How to deal with Constipation in Children

Tummy problems - Constipation

Constipation is very common among infants and toddlers. Below are few tips which will help make digestive system healthy and ease the situation 

Water
Help kids with fluids. Kids by themselves do not understand need of drinking. So It is important to get them in habit of drinking water after all meals and snacks.  Also add to diet fruit juice, soup and other water-based light cereals

Fibre
Making sure you diet contains balanced amount of fibre. Fibre is there in most of the fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, seeds, oats. For children who have just started solid food must be kept low on fibre. For toddlers fibre intake must be increased gradually. 

Toilet training
From the beginning try and set this as a regular routine. Everyday follow same time and give enough time to kids to go to toilet. This will help kids get in routine 

Balancing the Carb
Carbohydrates with more starch should be avoided. Parents have to make a healthy choice on what carbs to eat and how much 

Eating routine and small meals
Food routine must be made and followed at same time every day. Meal time should not be skipped. Setting a time schedule for eating and playing will helps kids with this   

Avoid fatty and spicy food
Kids get tummy problems very easily as their digestive system is still developing. So avoid hot food, chilly and spice are not good for kids developing stomach 

Introduce yogurt
Most kids love it as it comes in variety of flavors. Other than calcium and protein it contains probiotic which help with digestive health 

Exercise
Lack of physical activity affects digestion. Ensure kid has exercise/play out session every day to ensure good stomach 

Keep a tab of food
Other than foods that we know cause constipation like meat, cheese, fried food and dairy products. Try and keep a track of food that seem to cause constipation. Avoid this food and see if it helps.

Stress management  - teach kids how to manage stress. Stress is related to our stomachs, same is for kids. Help them manage stress  


     Even if you have to eat out try and opt for healthy options like a brown bread veggie sandwich rather than cheese/meat sandwich. Try and minimize constipation in initial years as kids grow and they get in habits of keeping stomach healthy. Hope this post helps all mummies take care of little tummies!

                                                                           - Spell and Charm