I know this may be a rather gross topic to discuss but if you have a small child, you probably have had a constipation problem at least once, if not more. Especially if you have a picky eater like me and who always seems to be struggling with #2. Sometimes they aren’t getting enough fiber in their diets. I know mine isn’t and I try everything to sneak it in – blended up with pasta, compensate with high fiber fruits – but sometimes that just doesn’t help keep her regular.
We’ve got mad poop problems.
It got so bad, my poor little girl would cry every time she had to go, it was heartbreaking because 1. I couldn’t help her and 2. she had no idea how to help herself. I was told to MiraLax if other remedies didn’t work. But after reading this article, I plan on throwing it out and never EVER using it on her or myself. So what are some natural, non-scary-side-effect relievers that will help our kids? Here is a list that helps us out when ever we are in these stinky situations. 5 tried and true home remedies for constipation in children:
1. Prune or Pear Juice.
Both are natural diuretics. Just dilute with water and give to your kiddo. I usually start with either of these to get her going. I even give her pears cut up. I have also heard that prunes (not juice) are jammed packed with fiber and often work better than the juice. Unfortunately my daughter won’t eat that or even the pureed kind, so juice it is!
2. Warm Bath.
Putting your child in a nice warm bath, letting them sit and relax could help things move around. You could also put in 2 tablespoons of baking soda and let you child sit in it for about 5-15 minutes.
3. Lots of Water!
Oh the power of H2O! Give your child plenty of water, it helps more than you know.
4. Massage
Massaging their tummies lightly could help get things moving, but don’t push hard! A gentle massage will do just fine. You can even massage their anus with a warm wash cloth or Q-tip with some Vaseline. That may help open the passage and give relief.
5. Increase Anti-Constipation Super Foods!
As there are some foods to avoid when you child is constipated (banana’s, rice, dairy, pastas, white breads to name a few) there are foods you should totally push them to eat. Pears, peaches, peas, apricots, prunes, broccoli, spinach, brown rice, oat meal, even flax seed.
If these natural remedies don’t help your kiddo, definitely consult with your pediatrician before giving them any of those harsh laxatives. In fact, if you can avoid those at all costs DO! These home remedies may take about 12-24 hours to work, they will eventually do their magic. Keep pumping in some extra fiber in your kids diet, especially those picky eaters – They need it most!
I got 99 problems, and poop is #2.
– Amanda
