Constipation can be painful for children and even scary for toddlers and preschoolers. Monitoring your child's diet can be an effective way to fight constipation in children. Drinking plenty of water and limiting sweets and fats can help stave off constipation and teaches your child healthy eating habits. Children who experience chronic constipation with no medical cause, such as medication use, may need to follow a high-fiber diet. Introducing fiber-rich foods to your child gradually and without fanfare may help you incorporate this essential nutrient without eye-rolling, complaining and refusing--something all parents can do without.
Whole Grains
Transitioning your child to whole grains may be one of the answers to resolving his bowel problems. A number of national brands boast that their cereals contain whole grains, while plain cooked oatmeal is another solid source of fiber. School lunches made with whole-grain breads can turn your child's eating into a higher fiber venture. Children who are resistant to change of this kind may not even notice the difference when sandwiches are made with white whole-wheat versions of bread that have hit many grocery stores. Parents can help fight constipation by serving brown rice with meals or making whole-wheat spaghetti instead of processed varieties of the grains.
Fruits and Vegetables
A long list of fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and can give your child the extra bulk needed to stay regular. Several servings of produce at mealtimes and snack times can eliminate bouts of constipation. One of the challenges with many children is to persuade them to eat fruits and vegetables with the skins on. Apples, pears and potatoes all contain more fiber when eaten in their skins. Offering dipping sauces such as low-fat peanut butter, yogurt or ranch dressing may encourage children to eat the produce skins. Beans and legumes are also rich in fiber but are not always foods that kids enjoy. Create-your-own-taco night for dinner may help spark and interest in pinto beans and others in its class, while retelling the story of "The Princess and the Pea" could help a child learn to like green peas.
Healthy Snacks
A constipated child should not have to give up all of her treats and snacks. Parents can stock the pantry with snack foods that are appetizing but still provide high levels of fiber when compared to more traditional snack foods. Popcorn is an example of a high-fiber snack, according to Kidshealth, a health resource affiliated with the Nemours Foundation. Limit the fat by leaving off the butter and popcorn can become a healthy snack. Baked sweet potato chips deliver the same satisfying crunch as regular potato chips but with more fiber. Ice cream or yogurt parfaits topped with crunchy oats and chopped nuts can add some fiber to the sweet treat.
Fiber Supplements
Parents should check with their child's pediatrician before using bulk fiber or other dietary supplements to increase their child's fiber intake. With a doctor's permission, sources of natural fiber may be used to boost the fiber content of a variety of foods. Oat bran powder or wheat germ mixed into meatballs, burgers or sprinkled on top of breakfast cereals can supplement a child's diet and relieve constipation. A cup of oatmeal baked into chocolate chip cookies is another way to "hide" additional fiber in your child's food.
Member Comments