The article is professionally consulted with Dr. Dang Thi Ngoc Chuong, Grade I Specialist - Pediatrician - Neonatology & Pediatrics Department, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Children with constipation should have their abdominal area massaged along with other body areas, such as the cycling exercise, to enhance effectiveness. Additionally, the daily diet for constipated children should be adjusted to include more fiber and plenty of water.
1. Constipation in children
Constipation occurs when bowel movements are reduced, making it difficult for children to pass stool because the stool is often dry and hard. Constipation may last from weeks to months, depending on the underlying cause.
Children with constipation often show the following clinical symptoms:
- Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
- Pain during bowel movements
- Abdominal pain
- Hard, large, dry stool, possibly with blood
2. How to Massage for Constipated Children
Massage is one of the simple and inexpensive methods to support children with constipation that parents can perform at home. The basic benefits of massage include improving circulation in the body, stimulating bowel movements, and helping children defecate more easily and regularly. Moreover, massaging constipated children also helps them relax, increases parent-child interaction, enhances mothers’ lactation, and promotes children’s communication skills.
When massaging, parents should express their love for the child by smiling at them or singing gentle songs. Massage for constipated children can be combined with massage oils or essential oils with a pleasant fragrance and minimal skin irritation. Constipated children's massages should be done daily, at least 3 times a day.
The best times for massaging constipated children are right after they wake up in the morning, before bedtime, or before bathing in the evening. Avoid massaging immediately after a meal or if the child has open wounds on the abdominal area. Wait at least 45 minutes to 1 hour after eating before massaging for constipated children.
Steps for Massaging Constipated Children:
- Prepare the room: Massage should be performed in a well-ventilated, clean room with plenty of light and no drafts.
- Preparation for the person massaging: The parent (either mother or father) should perform the massage. Their hands must be clean, with nails trimmed and all jewelry removed to avoid injuring the child’s skin
- Prepare the child: The constipated child should be cleaned before the massage. Place the child on their back on a flat surface covered with a soft, clean blanket.
- Perform the massage: Many people mistakenly think that only the abdominal area of the constipated children needs to be massaged, but other body parts should also be included to improve circulation and blood flow. Begin with the child’s arms: gently stroke from the shoulders down to the arms, elbows, wrists, and finish at the hands. Open and close the child’s arms gently and rhythmically. For abdominal massage, move fingers gently in a clockwise direction along the colon's path. Glide your fingers from right to left according to the colon's position on the abdomen. Next, massage the child’s back by stroking along the spinal muscles in a spiral motion and lightly patting the shoulder blades. Finally, massage the legs similarly to the arms: gently stroke from the thighs down to the calves and feet, bending and straightening the legs gently. Encourage light exercises for constipated children, particularly the cycling exercise: gently hold both legs, bend the right leg towards the right shoulder, then straighten it, and repeat with the left leg.
3. Supporting Measures for Constipated Children
Apart from massage exercises, constipated children should be supported with the following measures:
- Fresh fruits: Children with constipation should drink fruit juices combined with breastfeeding. Offer juices multiple times a day between meals. Suitable fruits for constipation include bell fruits, pears, apples, and grapes, as they are rich in fiber and support digestive functions. Avoid juices like grapefruit, orange, and pineapple as they may irritate the intestines.
- Mint leaves: Mint has been long known for aiding digestion and bowel movements. Parents can crush a few mint leaves into warm water for the child to drink to ease bowel movements. Avoid excessive use of mint.
- Warm baths: Same as adults, warm baths help children relax, feel comfortable, and alleviate the discomfort of constipation or bloating. Adding a few drops of lightly scented essential oils or herbs can make the experience more soothing.
- Honey and coconut oil: Applying these around the anus can make it easier for the child to defecate.
- Probiotics: Constipation may stem from using formula milk instead of breast milk, as formula is harder to digest. Probiotics containing beneficial bacteria can balance the gut, soften stools, and help children defecate more easily. However, the choice of probiotics, dosage, and duration must be prescribed by a doctor. Parents should not arbitrarily purchase and use probiotics for extended periods, as this may cause unwanted side effects.
However, parents should not underestimate the severity of their child's constipation. Take the child to see a doctor if they exhibit the following dangerous signs:
- Acute abdominal or anal pain lasting over an hour
- Bright red or dark blood from the anus
- Constipation lasting more than a week
- Accompanying vomiting and fatigue
- High fever or lethargy
- Weight loss or failure to gain weight
To prevent constipation, parents should focus on a nutritious diet to enhance the child’s resistance. Supplement foods rich in lysine, essential vitamins, and trace elements like zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to support immunity and reduce digestive issues.
Parents can explore additional resources:
Why is it necessary to supplement lysine for children?
The role of zinc – A guide to proper zinc supplementation
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