How to help toddler tummy problems
Painful toddler tummy problems, including toddler diarrhea and toddler constipation, are horrible for parents and babies alike. Here’s a list of things to help keep your toddler’s upset stomach under control.
- Look out for frequent watery poop. This is a sign your toddler has diarrhea. Speak to your doctor for advice.
- Wash your and your child’s hands frequently and practice good hygiene to prevent it from spreading.
- Rehydrate your toddler after every bout of watery poop with 100-200ml of fluid.
- If your child is not taking fluids well, speak to your doctor. They will likely recommend an oral rehydration solution.
- Look out for dark, strong smelling pee, as this can be a sign of dehydration.
- Do not give your child sugary drinks, like fruit juice or sweetened beverages, carbonated drinks, tea, broth or rice water. These don’t have the right balance of water, salts, and sugars and may make the diarrhea worse.
- If your child is having frequent diarrhea, make sure they are drinking an ORS and eating bland foods. Speak to your doctor.
- Keep your toddler home from daycare until 24 hours after their last bout of diarrhea and they are otherwise well.
- Regular bowel movements are important to your child’s health. Signs of constipation are if your toddler doesn’t poop at least three time a week or if poops are hard and dry or painful to pass. Speak to your doctor if you think your toddler is constipated.
- Give your toddler a variety of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and more water each day. Children should have no more than 120 ml of 100% fruit juice per day.
- Make sure your little one stays active as this can help the bowels to keep moving.
- Teach your child not to hold in a bowel movement and help them get to a toilet quickly when they need to.
- A gentle toddler tummy massage—moving hands clockwise—after a warm relaxing bath can help constipation to pass.
- Don’t give any over-the-counter medication for toddler constipation unless recommended by your doctor.
Sources
Canadian Paediatric Society. Caring for Kids. Dehydration and Diarrhea in Children. Prevention and Treatment. https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/dehydration_and_diarrhea Accessed September 2020.
Related articles
Toddler meals ideas | Nutrition and Feeding for Your Growing Toddler
By one year of age, your little one should be eating a variety of foods from the four food groups in Canada's Food Guide. He’s likely discovering new tastes, textures and skills.
9 mins to read
How to provide a healthy toddler diet
A healthy toddler diet now can set your little one up for a lifetime of healthy eating. Here are some nutrition building blocks for the best food for toddlers.
2 mins to read
A guide to family meals for toddlers
Wondering how you can enjoy family meals for toddlers? Eating together is a lovely way to bring everyone together and to teach your toddler about healthy eating.
2 mins to read
Baby food allergies Vs intolerances—things to consider
Baby allergies and intolerances can develop at any time. An allergy is our immune system’s reaction to a substance it thinks is harmful.
3 mins to read
What to consider when choosing a daycare
Wondering how to pick a daycare to look after your baby? We have put together a list of some things to consider when choosing a daycare, from childcare costs to location.
2 mins to read
How to encourage baby’s first steps—in 10 steps
It can be exciting to watch your baby’s first steps—or at least, attempted steps.
2 mins to read
Potty training : When to start
No matter how eager you may be there is no "right" age to start potty training your little one.
4 mins to read
Planet-saving tips for an eco-friendly baby
Saving the planet doesn’t have to stop because you’ve had a baby. Yes, they’re a teeny bundle of mess-creating, gadget-needing joy.
2 mins to read
Coping with separation anxiety in babies and toddlers
Separation anxiety in toddlers is a normal and healthy part of development though it can be upsetting for you and your baby. Here are some tips to help you both cope with separation anxiety.
1 min to read
Baby talk: How to encourage baby’s first words.
Your baby’s first words are likely to happen after a few months of baby talk.
2 mins to read
How to handle toddler sleep problems
You know they’re tired, but they refuse to listen—and try as you will, the land of nod seems but a distant dream.
2 mins to read
Tips for potty training toddlers
Wondering how to potty train or when to start potty training? Read our potty-training tips and tricks to help toddlers hit the spot.
2 mins to read
Exercise with toddlers: Clever mom hacks for hectic lives
Some days, the last thing you probably feel like doing is exercise—particularly if you’ve had a sleepless night. But keeping active can do wonders for your physical and mental health.
2 mins to read
Terrible twos coming up? How to deal with toddler tantrums
Now they’re walking and talking, your toddler’s asserting their independence more and more every day, as well as developing a strong willpower!
2 mins to read
Children’s dental care checklist
Looking after our teeth is a lifelong undertaking so it helps to get off to a good start.
2 mins to read
Working mom woes? Follow our tips for going back to work after a baby
If you’ve decided to go back to work and are preparing to become a working mom, you’re more than likely navigating a rollercoaster of emotions.
3 mins to read
Tips on planning a toddler birthday party
Planning a one-year-old’s birthday party can be surprisingly tricky.
3 mins to read
How to help a picky eater
Wondering how to help a picky eater? Developing a palate takes time. So we’ve prepared a menu of useful tips to help turn your picky eater into a food lover.
2 mins to read
What should my 12-24 Month Old Toddler be Eating?
As you probably already know, toddlers are incredibly active and energetic! For their body size, toddlers need to make every bite count with nutritious meals and snacks.
4 mins to read
Related tools
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
Checklists finder tool
Checklists and tips to help along your parenting journey
Recipe Finder
Find recipes for you and your little one.
