Natural Methods To Get Your Little Ones To Poo – Because Out Is Better Than In

Photo by Scarbor Siu on Unsplash

 

 

Parents are no stranger to childhood constipation; experimenting with the various concoctions that will give our troubled babes some relief.

While there are some pharmaceutical remedies available through your pediatrician, sometimes nature is our best medicine.

We have some natural remedies for helping your children be more regular and letting their toilet patterns be the last the thing you have to worry about- especially when we would much rather use that time cuddling.

As a disclosure, all advice in this article is not to replace the directives of your medical care professional, and you should consult your child’s pediatrician before introducing any new treatment protocols.

When an infant is constipated it is easy to notice because you know what is coming – or not coming- out in every diaper change.

However, as children get older and the days become more diverse than eat, sleep, change diaper, repeat, then you may miss the subtle signs that something has gone awry, like hard stools or a loss in appetite.

When our sweet little ones are uncomfortable, or even worse in pain, we want to do anything we can do get them relief as fast as possible, so start here to ease both parties.

 

  1. Lemon Juice

You may have heard of the popular flat tummy remedy circulating the internet to begin each day with hot lemon water.

That is because it is high in vitamin C which pulls water to the gut, stimulating a bowel movement and easing bloating.

The same works for children, as FirstCry Parenting reports. Give them the juice of half a lemon mixed with warm water and a little bit of honey in the morning to let whatever needs to come out, come out in good time.

Take note that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only children over 1 consume honey.

 

  1. Triphala

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries all over the world to treat an array of illnesses and complaints, and we can use that wisdom passed down from generation to generation in our own homes.

Triphala is a combination of three different herbs: amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki.

Mix the medicinal herb trifecta with some warm milk before bed to ease constipation and have your child rest comfortably through the night.

 

  1. Water

Water may seem like too simple of an answer for a complex problem, but water is more medicinal than people think.

Staying on top of water consumption in kids is easier said than done.

Between errands, playdates, and dinner preparation the day gets awfully busy and how many times you refill your child’s bottle can go unnoticed.

Staying hydrated is a great defense against constipation and is one of the cheapest remedies on the market.

 

  1. Get moving

Childhood obesity affects 13.7 million children and adolescents in the United States according to the CDC.

Part of the reason there is such a problem with childhood constipation is that there is an issue with providing children with the proper diet and exercise to keep their bowel movements regular.

FirstCry Parenting reports:

“An absence of physical activity results in digestion problem and reduced metabolism, which furthers the symptoms of constipation. Keeping your toddler busy in some kind of physical activity every day will stimulate his bowel movements.”

On top of providing a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, make sure to allow your child to play outdoors for at least an hour a day.

Games such as tag and hide-and-seek stimulate the digestive system all while your child is having some good old-fashioned fun.

There are many creative and natural ways to relieve childhood constipation, so your little ones don’t have to suffer.

Take advantage of the ingredients for success you have right in your kitchen and work to create a lifestyle that keeps the bad stuff out and the good stuff in.