2.5 year old - Poo!

[mats01_99]

Hi all. My 2.5 year old daughter is having a tough time with her number 2's. It seems like the stool is not soft enough and is hurting her when she does eventually go. She's getting to the stage where she is holding it in for as long as possible which is giving her a sore tummy. She eats a lot of fruit (Kiwi / grapes / apple / banana) and a reasonabl;e amount of veg (when disguised!) every day. Is there anything else we can do to get her poo to soften up a bit so it's not as painful to pass?
Thanks all,
Matt

[baileybird]

Get her appointment at the GP as she seems to be in a bit of distress. he will know best. Poor little mite x

[puddicat]

We use lactulose at work,have a word with your chemist they have alot of information on what suitable medicine she could take!!!

[sara3]

orange juice or prune juice.. but don't let it go on too long or you'll end up with psychological poo issues.. then you'll have trouble!

[mats01_99]

Thanks folks, much appreciated. She is in the creche Monday to Thursday and she goes at least once every day (quite relectantly and need comforting) but when she's at home frrom Friday to Sunday my wife and I can't get her to go for the life of us, even sitting next to her whilst she's on the potty watching Dora with us holding her hand. For some reason she already seems to have psychological problems with going at home and we definitely want to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand.

[puddicat]

Poor wee lamb,she is obviously antisipating the pain that she will get when she tries to go, as said above could end up being a problem mentally,hope you get it sorted soon!!!

[mats01_99]

Thanks all, think we'll get her to the docs. It's heartbreaking seeing her so distressed.

[annie0000]

You need to make sure that she is drinking plenty as well - dehydration can cause constipation - it sounds like one bad episode has caused her to hold it in, which is not helping. Poor wee soul!

[Tups]

My son started the same problem at the same age. He was still holding it in when he was 16! We spent several years taking him to psychologists, to no avail. I've no idea whether now, at the age of 26, he's any better. It's not the sort of thing I can ask him now! The only thing I can relate it to was the arrival of his baby sister. I think it's quite a common problem, especially with boys. Maybe the medical profession have a better treatment for the problem these days. Hope so. Good luck!

[Dave-Sandra]

Hi, we have had the same problem with both our daughters when they were two (strange it is the same age as your daughter but I guess it is when they are aware that they can hold it back!) Weetabix is a good way to help soften the stool and also a bath each night will also help as it will relax the stomach and bring on the bowel movement uintil they stop being scared of going normally. I hope this helps.

[zzxxee]

if she is going once a day this is quite normal.... i remember my daughter at 2 screaming when she had a poo not because she was constipated but because she thought she was losing part of her body and didnt like the water from the loo splashing on her bottom.. her diet sounds fine and as long as she has plenty of fluids i wouldnt worry to much.. make going to the loo fun for her lots of encouragement and maybe let her pick her own special handwash and towel, also you can get loo roll with disney characters on... please whatever you do do not give her any laxatives whatso ever from over the counter these are only to be given on the advise of a doctor and good luck to you and your little one xx

[julesw1803]

Hi my daughter is just over 2 and we had exactly the same problem! I took her to the docs and she recommended that i put her on Lactose, for approx 3 months to stop her getting constipated and it will also soften her stools to make it easier. Apparently their routine at this age will affect them in Adulthood so its important to keep them regular now. I was concerned about giving her medicine for such a long time as i only like to give her medicine when its really necessary, but the doc said its a sugar syrup so it isnt really a medicine. I have to say its really helped, she is now going at least every other day and she no longer seems anxious or cries whilst on the potty. Good luck!

[mats01_99]

Thanks a million everybody for all the helpful answers, it is most appreciated