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Inside: Discover 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 movements) is one of them.
Constipation (or the inability to evacuate one’s bowels) is one of all moms’ biggest fears when transitioning their little ones from breast milk or infant formula to whole milk and solids.
As moms, it is 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 remedies 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
If your toddler is experiencing constipation, there are several natural remedies that you can try at home to help them get some relief. These remedies are easy to do and effective in preventing constipation in toddlers.
Here are a few suggestions that you might find helpful in no particular order:
1. A 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 effective.
If you prefer online shopping, you can also check out an array of fresh, dried, frozen, and canned fruits in Amazon’s grocery and gourmet food section.
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 drink at least 1-3 8-oz cups of water (not including their milk, juice, or 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.
Electrolyte powder is another solution to keep your toddler well-hydrated. With a simple addition to their favorite drink, you can keep them hydrated throughout the day. Trust us, and add this electrolyte powder to their daily routine today!
Related articles about toddlers:
- When to Flip the Mattress: Timing the Switch to the Toddler Side
- Toddler Diaper Bag Essentials (Checklist)
- How to Teach Your Toddler to Wash Their Hands Good
- Easy Tips to Prepare Your Toddler for His First Visit to the Dentist
3. A nice and relaxing massage
A tummy massage can be very beneficial to your toddler. Always be gentle and apply light pressure to avoid discomfort or hurting their delicate stomachs.
Another effective massage technique is to move their legs back and forth as if they were riding a bicycle. This can help “get 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 toddler should always be active. Allocate time for them to dance, jump, play, walk, and run around outside. Exercise can help the digestive system get moving.
If the weather doesn’t allow outdoor activities, you can always have fun with your toddlers indoors. Take that to your advantage and spend quality time with them. Nothing is more fun than being with your toddlers and enjoying each other!
We have compiled a list of fun physical activities you can enjoy with your toddlers, whatever the weather!
- 9+ Fun Gross Motor Skill Activities for Your Energetic Toddlers
- The Best Indoor Activities for Toddlers
5. Consistent potty schedule
Evacuating bowel movements regularly is a significant factor in helping your little humans create the 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 at 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 bodies work. 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 a younger toddler.
Related articles about parenting a toddler:
- Daily Toddler Schedule (Free Sample Routine)
- How to Handle Temper Tantrums in Toddlers
- Homemade Christmas Ornaments to Make with Toddlers
Additional All-Natural Constipation Relief Options
These holistic interventions are made solely from natural ingredients suitable for your baby and the environment.
- Apply a cloth lightly soaked in this castor oil blended with beneficial herbs to your toddler’s belly and cover with a heating pad. This can help soothe pain, reduce inflammation, and promote bowel movement.
- Rub a pea-sized dollop of this Good Night Lotion into your little one’s tummy approximately 15 minutes before bedtime or any time of day depending on your toddler’s needs.
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 for babies and toddlers?
However, don’t panic just yet. Instead, take a moment to think about the reason behind it and remember 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 won’t work by then, a little medication can’t hurt (the keyword is little). They may not be natural ways, but they can immensely alleviate your little one’s pain and discomfort.
There are several other useful remedies that you can purchase over the counter or online.
At a certain point, when my toddlers were experiencing constipation, I was too scared to take chances and decided to use Milk of Magnesia and MiraLAX with their pediatrician’s reassurance. They guaranteed me that these laxatives were safe to use. Fortunately for me, it worked and gave them a pain-free cleanout.
Emphasis: The MiraLAX website clearly states that it must not be used for more than seven days in a row and is strictly meant for once-a-day usage.
Warning: Always consult your child’s pediatrician before giving them any medication for constipation. Laxatives should not be used for extended periods.
Hang in there, mama! This, too, shall pass.
If you find these home remedies for constipation in toddlers helpful, share them with your friends.
Please don’t forget to check out my other motherhood and baby-related articles and let me know your thoughts.
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Thank you for stopping by! I appreciate it! Truly!
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!
Elizabeth | Tiredmom Supermom says
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!
Donna says
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!
Rebecca says
“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! 😉
Donna says
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!
Kate Murray says
This came up so many times for me when my kids were little….great advice!!
Donna says
Aw… Poor babes… I’m sorry and thank you, Kate!