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Natural Remedies for Constipation in Children: Safe & Effective

| Modified on Feb 20, 2025
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Constipation in children is a common concern that can cause discomfort, irritability, and digestive distress. Fortunately, natural remedies can help relieve constipation gently without harsh laxatives. This article explores safe and effective home remedies to promote regular bowel movements in children.

Common Causes of Constipation in Children

Before treating constipation, it's important to understand potential causes. Some of the most common include:

  • Low Fiber Diet: Lack of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lead to hard stools.
  • Inadequate Hydration: Not drinking enough fluids can make stools dry and difficult to pass.
  • Holding It In: Some children ignore the urge to go due to fear, distractions, or discomfort.
  • Changes in Routine: Travel, stress, illness, or a new diet can affect bowel movements.
  • Food Sensitivities: Dairy, processed foods, and artificial additives may contribute to constipation.

Best Natural Remedies for Constipation in Children

1. Increase Fiber Intake

Fiber adds bulk to stools, making them easier to pass. Include these fiber-rich foods in your child’s diet:

  • Fruits: Apples (with skin), pears, prunes, bananas, and berries
  • Vegetables: Carrots, peas, spinach, and sweet potatoes
  • Whole Grains: Oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread
  • Legumes: Lentils, beans, and chickpeas

For younger children, blend fruits and vegetables into smoothies for easier consumption.

2. Hydration is Key

Dehydration is a major cause of constipation. Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids throughout the day, including:

  • Water: Encourage at least 5-8 cups per day.
  • Fruit Juices: Prune, pear, or apple juice in small amounts can help soften stools.
  • Herbal Teas: Mild chamomile or fennel tea can soothe digestion.

3. Probiotics for Gut Health

Probiotics help balance gut bacteria and promote healthy digestion. Natural probiotic sources include:

  • Yogurt with live cultures
  • Kefir
  • Fermented foods like sauerkraut or miso

4. Healthy Fats for Digestion

Healthy fats help lubricate the intestines and make stool passage easier. Include:

  • Avocados: A great source of fiber and healthy fats.
  • Olive Oil: A teaspoon mixed into food or warm water can help ease constipation.
  • Coconut Oil: A small amount in smoothies or oatmeal can aid digestion.

5. Gentle Herbal Remedies

Several herbs can safely support bowel movements in children:

  • Flaxseed: Ground flaxseed mixed with yogurt or smoothies provides fiber and Omega-3s.
  • Chamomile Tea: Soothes digestion and relieves bloating.
  • Fennel Tea: Helps relax the digestive system and prevent gas.

6. Physical Activity

Regular movement helps stimulate digestion. Encourage activities like:

  • Running and playing outside
  • Stretching and yoga for kids
  • Gentle tummy massages in a circular motion to encourage bowel movements

7. Establish a Routine

Encourage a regular bathroom schedule. Teach children to sit on the toilet after meals to establish a healthy habit.

8. Avoid Constipation Triggers

Reducing or eliminating certain foods can help prevent constipation:

  • Dairy Products: Some children are sensitive to milk and cheese.
  • Processed Foods: Fast food, chips, and sugary snacks can slow digestion.
  • Excessive Rice and Bananas: While nutritious, too much can harden stools.

When to See a Doctor

If your child experiences any of the following, consult a healthcare provider:

  • Constipation lasting more than two weeks
  • Severe abdominal pain or bloating
  • Blood in the stool
  • Refusal to eat due to discomfort

Final Thoughts

Constipation in children can often be relieved with simple dietary changes, hydration, and natural remedies. Encouraging a fiber-rich diet, providing healthy fats, and promoting regular movement can support healthy digestion. Consulting a healthcare provider can help rule out underlying conditions if symptoms persist.

Have you tried any of these remedies for your child? Please share your experiences and tips below, or continue reading to learn which natural remedies helped our readers!

Related Links:

Easy Home Remedies for Constipation Relief

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Apple Juice

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Posted by Marina (Guelph, On) on 07/08/2014
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For constipation in babies:Give an ounce or two of apple juice per day. Works wonders!

Barley Cereal

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Posted by Susan (Ohio, Illinois) on 01/21/2010
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My daughter had constipation problems. We tried everything the doctors told us to. With no positive results. Several months and several biopsies later they recommended surgical modification. I revolted at that idea. We refused to follow this path. My daughter was found later to have dairy allergies. At this time the leche insisted my daughter could not be allergic to breast milk. We switched to soy. Still pooping was painful and impossible. Around this time a complete stranger told me her daughter suffered this way until she put barley cereal into her bottle. Truth be told she started pooping freely. Once the concrete was passed. By this time we had to manually stimulate her movements bc her sphincters were not working properly. To this day we remember how horrible this episode was and thank the good fortune of the barley cereal.

Replied by Ksy
(Usa)
05/01/2016

Thank you for sharing your idea on the Barley!! I think it is important to note that your baby wasn't allergic to your milk, but rather the lactose proteins from what you were eating that were in your milk. When Breastfeeding moms remove dairy from their diet, the breastfeeding baby's allergies should improve steadily and be gone within 3 weeks.

Blackstrap Molasses

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Posted by Jennifer (Greenfield, WI) on 02/28/2007
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I went to the health food store to ask about what I could give my 15 month-old son for constipation. They suggested 1-2 tsp. of blackstrap molasses in his bottle. I bought the bottle, came home, came to this website and discovered all different things this stuff is good for. I am 8 months pregnant. I was having a lot of trouble sleeping and developing symptoms of restless leg syndrome (common in pregnancy). I decided to give it a shot. Long story short, my son is pooping like a champ and I started sleeping through the night without any jerking limbs ON THE FIRST DAY! I ran out for one day, and I had a horrible night sleep. I am amazed and delighted

Chiropractic

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Posted by Cheryl (Utah) on 05/19/2013
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For constipation, my chiropractor helps a lot of kids/babies with just one painless visit. Find one that uses the Blair technique. (He also cured my migraines!)

Chiropractic
Posted by Hermes (Princeton, Nj) on 04/24/2011
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Hello, dear worried mothers. Have you tried taking your babies to a chiropractor? I did take her when she was 6-month-old after I had tried everything - more liquids, prune juice, thermometer in the rectum, etc. - and just happened to mention of my desperation to the chiropractor I normally see. He did some gentle manipulation of her legs and upper body over a few sessions. The results came in a few days when her bowel movements started to normalize and became more regular. I know that there are plenty of options but if you have tried them all, you may consider this too. It may be a subluxation that is causing it all of a sudden.

Erythromycin

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Posted by Nat (Brooklyn, NY) on 01/26/2025
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A friend's child was prescribed Miralax for chronic constipation. Even though it helped, it made him very nervous. Various other remedies weren't helping. Finally the doctor said that there is an antibiotic - Erythromycin, which given in small dosage, might help. So they tried it (giving first a bit of senna for a week or so to clean out the intestines). At this time, without causing nervousness, the small dosage of antibiotics is helping.

Even though antibiotics are not ideal, and maybe also not right for long term use, this specific antibiotic - erythromycin - might be something to use intermittently, until something else more natural and beneficial can be found.

(See:https://www.scielo.br/j/bjmbr/a/NGMt3N7mkbn49xnzYB8mYYS/#:~:text=The identification of motilin receptors, Stenson et al)

(Senna is very dangerous for long term use, as it eventually stops working. The same with Magnesium Citrate. It eventually stops working. Maybe in small dosages, a pinch of Epsom salt - Magnesium Sulfate - in water - with honey and lemon to disguise the taste - twice daily might also be somewhat helpful - and without eventually stopping to be effective.

Replied by Dano
(Ontario)
01/28/2025

Hi Nat, for long term constipation, try giving the ayurvedic remedy Triphala. It can be used long term and in fact it offers more benefits the longer it is used. In addition, it is also nourishing as it contains natural Vitamin C and minerals.

Fish Oil

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Posted by Cindy (Northern California) on 02/19/2014
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When my grandson had severe chronic constipation I asked my daughter-in-law to try flavored fish oil. She bought some lemon-flavored fish oil at a natural food store and within 24 hours it changed what doctor's remedies had not been able to solve.

Lemon Juice and Olive Oil

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Posted by Colleen (Vancouver) on 07/19/2006
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My six year old son was constipated, and instead of using over the counter medication/remedies I tried the lemon and olive oil. He only took it 2 times (mid morning & after lunch), and he had a regular bowel movement before the night. The sour from the lemon was a bit too much for him, so I put a pinch of salt in the mix.

Magnesium and Fish Oil

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Posted by Lhope (Lexington, Sc) on 05/01/2014
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(1) 1/4 teaspoon magnesium citrate powder in 6 oz of liquid twice daily.... Morning & evening (brand name is Calm by Natural Vitality)(Note: I am not affiliated with any manufacturers of any products. I just want to share what worked for my little one (now age 3 ) who had suffered with constipation since age 2 months when I could no longer breastfeed)

(2) 1 teaspoon Barlean's omega swirl fish oil (lemon flavor is one of the best flavors, in my opinion) at lunchtime.

(3) plenty of liquids throughout the day

Warm Bath

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Posted by Tina (Flint, Mi, United States) on 08/12/2010
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Constipation in babies 1 month and over

I just wanted to let you all with infants and babies to know that if your child is constipated to give him or her a warm bath ~ in the sink is good so that you can have the child in it from the midsection down in the warm water. You need to add nothing to the water, just have it warm and keep the child happy and comfortable for oh a minimal of like 15 mins to like 25mins. And the warm water will loosen their bowels naturally.. Then watch out because you will have a sink or bath tub to clean... But a very content child afterwords. I have found this to work every time my daughters and now our grandchild has this issue. Alot of the time it's due to too much iron in their formula and not enough water through the day.. Hope this will help even one distressed parent dealing with these kind of issues.. Because when baby's not happy ~ no one in the house is happy. PEACE!



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