Everyone\u2019s 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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drink water<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Add more fibre<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fibre is what keeps everything moving through our digestive system so it\u2019s 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\u2019s diet to increase the amount they\u2019re 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\u2019s often where most of the fibre is found. Prunes can be a powerful laxative \u2013 offer them to your child either dried or as a juice if they\u2019re struggling with constipation. Try Squish Banana + Prune 100% Fruit Puree<\/em> or Squish 100% Pear + Prune Juice Blend<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get them moving<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Exercise can help move things along in your bowels \u2013 as young children are naturally quite active, just encourage them to move as much as possible. For younger babies who aren\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Encourage them to use the toilet regularly \u2013 even if they say they don\u2019t \u2018have to go\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some toddlers end up with constipation because they don\u2019t enjoy \u2013 or even fear \u2013 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 \u2018poo chart\u2019 every time they go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n