Possible bowel and bladder problems with toddlers
While it is likely that your child has already shown signs of both muscle control and has an awareness of urination and bowel movements, it is also possible that she hasn't. If this is the case, don't worry. The procedure for helping your child to understand her bodily requirements is the same, no matter what age she starts.
Possible late developers
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Some children acquire bowel and bladder control much later than others, and this may present a problem to the parents. In nearly all cases it is wrong to blame the child. Often there is a family history of lateness in acquiring bladder control. If your child is wet during the day and night, most doctors feel that there is no need to investigate this difficulty before your child is three years old, and if she is only wet at night your doctor may feel that these investigations may be put off until she is five years old. Whenever you go along to your doctor about a urinary problem with your child, take along a specimen of urine.
Bed-wetting problems with toddlers
Many children, more especially boys, will not be able to be dry at night until well after the age of four and this is perfectly normal. If they are dry, then a change of surroundings or routine, such as the arrival of another baby, an illness or a spell of unhappiness, such as starting school may cause them to start wetting the bed.
If your child has a bed-wetting problem, lightly suggest that she thinks about going for the whole night staying dry - positive thinking may help. Don't make a big thing of it - she'll worry and you'll have defeated your purpose. No matter how long it goes on, assure your child that it will eventually stop, because it does. She will just outgrow it, so be calm and sympathetic at all times.
Regression problems with toddlers
If your child suddenly seems to lose her bladder and bowel control, and regresses to an earlier stage, the cause could well be a physical illness or some emotional disturbance. Sometimes the cause is obvious - a new baby, for example, may make your child feel dethroned and rejected. It would be quite normal for her to try attention-seeking behaviour to detract from the new baby, which may include wetting and soiling her clothes. Starting at nursery school or moving to a new house or your absence could all stimulate the same pattern of behaviour. If none of these has happened, consult a doctor about investigating your child. She may have developed an infection or a have a minor anatomical abnormality in the urinary tract.
Toddler diarrhoea
- Give your child water or milk to drink instead of fruit juice. Clear apple juice seems to be a particular culprit.
- Slightly increase your child's fat intake. Give her whole milk, add butter to her meals and don't give her low-fat foods.
- Encourage her to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables but don't give her excessive amounts of fibre.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 03.11.2010
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