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Inside: Proven methods for curing or preventing constipation in your toddlers. Read on and discover how these can work wonders for your little ones!
Introducing something new to our toddlers can mess up their digestive system causing them to experience various things. Constipation (better known as hard bowel movement) is one of them.
Constipation (or the inability to evacuate one’s bowels) is one of all moms’ biggest fears when transitioning our little ones from breast milk or infant formula to whole milk and solids.
As moms, it is only customary to 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 the top 5 natural constipation reliefs for toddlers.
Your comfort is essential to me, my child…
~ Anonymous
Disclaimer: While I am a healthcare professional with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology/Laboratory Science and 19 years of professional excellence under my belt, I am not a doctor. The information listed on this blog is merely for educational purposes and should be thoroughly discussed with your healthcare provider.
5 Natural Ways to Prevent or Treat Toddler Constipation
These remedies can be done at home and help prevent constipation in toddlers naturally. Here they are in no particular order:
1. Fruit and vegetable diet
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 a large berry with a single seed!) are great for relieving constipation.
Vegetables like lentils, beans, broccoli, and sweet potatoes effectively treat constipation. Always include fruits and vegetables in your toddler’s diet; they will be on their way to pooping regularly with ease!
If you live in a state with limited resources and don’t garden, you can always resort to canned, frozen, and even dried versions 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 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, essential elements everyone needs (We can’t survive past 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 beverages) every day.
Prune juice can help with constipation as well. If you are scared of the sugar content of the liquid, you can always dilute it with water.
Related article about toddlers:
Toddler Diaper Bag Essentials (Checklist)
Easy Tips to Prepare your Toddler for His First Visit to the Dentist
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 delicate stomachs.
Another helpful technique is grabbing their legs and moving them to and fro (like riding a bicycle). This will allow getting things moving (Ha!).
To see exactly what I am talking about, here’s a beneficial video from Channel Mum showing you the proper baby massage techniques:
4. Engage in physical activities
Your toddlers should always be 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 their homes. Take that to your advantage. Nothing is 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 significant factor in helping your little humans create a habit of going even when they are having a hard time.
It is just a biological thing.
Think of your biological clocks. Do you notice that when you consecutively wake up every 5 in the morning for several days and decide to sleep in one day, you still wake up at the very same time?
That is how our body works; our little toddlers’ bodies are no different.
Scheduling a regular potty time can work wonders too. It would help if you tried it out.
[By the way, if you are searching for a durable potty chair, check this out. It looks and feels natural; 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.]
Related article about parenting a toddler:
Daily Toddler Schedule (Free Sample Routine)
How to Handle Temper Tantrums in Toddlers
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 note that every toddler is different.
In addition, watch out for signs to make sure your toddler has a problem pooping.
If you are sure these home remedies don’t work by then, a little medication can’t hurt. They may not be natural ways, but they can immensely alleviate your little one’s pain and discomfort.
You can buy some other helpful remedies over-the-counter or online as well.
At some point, my toddlers had tried some Milk of Magnesia and Miralax when I got way too scared to take chances. Their pediatrician assured me that they were safe to use. Fortunately for me, it worked and gave them a pain-free cleanout.
Hang in there, mama! This, too, shall pass.
Reminder: Always consult your pediatrician before giving anything to your children.
If you find these home remedies to constipation in toddlers helpful, share them with your friends.
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Talk to you soon,
Do you have any natural cures for constipation in toddlers?
Please leave them in the comment section below to help a fellow mama. See you around!
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!