Learn how to break the painful cycle of your child’s constipation with this nutritional advice.
For some toddlers, like mine for instance, pooping can literally be the hardest part of life. Now that we’re potty training, constipation has become an even bigger problem. Sometimes, if it’s a minor case of constipation, you can resolve it with changing diet, fluid intake, position, and behaviour. Chronic cases require medication. If your child is severely constipated, you should always seek medical care. If that doesn’t work, and you’re looking for a long term solution, try some of these home remedies.
Fruity shakes and juices
A constipated baby or toddler can be helped by giving two to four ounces of juice once a day. Or four to six ounces once a day for older infants. Try to give them fruit juices such as pune, apple, or pear juices as they contain sugars which are poorly absorbed, pass through the intestine un-absorbed, and hold water in the poop. Be sure to find juices that are a 100% fruit juice (not watered down) or the sugars are not in high enough concentration to do their job.
High-fibre foods
For children above the age of two, dairy products can be constipating. If your toddler is eating excessive amounts of cheese, milk or yogurts, reduce it. Substitute them with higher fibre alternatives. Such as whole grain breads and cereals. And the obvious choice: fruits and vegetables. If you child hasn’t started eating solids yet, you can whip up some high-fibre fruit and vegetable purees. The ones that work best are sweet potatoes, pears, prunes, peaches, plums, beans, peas, broccoli or spinach.
Formulas
Some formula milk may be constipating. It can be more problematic if you have formulas that contain a high value of casein and have been thickened with rice cereal. Consider changing formula if you baby is having a persistent problem with constipation.
And if worse come to worse, you can always use a mild osmotic laxative. Just make sure to double check the dosage and use from a doctor. You don’t want to over do it and have runny poops to take care of!
