This may be something you’ve tried already? The info is really useful for seeing patterns but also is really good when you speak to your HV again to show them what’s been happening. I hope things settle down for your little one soon.

[Spongebob99 in reply to MrsHello]

Hi, hes been alittle better but he can still be uncomfortable and not pass alot. yes il have to try a diary and then if I call hv I can tell them what he's eating drinking that week, thanks.

[MrsHello Community Ambassador in reply to Spongebob99]

Bless him, glad he is a little better but it’s so hard isn’t it seeing them uncomfortable, gd luck with the diary 😊.

[Caolao1]

Hi I give my little one couple of defrosted mango cubes to help with bowel movements. Tesco's sell them in frozen bags and they cost £2 for 500 grams. I just give her a couple after her cereal in the morning or as a small snack with her water bottle. She loves them and they are nutritional, plus a good source of vitamins A, C and E and antioxidants. Mango also contains fibre and iron. It works a treat for us and helping little ones go to the toilet with ease will make the pathway to potty training (later on for your toddler) much easier. My little one is nearly 3 and it has worked for us.

[RachelModerator Moderator]

Hello Spongebob99 ,

Sorry your little one is still experiencing problems. If you have attempted to rectify the issue with simple self help strategies, such as increased fibre and water intake , and these have not been successful, you need to contact the GP to request a review and they may be able to prescribe a simple stool softener or laxative to help with the issue.

It is important you use the medication as directed and ideally as long as it takes to ensure your little one is able to pass a stool regularly and comfortably.

Sorry you felt judged when you spoke with a Health Visitor before. They may ask lots of questions about what you have tried and what has or hasn't worked so they can give you the most appropriate advice.

Best Wishes, Rachel (Assistant Practitioner)