Constipation in children is a common condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is nearly always temporary and may be caused by dietary changes, premature potty training or insufficient physical activity. Transient constipation is rarely a serious problem, but chronic constipation may lead to anal fissures, impacted stool and stool withholding. For this reason, constipation in children that lasts longer than a few days requires treatment. While laxatives may be necessary for severe or chronic constipation, home remedies can effectively treat mild cases.
Dietary Changes
Dietary changes are sometimes all that is necessary to treat constipation in children. A diet high in fiber can reduce constipation by bulking and softening the stool. Good dietary sources of fiber include whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables and nuts. The National Institutes of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) recommends reducing the amount of processed foods your child consumes and including foods containing Lactobacillus acidophilus in your child's diet. Bananas, white bread and white rice are constipating foods that should be avoided, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Increased Fluid Intake
Increasing your child's intake of water can help loosen stools. This remedy for constipation may be especially important during hotter months, when increased sweating and a tendency toward increased physical activity may necessitate the need for greater fluid intake. Milk is sometimes an exception to this, however. The Mayo Clinic states that milk is constipating for some children. Caffeinated drinks should also be avoided, according to the NIAMS.
Routine
Your child may become more regular if he attempts to have a bowel movement at the same time each day. Encourage your child to visit the bathroom about 30 minutes after eating, and have him remain on the toilet for five to 10 minutes, even if he is unable to go. Follow this schedule every day of the week, whether at home or away on vacation.
Relaxation
Anxiety caused by the inability to have a bowel movement or the fear of irritating hemorrhoids may increase your child's constipation. Teaching your child relaxation strategies, such as deep breathing or guided imagery, may help your ease your child's anxiety and constipation. Massaging your child's abdomen is also beneficial, according to the Mayo Clinic, and can help relax the muscles associated with having a bowel movement and make it easier to go.
Increased Activity
Regular activity is essential for both treating and preventing constipation in children. Physical activity helps digested food move through the intestines, thereby decreasing the amount of time stool remains in the body and easing its passage through the bowels. The NIAMS recommends that children engage in walking, biking or swimming regularly.
Other Home Remedies
Constipation that does not respond to dietary changes or increased fluids or activity may be relieved by ingesting corn syrup or prune juice. Because some children do not like the taste of prune juice, mixing it with apple juice may make it easier to administer to constipated kids. Over-the-counter enemas are also effective at treating childhood constipation, but these should only be used under the supervision of a medical professional.
