Constipation Remedies for Toddlers

Constipation is a common condition in adults as well as kids. In case of a newborn, the very first bowel movement will be blackish, sticky and tarry. This transforms to mustard-colored watery stools after a few days. Even the frequency of bowel movements in infants is high. Gradually the stools become somewhat harder and the frequency of bowel movements too drop to normal. However due to various reasons, toddlers too face constipation. In case of constipation, the baby does not pass stools for around two to three days and the stools become so hard, that is causes painful bowel movements. Instead of opting for over the counter laxatives, you may try natural constipation remedies for toddlers.

Home Remedies for Constipation in Toddlers

Even though, there are various over the counter and prescription medicines that are used for treating constipation in toddlers, it is always better to resort to the age-old remedies. Constipation symptoms include less frequent bowel movements, discomfort and pain during passing stools and hard, pellet-like stools. There are various causes of toddler constipation like, an improper diet, less intake of water and lack of sufficient physical activities. It is also said that the body takes time to get adjusted to the newly introduced solid food, in case of toddlers and this can be one of the reasons for constipation in babies. Whatever may be the reason, you can relieve this condition with some natural constipation remedies.

Diet and Water Consumption
It is a common fact that diet plays a vital role in bowel movements. In case of toddlers too, processed and junk food can lead to constipation, due to lack of fiber. Add more fruits (like apples, apricots, pear and grapes), fruit juices and vegetables (carrots, peas, squash and green beans) to the baby's diet. Feed your baby with high-fiber foods like whole grains and beans. It is better to avoid bananas. Another important factor is consumption of water. As the water intake increases, the chances of developing constipation reduces.

Physical Activities and Potty Training
Encouraging your baby to play and thereby increasing his/her physical activities is also one of the constipation remedies for toddlers. Take your baby for daily walks and play with him/her. You may also massage your baby's body, especially the stomach, on a daily basis, as this may help preventing constipation. It may also happen that your baby does not like to spend time on a potty or may get carried away with playing. In such cases, he/she may avoid passing stools and simply ignore the urge. So, fix a timing for passing stools and make your baby understand that he/she has to use the potty on time. So, a proper potty training is also very essential. Even a warm water bath may stimulate bowel movements in your kid.

Natural Constipation Remedies
Adopting the above said measures in itself may prove beneficial in relieving toddler constipation symptoms. But sometimes these measures may fail to counter the condition. In such cases, you may resort to some constipation remedies for children. You might have heard about the use of prune juice for constipation in infants. It is one of the popular and widely used remedies for constipation in newborns, infants and toddlers. One ounce of prune juice with same amount of water can be given to babies, twice a day. There are various other constipation in children home remedies like, castor oil, which has to be added with milk (one teaspoon for a glass of milk) and juice of soaked raisins.

However, it is always better to use these natural remedies in moderation. You may also seek the opinion of your pediatrician, before using these constipation remedies for toddlers. In case of chronic constipation in toddlers, you may have to seek medical attention.