7 Ways to Make Your Child's Bowel Movement Smooth and Not Hard, Parents Must Know!

YOGYAKARTA - Problems with irregular bowel movements (BAB) and hard stools often make children feel uncomfortable, painful, and even afraid to go to the toilet. If left unchecked, constipation in children can interfere with their activities and growth and development. Therefore, parents need to understand how to make BAB children smooth and not hard from an early age. The following will discuss 7 ways that parents can do at home to make their children's BAB smooth and not hard.

7 Ways to Make Your Child's Bowel Movement Smooth and Not Hard

Problems with defecation (BAB) that are not smooth and hard stools are not uncommon in children, especially toddlers to school age. Reported from NHS and other sources, here are 7 ways to make children's BAB smooth and not hard.

Increase Fiber Intake from Daily Food

Fiber plays an important role in softening stools and facilitating the child's digestive system. Fruits and vegetables such as papaya, pears, apples, broccoli, and carrots are recommended to be consumed regularly.

Make sure your child's daily menu is balanced and varied so that fiber needs are met. With sufficient fiber intake, your child's stool will be softer and easier to remove.

Make sure your child drinks enough fluids.

Lack of fluids is one of the main causes of hard stools. Water helps fibers work more effectively in the digestive system. Children who drink enough usually have more regular bowel movements and are not sick.

For babies, adequate breast milk is very important, while babies who are given formula milk can drink extra water as recommended. Older children should be accustomed to drinking water regularly throughout the day. Avoid too much sugary drinks because they can worsen digestive problems.

Make Your Child Poop Regularly

Children often hold back from defecating for various reasons, such as feeling uncomfortable using the toilet at school or being embarrassed if their friends know. This habit of holding back BAB is often considered trivial, even though it can make the stool harder and more difficult to remove.

If it continues, this condition can trigger constipation and pain when defecating. Therefore, parents need to train children to have regular and healthy defecation habits. Teach children to immediately go to the toilet when they have a defecation urge, without delaying it.

Make sure the child's sitting position is correct

The wrong sitting position can make it difficult for children to pass stools. Make sure your child's feet are on the floor or a small stool so that they are in the right position for BAB. This position helps the abdominal and anal muscles work more effectively.

For children who use adult toilets, a footrest is highly recommended. The correct body position can reduce pain during bowel movements. This also helps prevent children from being afraid of the toilet.

Encourage Children to Stay Active

Physical activity stimulates bowel movements so that BAB becomes smoother. Children who sit or play gadgets for too long are at risk of constipation. Invite your child to play outside, walk, or do light activities every day.

Body movement helps speed up the digestive process and prevent stool buildup. Physical activity is also good for overall body health. With an active body, the risk of hard stools can be minimized.

Keep Your Child's Emotional State Comfortable

Parents need to be sensitive to their children's emotional state. Talk to your child and listen to his complaints. Ask if they are worried about using the toilet because some children do not want to defecate in certain situations, such as in a daycare or school.

Stay calm and give support, so that your child does not think of going to the toilet as a scary situation. You want your child to think of defecating as something normal, not something shameful.

Consult a Doctor If Constipation Lasts for a Long Time

If constipation lasts a long time or is accompanied by pain and bleeding, immediately consult a doctor. Doctors can recommend safe medications according to the child's age. Treatment is usually combined with changes in diet and daily habits.

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