I have a little guy in my care that has some developmental delays and over all poor muscle tone (he is 19 months old but can only army crawl). He has a real problem with pooping regularly, he'll go for several days and then his belly will start to distend. When he does finally go it is an explosion. My question: are there any exercises we can do with him to help strengthen his muscles (I guess inside and out)? I think that might help to get things going more regularly. I try doing the bicycle with his legs and try to get him to push his feet against my hands. He eats a huge variety of foods with lots of fiber and they even add molasses to his morning oatmeal.
Thanks, Have a Great Weekend!!
M.
Does he have an exersaucer or jumping toy he can still go in? Most kids his age have out grown them but seeing he is so far behind physically, it may still work for him. They are great for developing leg and trunk muscles. A friend of mine whose son had constipation issues would feed him foods that are supposed to help things along and then a little while later put him in his exersaucer. She swore it worked like charm!
Hi M.,
My first question is he getting enough water. That's crucial. Don't know specie exercises but running around also helps. If mom is open to it, suggest chiropractic care. A good upper cervical chiropractor can do wonders with the digestive system.
His poor muscle tone probably has a lot to do with his constipation. Check with his ped.
Mimi's first sentence was exactly what I was thinking, M.. Plenty of fiber just stops you up if you don't have enough water.
Is he getting occupational therapy for his poor muscle tone? If he isn't, he needs to be. You might also ask his mother to talk to the doctor about the possibility of Miralax.
Too much fiber is also constipating. It's a balancing act for sure.
I'd say add some prune juice to his apple juice each day just to help him move.
My friend used to have to put her son on the potty. She wasn't trying to potty train him super young, but it seemed to help him to have the diaper off. Let things flow more freely, maybe?
My DD is 2 1/2 and I have one of those padded seats that fits over the regular seat. I noticed that sometimes she pulls up her feet so they are kind of resting in front of her on the "big seat" when she needs to poop. Almost like a cross between sitting and squatting. Maybe try that position with him. But watch out, because little boys will give you a shower!!! LOL
