Home Remedies for Constipation in Kids

When children are reluctant to go to the bathroom, hold their belly like it hurts, are having soiling accidents and/or bedwetting, among other signs, it is possible constipation is the cause. Constipation can afflict people of all ages, but children may not always have the language to explain how they are feeling. It’s important for parents to know the signs and symptoms to look for and maintain healthy habits that can both relieve symptoms and help prevent future bouts of constipation. Fortunately, there are remedies and healthy habits you can employ at home to help relieve and prevent children’s constipation.

What are the Symptoms of Constipation in Kids?

Here are some of the more common signs and symptoms of constipation in children:

Stool withholding – reluctance or refusal to go poop
Stools that are hard, lumpy, dry, and/or difficult to pass
Stool that is abnormally large
Stomach pain and bloating
Discomfort or pain when using the bathroom
Soiling accidents and/or stool leakage
Frequent urinary tract infections
Frequent or unusual bedwetting

If your child is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, contact a pediatrician before using any over-the-counter constipation medications.

At-Home Remedies for Constipation in Kids

The following are four home remedies that may help children return to regular bowel movements and get back to their usual, playful selves!

A Healthy, Fiber-Rich Diet and Lots of Water

One of the most important home remedies for constipation in kids is filling their plate with plenty of fiber-rich food. These include fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. You also want to ensure that your child is flushing all that fiber down with plenty of water! Additionally, it is just as important to avoid unhealthy foods as it is to eat healthy ones. When it comes to promoting regular bowel movements, it is best for children to avoid processed foods and beverages that are higher in salt and sugar like chips, fast food, and soda. Cutting back on dairy and protein while increasing fiber can also help get (or keep) stools moving!

Moving the Body Helps Move the Bowels

When a child’s stomach hurts, the last thing they want to do is get moving, but this may be just what they need to get their bowels back on track. Turn exercise into a game by playing tag, duck-duck-goose, holding a dance party, or other fun activities that gets them to move their body. For older children taking a family walk/run, backyard gymnastics, or driveway basketball are some fun, easy ways to get them moving.

Maintain a Regular Bathroom Routine

Life is busy, especially with children, and it can be hard to maintain a predictable routine, even when it comes to going to the bathroom. Encouraging children to use the bathroom - even if they aren’t able to poop - on a regular schedule helps 'train' their bowels to go at predictable intervals. A regular bathroom routine also helps prevent constipation in children. First thing in the morning, 20-30 minutes after a meal, and before bedtime are good times to take a break and use the bathroom.

Abdominal Massage

Gently massaging a child's lower abdomen, as well as moving a child’s legs in a bicycling motion while they lie on their back can help get stool moving!

DocuSol^® Kids Can Help!

The last thing a parent wants to do when their child is not feeling well is to make them wait for relief. Parents and caregivers can help young ones with constipation feel better faster and avoid further complications by being aware of the causes and signs of constipation. DocuSol® Kids, a first-of-its-kind formula, provides constipation relief in 2-15 minutes. The non-irritating DocuSol® formulation functions as a hyperosmotic, stool-softening laxative by drawing water into the bowel from surrounding body tissues, replicating a normal bowel stimulus. This unique formulation provides children ages 2–12 fast, predictable relief of constipation. Be sure to check out our family resources and doctor tips for more information about constipation in children! Disclaimer: The material contained is for reference purposes only. Alliance Labs, LLC and Summit Pharmaceuticals do not assume responsibility for patient care. Consult a physician prior to use. Copyright 2020 Summit Pharmaceuticals and Alliance Labs, LLC. Sources: