Constipation in children can be both challenging and uncomfortable. It happens when a child has difficulty passing stools or experiences infrequent bowel movements. The frequency and consistency of bowel movements vary significantly among children—some may pass stools multiple times a day, while others might go only a few times a week. Addressing constipation promptly is crucial to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
Signs and Symptoms of Constipation in Children
Constipation is especially common during transitional phases, such as toilet training or introducing new foods. It may also develop after a painful or distressing bowel movement, causing children to associate discomfort with using the toilet and avoid it altogether.
Here are some common signs and symptoms of constipation in children:
- Stomach cramps: Pain that comes and goes, often described as cramping.
- Reduced appetite: Constipation can make children feel less hungry than usual.
- Irritability: Cranky or irritable behavior is often a response to the discomfort caused by constipation.
- Anal fissures: Small tears in the skin around the anus that can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements, often resulting from straining.
- Holding-on behaviors: Actions like squatting, crossing legs, or refusing to use the toilet as they try to avoid the discomfort of passing stool.
In cases of prolonged constipation, a child’s abdomen may appear bloated, and you may feel hard lumps of stool when gently pressing their tummy. Long-term constipation can lead to soiling, medically known as encopresis or fecal incontinence, caused by an overstretched rectum. This condition makes it difficult for the child to sense the need to use the toilet, leading to involuntary leakage of stool.
What Causes Constipation?
While most cases of constipation in children do not stem from serious medical conditions, several factors can contribute:
- Natural tendency: Some children naturally have slower bowel movements.
- Bowel habits: Ignoring the urge to go to the toilet can lead to harder stools and more discomfort.
- Holding-on behavior: Fear of pain from previous bowel movements can make children avoid using the toilet.
- Changes in toilet environment: Unfamiliar or unappealing toilets, such as those at school, may discourage use.
- Dietary factors: Diets low in fiber or high in processed foods can lead to constipation. Excessive cow’s milk intake is another contributing factor.
- Underlying conditions: Rare medical issues like nerve-related bowel disorders or metabolic conditions may be the cause.
Effective Natural Remedies for Constipation in Children
When it comes to alleviating constipation in children, natural remedies often provide safe and effective relief. Fruits and juices with specific nutrients can help regulate bowel movements while being gentle on a child’s digestive system. Here are some of the best options:
1. Prunes and Prune Juice
Prunes have been a go-to remedy for constipation for generations, thanks to their combination of beneficial compounds:
- Pectin: A soluble fiber that softens stools.
- Sorbitol: A sugar alcohol with mild laxative properties.
- Polyphenols: Plant-based compounds that promote healthy gut bacteria and regular bowel movements.
Undiluted prune juice can work wonders for relieving constipation in children. Use the guideline of 1 ounce of juice per month of age, but avoid giving more than 4 ounces daily to prevent diarrhea in children over 4 months old.
2. Apricots and Apricot Juice
If your child doesn’t enjoy prune juice, apricots are an excellent alternative. Rich in fiber and sorbitol, apricots support smoother digestion. A study even highlighted the effectiveness of apricot juice in bowel preparation for medical procedures. You can use fresh or dried apricots, or apricot juice, as part of your child’s diet to ease constipation.
3. Pears and Pear Juice
Pears are another fiber-rich fruit that naturally helps regulate digestion. Their high fructose content acts as a natural laxative. Serve your child sliced pears with the skin on for maximum fiber, or offer a few ounces of pear juice to encourage smoother bowel movements.
4. Apples and Apple Juice
Apples are a kid-friendly choice packed with pectin, which helps stools form properly. Encourage your child to eat apple slices with the peel for added fiber. Alternatively, give them a small amount of undiluted apple juice daily to improve digestion. If constipation persists after a few days, consult your pediatrician for further advice.
5. Kiwi
Kiwi is a fantastic source of fiber and contains actinidin, a unique protein that aids digestion. A recent study showed that kiwi is as effective as prunes and psyllium (the active ingredient in Metamucil) for treating constipation, with fewer side effects. Serve kiwi as a puree or in bite-sized pieces. You can even eat the skin, which is rich in fiber—just wash it thoroughly first.
Preventing Constipation Naturally
Once your child’s constipation is resolved, taking steps to prevent recurrence is crucial. Here are five key strategies to maintain healthy bowel habits:
1. Ensure Proper Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for healthy digestion. Water helps soften stools, making them easier to pass. When children don’t drink enough fluids, their body compensates by drawing water from the gut, leading to hard, dry stools. Encourage your child to drink water regularly, avoiding sugary drinks like soda and sweetened beverages. The amount of water needed depends on age and activity levels.
2. Increase Fiber Intake
Fiber plays a significant role in preventing constipation. It comes in two forms:
- Soluble fiber: Dissolves in water and helps soften hard stools.
- Insoluble fiber: Adds bulk to stool and stimulates gut movement.
Incorporate high-fiber foods into your child’s diet, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Beans and legumes
- Whole grains, such as oats and brown rice
- Nuts and seeds
Here are tips to make high-fiber foods appealing to kids:
- Chop vegetables and add them to familiar dishes like macaroni and cheese or pizza.
- Use whole-grain bread for sandwiches or French toast.
- Choose cereals with whole grains as the main ingredient.
- Pair peanut butter with fruits like apples or vegetables like celery.
- Bake muffins with flaxseed, fruits, or vegetables for a fiber boost.
If your child struggles to eat enough fiber, consider a fiber supplement. Consult your healthcare provider before introducing supplements, and ensure your child drinks plenty of water to avoid worsening constipation.
Natural Ways to Support Regular Digestion
In addition to dietary changes, certain habits and lifestyle adjustments can help maintain regular bowel movements in children. Here are some proven strategies:
1. Probiotic-Rich Foods
Probiotics, also known as “good bacteria,” are live microorganisms that support gut health. In adults, studies show that probiotics can:
- Enhance gut motility and peristalsis (the movement of the digestive tract).
- Shorten the transit time for stool to move through the gut.
- Ease stool passage and reduce stomach pain.
However, the evidence for probiotics in preventing constipation in children is less clear, possibly due to differences in gut bacteria between children and adults. Nevertheless, including probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or certain cheeses can be beneficial. Be cautious with dairy intake, as excessive consumption may worsen constipation in some children.
2. Encourage Regular Exercise
Exercise is essential for maintaining overall health and plays a role in preventing constipation. It helps stimulate the nerves that assist in moving stool through the digestive tract and promotes gut motility. Active kids are less likely to experience constipation, as studies suggest.
Encourage toddlers to stay active throughout the day and ensure older children get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity daily. Activities like running, playing, or even simple stretching can contribute to healthy digestion.
3. Establish a Potty Routine
Creating a regular toilet routine helps train the bowel to empty at the same time each day. Utilize the body’s natural gastrocolic reflex, which occurs about 20 minutes after eating. Encourage your child to sit on the toilet for 5 minutes after breakfast to take advantage of this reflex.
Proper positioning also aids in comfortable bowel movements. The squatting position is ideal, and you can support your child by:
- Providing a stool for their feet if they use an adult toilet.
- Ensuring their knees are above their hips to relax the pelvic muscles.
- Keeping the experience pressure-free to help them stay relaxed and comfortable.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most cases of constipation can be managed at home, certain situations require professional medical advice. Consult a doctor if:
- Your baby under 12 months old shows signs of constipation.
- Your older child’s constipation doesn’t improve with dietary changes or natural remedies.
- Your child experiences significant pain or bleeding during bowel movements.
Your pediatrician may recommend laxative treatments for chronic constipation, often in combination with encouraging healthy bowel habits. These medications may need to be used for several months for long-term relief.
The Bottom Line
Constipation is a common issue among kids, but it’s manageable with natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments. Fruits like prunes, apples, pears, and their juices are effective first-line options. If constipation persists beyond a few days, consult your pediatrician about appropriate medications or further evaluation.
Preventing constipation is equally important. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water, eat a fiber-rich diet, stay active, and develop a regular, stress-free toileting routine. These steps will support healthy digestion and foster long-term bowel health.
