Let's talk poop!

Mrs McGibblets · December 2011

My SS is 4 and we have him about 50% of the time. When he's with us, he poops about once in a 4 or 5 day span. This is abnormal right?? We're about 90% sure he doesn't go at school, and we're not sure about when he's at his mom's house but we assume its the same.

He is a VERY picky eater and does not get a lot of fiber or fruits/veggies in his diet. He drinks water all day at school, has Ovaltine and 2% milk in the morning with breakfast and we switched his drink at lunchtime to the 100% Juice V-8 fruit and veggie juice but it hasn't made a difference.

Knowing this, would you try fiber chews for him? And if your child takes them how did you start out and what brand are you using?

shellybird101 · December 2011

What is his poop like? Is it a hard soild form? Is it like rabbit poop? Is it normal? Some kids seem to poop everyday like clockwork and others seem to go 2-3 days without pooping. If it seems that it is hard for him to go then maybe I would seek a doctor. I would also ask you SS mother and see what she thinks. HTH

Mrs McGibblets · December 2011

shellybird101:
What is his poop like? Is it a hard soild form? Is it like rabbit poop? Is it normal? Some kids seem to poop everyday like clockwork and others seem to go 2-3 days without pooping. If it seems that it is hard for him to go then maybe I would seek a doctor. I would also ask you SS mother and see what she thinks. HTH

It is a hard, solid form and a LOT of it when he finally does go. It's not difficult for him to go though so he's not constipated he's just not regular. We have asked her but not much response has been given; unfortunately that happens. We will definately consult his pedi, I was just wondering if other kids have these issues and we're just being over worried or if he is abnormal and we should try to get him more regular.

livinitup · December 2011

I think abnormal is a strong word, it might be 'normal' for him. Between school and home you don't know what his poop routine is a majority of the time. So, this is more a symptom of the normal tribulations of blancing two homes and school than of the poop-time itself.

So, you have to talk with mom. Has she noticed hard poops or constipation? Is she using Miralax or any meds? Get a clear answer from school. In 5 days, if he poops once at your house, once at school and then once he returns to mom that close to a regular cycle. What you're caught-up on is non-information and that doesn't leave you much to go on.

And food does make a big difference. I don't hold much stock in the V8 juices to be high enough in the right kind of soluable fiber to be of help. Real spinach is lovely for soft BMs. Try to add it to pasta and tomaotoe sauce, or serve it creamy with a cheesie sauce. You may get lucky and your picky eater will eat it. Other than that, a full range of vegies in a variety of colors and textures - from raw, to soft, to creamed to pureed to hidden would be worth tthe effort. Including fruits and berries. I know its hard, but the less you push and the more you offer and let him choose - the better the result. Sometimes. At least you tried. Sounds like you are right to be conserned and well on the right track.

Mrs McGibblets · December 2011

Ugh stupid Bump at my post.

Yes, I think talking with his mom is a really good idea. I hope we catch her on a good day and get a lot of info from her. We will check with the school also. Unfortunately if they either dont' know or don't respond this is the best we can do.

Food makes a huge difference! Unfortunately, from the age of 2 on he has slowly weaned himself down to eating chicken nuggets, raw carrots and cukes, pop tarts and fries or tater tots. Right now, we are pushing to expand these, but it is a slow process because he gags and vomits at the sight of new food. We've had him tested and he has no issues; it's a choice thing with him. So adding fiber rich food is difficult and usually is not eaten in enough quantity to make a difference. And the push to introduce and eat new foods isn't reciprocated at the other house so its a slow process. That's for another post though. Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it!

franciscaz · December 2011

Try the Fiber Gummies while he is at your home. There was a post about it earlier this week: Fiber Gummies

These are a life saver!!!

KathrynMD · December 2011

It doesn't really sound like a big deal to me. I might add some fiber gummies EOD in when you can, and serve some more fibrous food to his plate and cut back on teh dairy when you can. DD is a dairy-holic, but I try to just make sure she has grapes every day/every other day and I think that helps keep her regular. I don't talk about the grapes at all, I just put them on the plate - next to the chicken nuggets or ravioli.

ArcticFox · December 2011

We give our girls Pedia-Lax fiber gummies every single day to keep them regular. I like them going #2 every day, and the gummies are great, you can adjust how many they get/how many they need.

I'd just make sure he's also getting enough to drink as well, especially when you give extra fiber (since they work together).

Mrs McGibblets · December 2011

Not sure if any of you ladies will see this since it's been a few days but THANK YOU for the recs! We started giving him the gummies and after 5 days of not pooping he finally went. He thanked us and said his tummy felt so much better. Poor kid We have him for a 9 day stretch so we figured we better give it a shot. Thanks again!

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