Sneh Children Hospital

Top 10 Home Remedies for Constipation in Toddlers.

Pediatric Doctor in Ahmedabad

If you’ve been constipated as an adult, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Now imagine being a baby, toddler, or young child with constipation. They don’t understand what’s happening, and depending on their age, they can’t always communicate their symptoms. Constipation is infrequent bowel movements, typically fewer than three in a week. It is a common problem in children. If you have just introduced solid food to your child, it will take time for their tummy to adjust to that food. Your little one may not poop for days, and when they do, it might be too hard. They may even lose their appetite. All these signs indicate constipation. If your child is constipated, you’ll want to figure out how to make them feel better. Although you might consider giving over-the-counter medicines, the best pediatric doctor in Ahmedabad generally does not recommend them for toddlers. Instead, you can opt for safe home remedies that can provide immediate relief. Here are some effective home remedies for toddler constipation recommended by the child specialist in Ahmedabad. Let’s take a look in depth.

Home Remedies For Toddler Constipation By Pediatric Doctor in Ahmedabad:

Lemon Juice:

Lemon juice is an excellent remedy for constipation in toddlers. Lemons are rich in Vitamin C, which helps draw water into the gut. This increased water content softens the stools and stimulates bowel movements. To use this remedy, mix the juice of half a lemon in a glass of warm water, add a little honey, and give it to your child. Ideally, they should drink it early in the morning on an empty stomach.

This morning routine can help stimulate bowel movements and ease constipation. In addition to lemon juice, prune juice and apple juice are effective options, according to a child specialist in Ahmedabad, for relieving toddler constipation. These juices are gentle on the stomach and can help your little one quickly return to regular bowel movements.

Papaya:

Papaya is a wonderful natural remedy for constipation in toddlers due to its digestive enzymes, which help break down food and soften stools. This makes it easier for your child to pass bowel movements comfortably. You can prepare papaya by mashing it into a smooth consistency, making it an ideal snack or dessert for your little one. Not only is papaya delicious and sweet but it’s also packed with vitamins and nutrients that support overall digestive health. Offering mashed papaya can help keep your child’s digestive system running smoothly and prevent constipation.

Water is always the best choice!:

It might seem obvious, but parents sometimes overlook whether their children drink enough water. Staying hydrated is crucial for proper digestion and smooth passage of food through the intestines. Drinking enough water also prevents stools from becoming dry and hard. As the best pediatric doctor in Ahmedabad, ensure your child drinks water daily to stay hydrated and support healthy digestion.

Flaxseeds And Honey:

Honey not only strengthens the immune system but also aids digestion. To help your child with constipation, add 1-2 spoonfuls of honey to a glass of milk and give it to them on an empty stomach. Flax seeds are another effective remedy for constipation. Boil some flax seeds in water, strain the mixture, and give the flaxseed water to your child. This natural remedy can help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.

Encourage them to do physical exercise and warm baths:

Lack of physical activity can lead to digestion problems and a slower metabolism, worsening constipation symptoms. Keeping your toddler active every day can stimulate their bowel movements. Ensure your child plays outdoors for at least an hour each day. Additionally, a warm bath can provide relief from constipation. Add a few spoons of baking soda to the bathwater and let your child relax for ten to fifteen minutes. This can help soothe their tummy and ease constipation.

Increase Fibre Intake:

Consuming fruits and vegetables high in fibre helps promote regular bowel movements. If your child eats rice cereal, consider switching to barley cereal. Pairing barley cereal with fruit juice can provide relief from constipation. Include fibre-rich vegetables like beans, spinach, sweet potatoes, and broccoli in your child’s diet, along with fruits such as oranges and apricots, to prevent constipation. Additionally, giving your child corn syrup can be beneficial, as it contains sugar-based proteins that stimulate bowel movements.

Blackberries:

Blackberries are highly effective in stimulating peristaltic movement, the wave-like contractions in the digestive tract that push food forward. This helps reset bowel movements to a routine and aids in passing stool. For best results, dilute blackberry juice with water and have your child consume it on an empty stomach.

Banana And Hot Water:

According to a pediatric doctor in Ahmedabad, this popular remedy for constipation involves combining bananas with hot water. Consuming this mixture first thing in the morning is known to aid digestion, which helps relieve constipation. Bananas are fibre-rich, which helps regulate bowel movements, making this an effective and simple solution.

Milk Of Magnesia:

Many people use milk of magnesia to treat constipation, as it acts as a laxative. It works by drawing water into the intestines, which triggers bowel movements. However, it should be used only for a short duration. Mix a spoonful of magnesia powder with milk and give it to your child, but try this remedy only after consulting with the best pediatric doctor in Ahmedabad.

Probiotic Powder:

Consider adding a sprinkle of probiotics to your toddler’s routine. These friendly bacteria promote a healthy gut and help regulate bowel movements. Consult a child specialist in Ahmedabad for age-appropriate probiotic options to help your little one say goodbye to constipation.

When to consult with a pediatric doctor in Ahmedabad:

If you try a natural remedy for a day or two and it doesn’t show the desired results, consult the best pediatric doctor in Ahmedabad immediately. Additionally, if your child is constipated for more than two weeks, seek medical help.

Wrapping Up:

Constipation in toddlers can be challenging, but natural remedies like lemon juice, papaya, honey, flax seeds, fiber-rich foods, physical activity, and probiotics can offer relief. Ensuring proper hydration and incorporating gentle treatments like warm baths with baking soda can also help. Always consult the best pediatric doctor in Ahmedabad before trying remedies like milk of magnesia. If natural solutions don’t work within a couple of days or if constipation persists for over two weeks, seek medical advice from a child specialist in Ahmedabad.

Dr. Khanjan Shah

Dr. Khanjan Shah

Dr. Khanjan Shah, M.D. in Pediatrics with a Fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care, is the author of this article. He ensures that all information provided from Sneh Children Hospital is backed by thorough research conducted by himself and other specialists, guaranteeing authenticity and reliability.