Constipation in Kids: A Holistic Approach
Any ailment with our littles is stressful! But chronic or even the occasional acute episode of constipation can really derail our schedule, affecting sleep, naps, eating, and more. Here, we’re addressing the common causes of constipation and the holistic remedies and changes you can make at home to help your little one feel better!
What are the signs of constipation in children?
Parents should look for signs such as:
Fewer than three bowel movements per week**
Hard or painful stools
Bloating
Child straining to pass stool
Withholding
**While characterized as ‘normal’, having only 2 to 3 bowel movements a week can still create discomfort for a child. Ideally, a child would have a bowel movement at least every other day; daily is preferred.
How can I help my child's constipation?
Change your child’s diet and get them active
Increase their water intake
Add fiber-rich foods to your child’s diet. Add figs, prunes, and pear via juices (diluted) or keep the toddler or baby pouches on hand for when needed. (Happy Baby Organics makes Prune-only pouches. I keep them stocked in our pantry.)
And movement! Get outside (or inside during winter) and move those bodies!
Additionally, for babies, you can try aiding in easier bowel movements with belly massage (ILU massage), bicycle legs or knee-to-chest movements, Windi (from BabyFrida), and short periods in a reclined seated position in something like a Baby Bjorn bouncer.
Give your child probiotics
The next steps are child-dependent, but if you feel like the above items mentioned are being done, look at gut health. Sometimes introducing a diverse probiotic can help the gut move bowel more easily and regularly.
We love Prothera/Klaire Labs for babies, toddlers, and kids. You can find these here. Gut health can also be a more involved discussion. If your child is already taking a good probiotic and still struggling, try switching the probiotic or talk to a Holistic Pediatric ND, Pediatrician, etc.
Get pediatric chiropractic care for constipation
Chiropractic care for babies and children aims to balance the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems as well as reduce any tension in the lower body (pelvis, lumbar spine, and all the anatomy that protects the GI system).
In restoring balance to a child’s parasympathetic nervous system, the REST and DIGEST portions of their body are being stimulated. Increased ease in digestion = poops!
Structurally, relieving tension in a child’s body can allow for easier bowel movements. As kids learn to crawl and walk, they fall on their butts. The more they play, the more they crash & burn. It’s part of growing! But these spills can also create torsion patterns in their lower body (lumbar, pelvis and hips). Gentle adjustments can fix these torsion patterns allowing for a more symmetrical lower body and ease of bowel movement. (Think bicycle legs for gas and pooping ergonomics.) You can read more about babies, toddlers, children & chiropractic care here!
As a side note, Miralax is a commonly suggested solution to constipation. While Miralax can help in an acute situation, it is NOT a good long-term solution and has adverse effects when used this way. You can read more on this here. If it was suggested that your child stay on a regular regime of Miralax, do not fret! The gut can be healed and constipation relieved with other options.
Book an Appointment
If you, your child or your baby is struggling with constipation, reach out! We’ll help you find a local resource or would be happy to see you in our office. You can call us at 720-403-8255 or schedule an appointment online.