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Natural ways to treat constipation in children

Everyone’s bowel habits are different, and the same can be said for toddlers. Your little one might pass two stools a day, or one stool every four days – both are normal. We become concerned about constipation when it goes on for longer than two weeks or when it appears to distress the child, causing pain, gas or discomfort. So how do you naturally treat constipation in a child? Through dietary tweaks that will get their digestive tract working well again.

Drink water

This is the first step in treating constipation. When your body is dehydrated, it will take any water it needs from the colon and the result is hard stools that are painful to pass. Upping your child’s water intake will soften the stool and play a major role in relieving their constipation. If you struggle to get your child to drink enough, try adding slices of fruit to their water to give it a subtle sweet flavour.

Add more fibre

Fibre is what keeps everything moving through our digestive system so it’s crucial in both preventing and treating constipation. Consider adding more fruit (dried fruit in particular is a rich source of fibre) and vegetables to your child’s diet to increase the amount they’re eating daily. Serve up broccoli, corn, apples, potatoes, wholewheat bread or grains, nuts and seeds, and leave the skin on your fruit and veg as that’s often where most of the fibre is found. Prunes can be a powerful laxative – offer them to your child either dried or as a juice if they’re struggling with constipation. Try Squish Banana + Prune 100% Fruit Puree or Squish 100% Pear + Prune Juice Blend.

Get them moving

Exercise can help move things along in your bowels – as young children are naturally quite active, just encourage them to move as much as possible. For younger babies who aren’t yet crawling or walking, lie them on their backs and do bicycle kicks with their legs to offer them some relief from the discomfort caused by constipation.

Encourage them to use the toilet regularly – even if they say they don’t ‘have to go’

Some toddlers end up with constipation because they don’t enjoy – or even fear – going to the toilet. Encourage them to use the potty regularly – for example, 30 minutes after a meal and let them relax on the potty for at least 10 minutes. You can even turn it into a fun game, offering them a sticker for their ‘poo chart’ every time they go.

Content created by www.babyyumyum.co.za and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.