7 Tips To Fight Constipation In Children

In this article, we will provide 7 tips to combat constipation in children, which can be caused by a number of factors. 

In children, the digestive system is more sensitive than in adults. It is also quite difficult to get children to eat a balanced diet. They often want to eat sweet and fatty foods instead of vegetables and natural foods.

This obviously has a major impact on the digestive process. Although children have healthy organs, complications can arise when a child does not eat enough fiber or is not properly hydrated.

That is why it is important to teach children that it is important to follow a proper diet to avoid these problems.

You can start by feeding them healthier food. For example, consider a fruit salad. If your child rejects it completely, try adding chocolate chips or a topping he likes to try out new options.

Solutions to fight constipation in children

One of the most common digestive problems in children is constipation.

However, constipation in children can also be caused by stress caused by the parents or by other factors independent of their diet.

Below we will tell you seven ways to combat childhood constipation. It never hurts to know about these types of home remedies. They can help prevent you from having to go to the pediatrician or emergency room.

1. Be aware of excessive sugar intake

As we mentioned before, children can be quite attached to their sugar intake because candy is a very attractive product to them.

However, there is some evidence that when a child is under 6 years old, it is normal for them to have problems processing sugar.

Therefore, it is a common mistake mothers make to use jam as a remedy for constipation in children.

These jams and other sweet spreads are high in sugars so are unlikely to be digested properly. They can also lead to the development of other gastrointestinal problems.

It must also be said that plum jam or compote, the type of jam most mothers use for childhood constipation, is too strong for children under 2 years of age.

This mixture can cause intestinal gas, colic and stomach pain.

It is recommended to use fruit rich in fiber and make the jam at home. You know for sure that it is a completely organic product.

2. Feed your child grapes in the morning

Another remedy for constipation in children is eating grapes. These fruits are easy to digest and it promotes the digestion process. This relieves constipation.

To reap the full benefits of these fruits, it is best to feed your child between 6 and 8 grapes, with skins, in the morning. Then wait 20 minutes before having breakfast.

In addition, to avoid chronic constipation, you should check that your child does not suffer from any intolerances. This can be the cause of recurring intestinal problems.

3. High Fiber Diet

Good digestion mainly depends on the intake of fiber. Fiber is responsible for ensuring that waste moves more smoothly through the intestinal tract.

So, one of the recipes against constipation in children is undoubtedly a plate of whole grains.

You can also give your child a breakfast of whole grains and a fruit salad, such as strawberry, kiwi or pear.

This way , your child can start the day absorbing the fiber from fruits and grains.

Keep in mind that the amount of fiber a child is allowed to consume can be determined by adding 5 to the age. So if a child is 9 years old, the recommended amount of fiber is 14 grams per day.

4. Avoid These Foods

Without a doubt, there are certain foods that make constipation worse  and may even cause this problem.

Therefore, we must avoid feeding them to our children in harmful excessive amounts at all costs.

The child should not eat sweets or sweets regularly. He should also avoid ice cream, cheese, whole milk, and white bread.

5. Be mindful of hydration

One of the best ways to combat constipation in children has to do with hydration.

Drinking water helps to quench our thirst and it also greatly affects our digestion.

If it is difficult for an adult to drink enough water, it is even more so for a child. Children usually prefer tasty drinks, especially the sweet ones.

Therefore, you can choose to use water bottles with their favorite characters on them. If the packaging is eye-catching, it will be more attractive to children.

6. Massage with olive oil and warm water

This is a very effective remedy for constipation in children. It is a trick or home remedy that always works.

If your child is constipated, give him a warm bath lasting at least 15 minutes to completely relax his body.

Then use olive oil to massage the abdominal area in circular motions. Move clockwise.

This will improve bowel movements and relieve constipation.

7. Be mindful of stress

One of the causes of constipation in children can be stress. Children relate this sensation to the control of the sphincter.

Therefore, if you’ve been very strict with them, or yelled at them, or demanded too much from them, it’s normal for this gut problem to arise.

In these cases, the best thing you can do is to consider the cause and talk to your child so that he or she calms down as soon as possible.