Foods To Relieve Toddler Constipation

Is your heart breaking as you watch your child go red in the face, struggling to push out a hard and painful poo? Constipation in toddlers is a nuisance, but it’s more common than you might realise. Approximately 1 in 3 children struggle with tummy troubles.

What is constipation?

According to the Rome IV criteria, which doctors use to classify constipation, a toddler may be constipated if they pass two or fewer poos in a week, have a history of painful or hard bowel movements, or pass stools so large they block the toilet. Constipation in toddlers is defined by infrequent bowel movements that are hard, large, or difficult to pass. In some cases, there may also be the presence of large stools in the rectum.   

In this article, we’ll share the best foods to relieve toddler constipation.

Prune or fig puree

A popular strategy among parents is to offer prune or fig puree to manage constipation. Prunes are rich in sorbitol and fibre, which can help relieve hard stools. However, since they’re high in free sugars, this isn’t a suitable long-term solution due to the risk of dental caries.

Keep reading to find out which foods you can give your child every day to help relieve hard or painful stools.

Kiwifruit

Most fruits are rich in dietary fibre, which helps soften stools and makes them easier to pass. Kiwifruit deserves a special mention as it provides nearly 1.5 grams of fibre per fruit.  But what’s truly unique about them is that its fibres have a unique water-holding capacity compared to other fruits. There’s also evidence that kiwifruit’s enzyme, actinidin, might aid gut motility, helping your child open their bowels more regularly.

Vegetables

Despite myths that some vegetables are better than others for relieving toddler constipation, the key is ensuring your child eats at least three servings of vegetables a day. According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey in England, most children are only eating 1 or 2 portions of vegetables daily. This is important because the fibre in vegetables adds bulk to stools and softens them, so your child doesn’t fear passing a poo. Vegetables like sweetcorn, carrots, peas and broccoli all count towards their daily fibre intake.

Wholegrains

If your child is constipated, swapping white bread and pasta for wholemeal and wholegrain options can help. If your child already eats plenty of fruit and vegetables, this small change may be enough to relieve their constipation.

Fluids

As you increase your toddler’s fibre intake, it’s important to do so gradually, alongside ensuring good fluid intake. Fluids from water, milk, and soup all contribute to your child’s hydration. A good rule of thumb is to offer your child a drink with every meal and water between meals. Fluids are essential for softening stools and preventing constipation from reoccurring.

Bottomline

With small tweaks to your toddler’s diet, you can effectively relieve and prevent simple constipation. Adding more fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will go a long way in promoting regular bowel movements. Remember to offer plenty of water and other fluids to keep your child hydrated and support soft, easy-to-pass stools.