HealthHow to Treat and Prevent Constipation in Kids

How to Treat and Prevent Constipation in Kids

Constipation is a common condition among youngsters. Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel motions in a week. In many circumstances, kid constipation is temporary and can be treated.

Encourage your child to make modest dietary changes to help relieve constipation, such as eating more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables and drinking more water. If your child’s doctor agrees, laxatives may be used to treat constipation in children. Below are a few tips for constipation remedies and how to prevent it in kids.

How to prevent and treat constipation?

The same items that relieve constipation can help prevent constipation in your child.

Make sure your child gets adequate fiber in his or her diet and drinks lots of water and other liquids. Make it a habit for your youngster to have a bowel movement.

Constipation is simple to cure and even avoid. You won’t have to put your child on meds or take severe steps for the remainder of their lives. Make the following lifestyle adjustments instead to help your child avoid and treat constipation.

1. Put fluids first

Liquids assist your child in moving stool through his or her intestines. Every day, school-aged youngsters require at least 3-4 glasses of water. If your child is having trouble with something, consider feeding them prune juice every day until the problem goes away.

2. Increase fiber intake

Because fiber isn’t easily digested, it aids in the movement of stool through your child’s intestines. Fruits, vegetables, oats, popcorn, and other whole grains are high in fiber. Slowly introduce fiber to your child’s diet. As you boost fiber, drink more water and other fluids because water helps fiber go through your child’s system.

3. Eat at regular times

Eating helps your child regulate their potty habits by naturally stimulating the intestines. Examine your schedule to see if you can adjust your meal times to allow time for your youngster to use the restroom before going on to the next activity.

4. Teach your child to control his or her bathroom usage

Even if they need to use the restroom, some youngsters will avoid it. If your child has this issue, have them sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes every day at the same time. It’s usually a good time after meals. This will establish good restroom habits in your youngster.

5. Get moving

 Our bowels perform better when we exercise. So get out there with your youngster and exercise. Ride bikes, play touch football or run around the yard with your friends. Whatever physical activity you select, will stimulate your child’s body to work to its full potential.

Precautions to take while considering home treatments for constipation

Adults can quickly relieve constipation using laxatives and enemas. Do not, however, give these to your baby or child. This should only be recommended by a doctor.

However, you can safely give one to children aged 4 and up to soften stools and treat constipation.

Always seek medical advice before administering a laxative or enema to children. They can suggest an appropriate dosage.

Subscribe Today

GET EXCLUSIVE FULL ACCESS TO PREMIUM CONTENT

SUPPORT NONPROFIT JOURNALISM

EXPERT ANALYSIS OF AND EMERGING TRENDS IN CHILD WELFARE AND JUVENILE JUSTICE

TOPICAL VIDEO WEBINARS

Get unlimited access to our EXCLUSIVE Content and our archive of subscriber stories.

Exclusive content

Latest article

More article