Kids Constipation 101

• Stool Softeners: docusate sodium and docusate calcium
• Lubricant Laxative: mineral oil
• Stimulant Laxative: bisacodyl and sennosides
• Osmotic Laxative: polyethylene glycol and glycerin

We all know how uncomfortable and painful it can be, so every parent wants to help relieve their child's constipation as quickly and safely as possible. After trying natural remedies, a parent may decide that medication or medical treatment is needed to alleviate constipation in kids.

With so many choices, how does a parent decide which constipation relief is best for their child? As with all health conditions, it's always important to consult a doctor or pediatrician to get a more informed summary of your child's particular situation. However, we can provide a useful overview of medications and natural remedies, which we hope will help you get a better sense of which are safest and most effective for your kids.

Foods to Help with Constipation in Children

To help relieve children's constipation, an adequate daily intake of fiber is essential. In addition to relieving constipation in kids, dietary fiber is also part of overall health and well-being and helps prevent future bowel irregularity. Daily fiber intake is different for each child, depending on age, gender, and other factors, so it's always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician to determine what is best for your child.

Here are some foods that are high in fiber:

• Fruits: Most kids love fruit, and many fruits are a great source of fiber! Berries, oranges, pears, and apples (leave the skin on!) are great examples of fruits that are high in fiber.
• Whole Grains: Some simple food replacements can help ensure your child is getting enough fiber. For instance, substitute whole wheat bread for white bread. Also consider serving high-fiber oatmeal, whole-wheat pasta, and cereals that are high in bran.
• Legumes: kidney beans, black beans, soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas are high in fiber. Many kids don't like these foods plain, so work them into recipes your kid loves instead!
• Vegetables: Yes, it can be challenging to get children to eat their veggies! Broccoli, green beans, peas, and carrots are fiber-rich foods that many kids love to eat!
• Nuts: Providing your child doesn't have a nut allergy, pecans, almonds, and peanuts are healthy snacks that are high in fiber.

There are also foods to avoid to help relieve children's constipation (or to help prevent constipation), including snack foods that are high in unhealthy fats, sodium and sugar, including:

• Chips
• Fast foods
• Red meat (chicken, pork and fish are better protein options)
• Prepared or processed foods
• Dairy products that are high in sugar
• Traditional “binder” foods such as rice and bananas