Constipation is a common problem in toddlers, and there are several things parents can do to help relieve it. Here are some tips from reliable sources:

• Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, especially water or water with a splash of fruit juice. Milk can be constipating for some kids.
• Get your child moving. Exercise stimulates digestion and helps prevent constipation.
• Stock up on fiber-rich foods. Foods high in fiber and whole grains help keep the bowel happy by moving food through the digestive tract at a steady pace. Good options include fiber-rich fruits like apples and pears, vegetables (especially raw), and whole grains like oats, millet, and barley.
• Use petroleum jelly. If your child is constipated, apply a bit of Vaseline or petroleum jelly around the anus. Not only will lubrication make for a smoother passage, the extra stimulation may provoke a bowel movement.
• Try abdominal massage. For infants and small children, massaging the abdomen and bicycling the legs are great measures to help pass stools.
• Use natural laxatives. Foods that help with constipation in kids include prunes, apples, and pears. These fruits contain a sugar called "sorbitol," which draws water into the bowels and softens the stool. Offer these foods with water to help with easier bowel movements.
• Consider over-the-counter fiber supplements or stool softeners. If your child doesnt get a lot of fiber in their diet, adding an over-the-counter fiber supplement, such as Metamucil or Citrucel, might help. However, your child needs to drink at least 32 ounces (about 1 liter) of water daily for these products to work well. Check with your childs doctor to find out the right dose for your childs age and weight.

Its important to note that if your childs constipation lasts longer than two weeks, you should seek medical care from your childs doctor. A stool softener or laxative may be the answer to toddler constipation, but these should never be given to a child without a doctor’s recommendation.