Introducing something new to our toddlers can mess up their digestive system causing them to experience a variety of things. Constipation (hard bowel movement) is one of them.
Constipation (or the inability to evacuate one’s bowels) is one of all moms’ biggest fears when it comes to transitioning our little ones from breast milk or infant formula to whole milk and solids.
As moms, it is only customary that we do anything and everything for our children, and relieving them of pain and discomfort is just one of them. To save you time, I put together 5 natural cures to constipation in toddlers.
Your comfort is essential to me, my child…
~ Anonymous
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Disclaimer: While I am a healthcare professional with 16 years of experience under my belt, I am not a doctor. The information listed on this blog is merely for educational purposes only and should be discussed in full with your healthcare provider.
How to Prevent or Remedy Constipation in Toddlers Naturally
These remedies can be done at home and can also help prevent constipation in toddlers naturally. Here they are in no particular order:
1. Fruit and vegetable diet
Now, not all fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and can help alleviate your toddler’s discomfort, so be very wary of which ones to give them.
To name a few, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, pears, kiwis, plums, and avocados (And yes! Avocado is a fruit. It is actually a large berry with a single seed!) are great for relieving constipation.
Vegetables, like lentils, beans, broccoli, and sweet potatoes are very effective in treating constipation as well. Always include fruits and vegetables in your toddler’s diet and he/she will be on his/her way to pooping regularly with ease!
[If you live somewhere with limited resources and you don’t garden, you can always resort to canned, frozen, and even dried version of the fruits I have mentioned. They are just as nutritious and just as effective. You can also check out an array of fresh, dried, frozen and canned fruits in the grocery and gourmet food section of Amazon, if you prefer to do online shopping.]
2. Increase fluid intake
Water may not be the tastiest liquid there is, but it is one of the most, if not the most, important element everyone needs (We can’t survive pass 3-5 days without it!).
Let your toddlers take at least 1-3 8-oz cups of water (not including their milk, juice, and other types of healthy beverage) everyday. Prune juice can help with constipation as well. If you are scared of the sugar content of the juice, you can always dilute it with water.
3. A nice and relaxing massage
A gentle tummy massage can be very beneficial to your toddlers. Do it in a circular motion making sure not to press too hard to avoid hurting their very delicate stomachs.
Another helpful technique is to grab their legs and move them to and fro (like they are riding a bicycle). This will allow to get things moving (Ha!).
4. Engage in physical activities
Your toddlers should be always active. Allot time for them to dance, jump, play, walk, and run around outside. Exercising can help the digestive system to get moving.
If the weather doesn’t permit it, they can always do all of that in the comfort of your homes. Take that to your advantage. There is nothing more fun than being with your toddlers, just enjoying each other!
Hands On As We Grow has a great list of fun physical activities you can do with your toddlers.
5. Consistent potty schedule
Evacuating bowel movements on the regular is a big factor to help your little humans create a habit of going even when they are having a hard time to. It is just a biological thing.
Think of your biological clocks. Do you notice that when you wake up every 5 in the morning for a number of days consecutively and you decide to sleep in one day, you still wake up the very same time? That is how our body works and our little toddlers’ bodies are no different.
Scheduling a regular potty time can work wonders too. You should try it out.
[By the way, if you are in search for a durable potty chair, check this out. It looks and feels real, your little goober will enjoy going to the potty every time. Con: If you plan to potty-train earlier, this isn’t suitable for a baby younger than 18 months. Another one you can check out is this ergonomic and sturdy potty chair for the younger toddler.]
Check out this amazing method by Becky Mansfield of Your Modern Family and learn an awesome way to potty-train your toddler in just 3 short days! My little boy started training the second week of July. He started going to Preschool on the 20th this month. All thanks to this eBook!
Conclusion to Natural Remedies to Constipation in Toddlers
Though common, not having to defecate can take a toll on anyone’s body. How much more on babies and toddlers?!
However, before panicking, think of the “why” first and take note that every toddler is different.
In addition, watch out for signs and make sure that your toddler does have a problem pooping.
If by then you are certain and these home remedies don’t work, a little medication can’t hurt. They may not be natural ways, but they can immensely alleviate your little ones’ pain and discomfort.
You can buy some other helpful remedies over-the-counter or online as well.
My toddlers had tried some Milk of Magnesia and Miralax, at some point, when I got way too scared to take chances. Their pediatrician assured me that they were absolutely safe to use. Fortunately for me, it worked and gave them a pain-free clean out.
Hang in there, mama! This too shall pass.
Reminder: Always consult your pediatrician before giving anything to your children.
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5 Natural Cures to Constipation in Toddlers
Toddler constipation is horrible to deal with! My kids get super whiny when their tummies are sore and my go to is the frozen fruit (they eat it like it’s going out of style) and tons of fluids. Usually, they are pooping by the end of the day. I hate when their little tummies are sore!
I can’t agree with you more, Elizabeth. It breaks my heart every time. My little girl suffered from constipation real bad when she was really little. Fruits are the best for it and fluids too!
“This too shall pass” hahahaha!
I have no children of my own yet, but a couple of my friends and family members recently had babies, so I find this article interesting for their children. And it’s worth keeping these strategies in mind for adults too! 😉
You are so right! It will be worse before it gets better. Keep that quote in mind. You will have a good headstart! And… I agree, these natural cures for constipation will work for adults too! Thank you for stopping by, Rebecca!
This came up so many times for me when my kids were little….great advice!!
Aw… Poor babes… I’m sorry and thank you, Kate!