Runny poo

[June Rogers]

Hi

Runny poos in toddlers tend to be the result of 2 main causes
- toddler diarrhoea
- overflow soiling as a result of underlying constipation

Both need different treatment so I suggest it may be worth speaking to your GP to check out the most probable cause. If he is fit and healthy othwise then it is nothing to worry about and they are both common problems

If the cause is toddler diarrhoea the usual management is to look at the child's diet and increase the fat and fibre content and reduce fizzy drinks, fruit juice and other sugary things. This is a a problem most children grow out of by the time they are 4 or 5yrs as their bowel matures.
Constipation needs to be treated with laxatives in the first instance with Movicol Paediatric Plain being the laxative of choice for children (NICE 2010, 2014) and then look at the diet to ensure the child is eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and is also drinking sufficiently