Toddler Bowel Movement
Once your baby transitions from infant to toddler, both the number of his urine and bowel movements will decrease as the introduction of solid foods start to reduce the intake of liquids. A toddler’s number of bowel movements will decline quite dramatically. It is preferable for toddlers to have at least one bowel movement a day; however, it is normal for them to go two to three days without a movement.
Abnormal Toddler Bowel Movement
Moms should always be on the look out for signs of constipation including pain and difficulty passing stools and small, dry, pellet-like stools.
Constipation is a very common and often frustrating problem in toddlers. It is usually defined as the passage of hard and painful stools or going four or more days without a bowel movement.
Diarrhea is also very common in toddlers where they pass frequent smelly and loose stools with mucus and bits of food clearly within them.
Aiding Toddler Bowel Movement
Constipation and diarrhea often present in otherwise healthy, growing toddlers. So much so that a doctor will not be able to identify the cause. It will usually pass on its own in time.
To help your toddler, keep and eye on his diet and fluid intake. Make sure the diet is varied and if he wants a drink between meals try offering a little snack with it. Encourage the use of the potty or toilet as much as possible – suggesting he sit on it for 5 minutes or so regardless or whether he feels he needs to.