Are you worried about your kid’s pooping habits? Does the poo not seem normal – let’s say – either a hard one or difficult to pass, followed by your baby’s uneasiness and crying?
That’s constipation and home remedies focussing on constipation relief for kids can help you greatly in managing your child’s health. It’s common in children up to the age of 3.5 years. As a parent, it is hard to see your baby in this condition, but let’s not get too worried.
However, before moving on to at-home constipation in children treatments, let’s understand why constipation occurs and what are the pediatric constipation treatment guidelines.
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Constipation Relief for Kids – BUT; What is Constipation?
Constipation is a common condition that affects people of all ages, including children and infants.
According to Dr. Nida Badar, a renowned pediatrician with seven years of experience, constipation in kids occurs when the stool becomes hard and difficult to pass, leading to discomfort and pain.
While constipation is not usually a severe medical condition, it is uncomfortable and frustrating for children and their parents.
In this blog, we will discuss the causes of constipation in kids and infants and some home remedies that can provide constipation relief for kids.
Causes of Constipation in Kids and Infants
Constipation in kids and infants can occur due to various factors, including:
- Diet: A diet that lacks fiber or fluids can cause constipation in kids and infants. It is because fiber helps to soften the stool and make it easier to pass, while fluids help to keep the stool moist and prevent it from becoming hard.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can cause constipation in kids and infants.
- Lack of physical activity: If your child does not engage in enough physical activity, they are more likely to experience constipation.
- Toilet training: Children not fully toilet trained may withhold their stool, leading to constipation.
Read more about potty training tips for kids.
How Do You Know If Your Kid has Constipation?
How do you know if your child is suffering from constipation? Of course, the signs and symptoms are obvious. Here we have listed some of the potential symptoms that show your kid has constipation:
- Infrequent bowel movements: It is normal for infants to have multiple bowel movements. As they grow older, the frequency may decrease. However, if a child or infant has less than three bowel movements a week, it may be a sign of constipation.
- Hard, dry stools: Stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass are common signs of constipation.
- Straining: If a child or infant is straining to pass stool, it may be a sign of constipation. They may also appear uncomfortable or in pain while trying to have a bowel movement.
- Abdominal pain or bloating: Constipation can cause abdominal pain or bloating, which can be uncomfortable for children and infants.
- Foul-smelling gas: Foul-smelling gas is a common symptom of constipation in children and infants.
- Stool withholding: In some cases, children may intentionally withhold stool, leading to constipation. It is more common in children who are not fully toilet trained.
Constipation Relief for Kids and Infants – Home Remedies!
How to help kids with constipation? To answer this query, pediatric experts at Mid City Hospital suggest parents can manage their kids’ constipation with many home remedies, including:
Increase Fiber Intake
Fiber is an essential nutrient that helps to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.
Parents can increase their child’s fiber intake by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Foods that are high in fiber include apples, pears, berries, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, oatmeal, brown rice, and lentils.
Parents can also consider adding fiber supplements, such as psyllium husk or methylcellulose, to their child’s diet.
Read more about the best food options for skinny kids.
Offer Plenty of Fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help to soften the stool and make it easier to pass.
Parents should encourage their children to drink water throughout the day and avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice, which can worsen constipation.
If your child is not a fan of plain water, you can add a splash of fruit juice or offer water-rich fruits like watermelon.
Encourage Physical Activity
Physical activity helps to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements. Parents can encourage their children to engage in activities like running, jumping, and playing outside.
They can also consider enrolling their child in sports or dance classes to help them stay active and promote bowel movement.
Establish a Regular Toilet Routine
Establishing a regular toilet routine can help to prevent constipation in children. Parents should encourage their children to use the toilet regularly throughout the day, such as after meals or before bed.
You should ensure your child has access to a comfortable and child-friendly toilet seat and they are not afraid or anxious about using the toilet.
Massage the Belly
Massaging the belly can help to stimulate bowel movement and relieve constipation in kids and infants.
Parents can gently massage their child’s belly in a circular motion, starting at the belly button and working outward. They can also try a warm compress on the child’s belly to help stimulate the bowel movements.
Try Natural Laxatives
Certain foods, such as prunes, figs, and dates, have natural laxative properties that can help to relieve constipation in kids and infants.
You should offer these foods to your child in small quantities or as a snack to help promote bowel movements.
Use a Stool Softener
Stool softeners, such as glycerin suppositories or liquid mineral oil, can help to soften the stool and make it easier to pass.
These remedies can be helpful for children who are experiencing severe constipation. However, parents should always consult their child’s pediatrician before using any medication or stool softener.
Increase Breastfeeding or Formula
This, right here, is your answer on how to relieve constipation in child naturally.
For infants, breastfeeding or formula can help to promote healthy bowel movements. Parents can increase the frequency of breastfeeding or formula feeding for constipation relief for kids and infants.
If the infant is formula-fed, consider switching to a formula that contains prebiotics or probiotics, which can help to promote healthy digestion.
Consult with a Pediatrician
If home remedies do not provide constipation relief for kids, you should try consulting a well-known pediatrician.
The pediatrician can provide advice and recommendations on how to relieve constipation. The doctor may also recommend further testing for constipation in children treatments.
A Last Word from Healthwire!
Constipation can be uncomfortable and frustrating for children and their parents, but many home remedies provide constipation relief for kids.
With the right care and attention, children can maintain healthy bowel movements and avoid the discomfort of constipation.
“Happy Tummy, Happy Baby”
