My 3 year old struggling to go to the toilet (for a poo)

[mrsm22]

Hi

Sorry for any unpleasant details but my DS will be four in a few months time and for the last probably three months he seems to be struggling to go to the toilet/pass poo. He is getting constipated every couple of weeks, so one week he's going ok but the next he's telling me that his poo won't come and his tummy hurts, and I can see on his face that he's struggling to push it out. He then passes little bits all day (but not actually poo) but bits of liquid like he's teying all the time but the poo won't pass as its too hard. Sorry for the details, I know it's not the most pleasant topic but I'm trying to explain it the best I can. We have been using Syrup of Figs which is quite good and after a couple of doses he does after a day or two go to the toilet (for a big or proper poo) and then he says he feels much better.
Does anyone else/has anyone else had this problem with a little one? I am considering going to the doctor with my DS next week as I think he could do with something that might regulate him. Is this a good idea, am I likeky to get something which will help him? I have heard that Movicol is very good but I think this has to be prescribed.
Many thanks for any responses!

We got lactulose from the chemist for ds and it seems to help

It is very common for young children to get constipated. I think you should definitely go to the GP to get something prescribed to help him, it's best to get constipation sorted early on otherwise it can become a vicious circle of constipation and then avoiding going because it hurts, which makes the constipation worse etc. Best to nip it in the bud!

How is he with fruit? Oranges are good for helping things along. The thing is, even if he's getting lots of fibre, unless he's also having lots of liquid (or enough liquid) he will still be constipated.

Raise his feet so they're not "dangling" when he's sat on the loo, ensure they're raised so he's "in right angles"

That can help.

Pears, prunes, dried apricots, raisins. I give these to my DD daily as otherwise she really struggles. Sounds like he probably had some sort of impaction of poo going on where there is a blockage and small bits squeeze around the blockage. Lactulose does help and water too. But it definitely needs a daily laxative food substance to ease things along.

Thanks for the quick responses so far. The problem is that he gets constipated and then tries to avoid going and throughout the day (today for example) ive seen him stood up and looks like he's clenching with his face and leaning over trying not to go and small amounts of liquid are in his pants or around his bottom (sorry for tmi). He is getting to the point where he doesn't want to go sit on the toilet because he says it won't come out. He thinks he has a pipe blocked (he's only 3.10 months old). He won't eat cereal and never has, but does eat a mostly good and varied diet. He isn't a brilliant eater as he won't try new things but he eats brocoli and carrots and he likes fruits. He will eat grapefruit for breakfast, apples, kiwi, bananas and pretty much all fruit. He drinks a lot of pure squeezed orange juice but doesn't like water much. He's very active and likes to run about and play. Otherwise seems healthy.

Have you tried putting him on the toilet every hour and giving him something "treat" like whilst he's there (like screen time)

If he's avoiding even going to the bathroom then try and break that cycle.

Every X minutes (every o'clock?) sit him on the toilet, raise his legs so he's at right angles, give him a phone or iPad with an episode of whatever he likes and leave him be.
No screens other than bathroom time.

Also. If his diet is restricted that may be a cause. There are so many ways you can "hide" different foods. Look them up and try.

What about making a "special milkshake" with added oats etc? A blender can solve a lot!!!

Don't ask. Tell. "Oh! Look, it's toilet time, would you like to watch Ben and holly? Come on"

I highly recommend going gluten and dairy free, and supplementing his diet with probiotic supplements and digestive enzymes.

If this doesn't resolve his problem, try going completely grain-free (get starch from potatoes and other root vegetables). Gluten and dairy are responsible for the overwhelming amount of digestive issues in children, so simply cut them out for a fortnight and see if there is improvement. There almost certainly will be an immense difference, and you may even notice improvement within a few days.

I wouldn't go cutting major food groups without gp/dietician input especially for that age of chilf

Child*

Hi everyone

Thank you for the responses. It's really interesting to see what has been suggested about cutting out dairy. Generally my DS has a good diet, he can be picky and sticks to the same foods but he eats plenty of fruit, likes brocoli and carrots and most veg. He won't eat cereal at all for breakfast but tends to have grapefruit and toast or yoghurt instead on a morning. I took him to the doctors this morning and the Doctor prescribed Lactulose to try starting tonight before he went to bed. Is this likeky to do the trick if he's taking it for a while?

Hi,
I have same issues with my 4yo son. As long as I give him prune juice 1st thing in the morning mixed with a little freshly squeezed orange he is fine. I also have to use Movicol now & again. It's a stool softener & it is prescribed. My son used to be really bad, not any more. You can use a few of these sachets a day if your son is really not going, this stuff is a godsend, very gentle on their delicate tums. I didn't fancy using a laxative as this only makes the bowel lazy. Try the juice in the am followed by a couple of sachets apart & your son should go. Some mums use them every day in order to keep their wee ones regular but I just use when required.