How often should a child go to the bathroom?

Dr. Jessica Álvarez, Pediatrician at the Clínica Ricardo Palma, offers us insights on this topic of great interest to parents.

Constipation is a frequent problem of the pediatric age. Its definition is not only limited to the frequency of bowel movements, but it also includes their characteristics such as the size and hardness of feces, as well as the various manifestations of defecation such as discomfort, pain, and fecal loss.

Recommendations

One of the most important measures to avoid the accumulation of feces is through good eating habits, which includes a sufficient amount of fiber: we can find it in fruits, vegetables, beans, and cereals.

It is also ideal that the child gets used to drinking plenty of water throughout the day, avoiding cookies and sweets in general. Another point to consider is to teach the child to have a good defecation habit, encouraging the child to sit on the toilet for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day, preferably after meals. In the case of not improving with the general measures, you must see a specialist.

Dr. Jessica Álvarez
Pediatrician at Clínica Ricardo Palma