Parents, if your child is suffering from constipation, you’re not alone. This common problem affects millions of kids every year.
I too have suffered this issue in my boy as he has very few liquids and hence faces constipation especially during potty. So I set out to do my research and want to share my findings as this has helped me in changing my sons’ eating habits and cured his constipation in roughly 6 months time. So do have some patience!
In this article, we will discuss the causes of constipation in children, how to identify it and some home remedies that can help relieve the symptoms. We will also explore some foods that can help get things moving again!
Overview
Constipation can be a real challenge for parents when their kids are suffering from it. Not only is it uncomfortable and embarrassing for the child, but it can also be difficult to get rid of.
There are a lot of things that can cause constipation, like not eating enough fruits and vegetables, not drinking enough water, or holding in their poop because they’re afraid of the toilet (caused during potty training).
If your child is constipated, there are a few things you can do to help relieve their symptoms. Read on to find out more!
What is Constipation ?
Constipation is when someone has fewer than three bowel movements in a week or their stools are hard, dry and difficult to pass. Symptoms of constipation can vary from mild (like occasionally skipping a day or two) to severe (like not being able to go for several weeks).
There are a few reasons why you might want to get rid of constipation in children. Maybe their poop is hard and it hurts when they go, or maybe they don’t poop very often. This can be really uncomfortable and also make them feel sick.
What are the symptoms of Constipation in kids?
For kids, the most common symptom of constipation is infrequent bowel movements. Other symptoms may include:
– Hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass
– Straining or crying during bowel movements
– Pain in the abdomen or rectum
– Loss of appetite
– Nausea or vomiting
– Bloating
Causes of Constipation
There are a number of things that can contribute to constipation in children. These include:
– A diet that is low in fiber and high in processed foods
– Not drinking enough fluids
– Poor toilet habits (holding in stool because of embarrassment, fear of using the toilet, etc.)
– Lack of exercise
– Use of certain medications (antacids, iron supplements, antidepressants, etc.)
– Emotional stress or anxiety
How to get rid of Constipation in Children
If your child is constipated, there are a number of things you can do at home to help relieve the symptoms. These include:
– Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
– Add more fiber to their diet by including whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
– Make sure they’re getting enough exercise.
– Help them develop good bathroom habits by sitting on the toilet at the same time each day and not holding in stool.
– Try a stool softener or over-the-counter laxative if home remedies don’t work.
Home remedies
There are a number of home remedies that can help relieve constipation in children. These include:
– Give them a 1/2 teaspoon of mineral oil, olive oil or vegetable oil.
– Give them a 1/2 cup of prune or apple juice.
– Give them 1/4 to 1/2 cup of psyllium husk mixed with water.
– Give them 1/2 cup of Aloe Vera juice.
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Foods that help relieve Constipation in Children
There are a number of foods that can help relieve constipation in children.
These include:
– Water: This is the best fluid for preventing and relieving constipation. Make sure your kids have atleast 7-8 glasses of water daily (depending on the age of your kids). Atleast 2 glasses after every meal should work for all ages.
– Fiber-rich foods: These include whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans.
– Probiotic foods: These include yogurt, kefir and fermented foods.
– Oatmeal: This is a good source of soluble fiber, which can help to soften stools.
– Applesauce: This is a good source of pectin, which can help to add bulk to stools.
– Grapes: These contain sorbitol, a natural laxative.
– Prunes: These contain dietary fiber and sorbitol, both of which can help relieve constipation.
– Healthy fats: These include avocados, nuts and seeds.
– Exercise: This helps to stimulate the bowels.
When to see a doctor
If home remedies and lifestyle changes don’t seem to be helping, or if your child is having severe symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. They will be able to rule out any underlying medical conditions and give you more specific advice on how to treat constipation in your child.
Conclusion
Constipation can be uncomfortable and difficult to get rid of, but there are a number of things that you can do to help relieve your child’s symptoms.
These include encouraging them to drink plenty of fluids, adding more fiber to their diet, making sure they’re getting enough exercise, and helping them develop good bathroom habits. If home remedies don’t work, you can also try a stool softener or over-the-counter laxative.
Remember, if none of these remedies work it is better to get a doctor’s consultation.
If your child is suffering from Loose Motions, check out my article on 16 Easy Home Remedies for Loose Motion in Kids
FAQs
What can I give my child for constipation?
There are a number of things you can give your child for constipation, including water, fiber-rich foods, probiotic foods, oatmeal, applesauce, grapes, prunes and healthy fats. You can also try a stool softener or over-the-counter laxative.
How do I know if my child is constipated?
There are a number of signs that your child is constipated, including hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass, straining or crying during bowel movements, pain in the abdomen or rectum, loss of appetite and nausea or vomiting.
How can I prevent constipation in my child?
There are a number of things you can do to prevent constipation in children. These include:
– Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
– Add more fiber to their diet by including whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
– Make sure they’re getting enough exercise.
– Help them develop good bathroom habits by sitting on the toilet at the same time each day and not holding in stool.
What foods will help a child poop?
There are a number of foods that can help relieve constipation in children, including water, fiber-rich foods, probiotic foods, oatmeal, applesauce, grapes, prunes and healthy fats. You can also try a stool softener or over-the-counter laxative.
