7 Simple Remedies For Constipation In Children

Constipation in children can be a cause for concern for parents. Although it does not usually cause serious consequences, the discomfort it produces in the minor are sufficient reasons to be alarmed. What can be done to speed up your relief?

Bearing in mind that the general recommendation is always to go to the pediatrician first to explore why, there are some home remedies that can help improve symptoms and reduce the need to use synthetic laxatives or unpleasant products for infants.

How about we take them into account from now on?

Simple remedies to control constipation in children

Constipation is a very common problem in children and babies, as bowel movements and sphincter relaxation have not yet matured enough. Therefore, before resorting to laxatives or medications , it is recommended to go to the pediatrician to assess the possibility of introducing changes in lifestyle.

The remedies basically consist of increasing the intake of fiber, water and other key elements for digestion. This is stated by a study published in 2019. In addition, simple strategies that affect the prevention of intestinal problems must be implemented.

1. Beware of sugar

A common strategy many mothers follow when their children have trouble going to the bathroom is to give them fruit jams. You need to be careful with that:

• Both jams and juices tend to have a certain percentage of sugar that children do not synthesize well and that cause intestinal problems.
• It is also interesting to know that for young children (those under 2 years old) the plum jam is a “little strong”, gas can appear, so it will always be more appropriate to replace it with pear, which is softer and better digested.

• Try to make the jams yourself so that it is 100% fruit. And remember that natural fruit will always be better than juices. In this way the child takes better advantage of the fiber present in the fruit.

2. Fasting grapes

They are great, they digest well, they are tasty and a very common remedy to relieve constipation in children. In addition, they contain nutrients with antioxidant properties to help them stay healthy.

• It would be perfect if as soon as they got up they ate between 6 and 8 grapes, skin included. They must chew it well. About 30 minutes later, you can give them their usual breakfast.

3. More fiber

To combat constipation in children, it is ideal that you give them whole grains. Include, for example, good whole grains without sugar in their breakfast and make sure that the bread they eat does not contain excessive refined flours.

• You can prepare a good bowl with pieces of strawberry, pear, kiwi, walnuts and some small strokes of sugar-free chocolate to make their breakfasts healthier and more fun.  In this way they obtain fiber in the always healthy fruits.
• It should also be noted that, in the case of children, the recommended amount of fiber is their age plus 5. That is, if your child is 4 years old, the ideal amount would be 9 grams of fiber per day.

Keep in mind that regular consumption of this substance has proven to be essential in order to prevent constipation. Increases intestinal motility and causes positive changes in the microbiota.

4. Avoid certain foods

Children tend to love sweets, cakes, pastries and the like. However, it is necessary that from a very young age we guide them in the need to eat healthily.

• Keep in mind that creamy milk, cheese, ice cream, white rice or sliced ​​white bread  do not digest very well in children’s bodies.

5. Increase the water

We know. Children often have a hard time drinking water, but it is necessary that they are always well hydrated  so that their organs can function normally. Now, how can we get the children to drink a little more water?

• Buy funny bottles, try to make the container attract them, so that they are encouraged to drink water. Don’t forget the classic lemon juice droplet trick either: that way the water is no longer so boring.

Don’t forget that fluid intake helps lubricate the stool and reduce constipation in children. This is evidenced by an investigation published in Jornal de Pediatria.

6. A hot water bath and a massage with olive oil

An old widely spread trick. When your children are constipated, give them a hot bath (bearable for their skin) and allow them to relax for about 15 minutes.

Afterwards, give them a circular massage on the abdomen with a few drops of olive oil. They will feel more relaxed and we will facilitate intestinal transit.

7. Keep them away from stress

There is an important aspect that we must never ignore: children express their problems many times through this type of process.

For example, if we have recently scolded them for wetting the bed, or we have demanded too much of them in their behavior, it is common for them to somaticize this stress with sphincter control. They hold him out of anxiety or nervousness.

Talk to your child, offer him confidence and support, since, many times, constipation in children tends to have an emotional origin.

Change habits to reduce constipation

As you have seen, it is necessary to promote good dietary habits to avoid or treat constipation in children. Although it can be an annoying problem, the solution is often simple, you just have to find the correct key.