How can I treat Constipation in Children?

Most cases of constipation are easily treated at home. You can soften your child's stools by giving him prune juice and making sure he drinks plenty of other liquids. Exercise and frequent servings of whole wheat bread, bran cereals, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, popcorn (for older children), and other high-fibre foods will help as well. Avoid or limit bananas, cooked carrots, and squash as well as large quantities of dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt, and ice cream.

As with most medical complaints, prevention is better than cure. However a change to a high fibre diet is easier “said than done” especially if the child is at that age! Here are some tips for converting your child to a high-fibre diet:

  • Start the day with porridge for breakfast. Add some prunes and honey. As well as making the porridge taste sweater it also helps distract the child
  • Offer dried fruit such as Prunes or raisins for snacks. Pop a Sunsweet Humzinger in your child’s lunch box or keep them handy for snacks on the go!
  • Offer fruit with every meal.
  • Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluid especially fruit juices that are high in Sorbitol such as prune juice (naturally occurring sugar that helps digestion)
  • If you think your child is starting to get a little constipated, give him a glass of prune juice mixed with water to dilute it a little.

Other tips that help prevent constipation in Children:

  • Try and get children into a regular toilet habit. After breakfast, before school or childcare, is often best. Try and allow plenty of time so they don't feel rushed.
  • Some kind of small reward is sometimes useful in younger children prone to 'holding on' to stools. For example, a little treat or just some praise after each successful toilet trip. However, try not to make a fuss over the toilet issue. The aim is to be 'matter of fact' and relaxed about it.

Prune Juice is a Natural Laxative

We are often asked if you should give your child a laxative to treat mild doses of constipation.

Our advise is that you should always consult with a GP if your child displays any symtoms of chronic irregularity or other health concerns. If a doctor recommends a laxative for your child, use them with confidence. Otherwise, for most constipation complaints in children you don’t need them and our advise is to skip them and use a natural laxative instead. Prune Juice is one of the best-known constipation home remedies. Prune juice promotes regular bowel movements by the use of simple sugars which help draw fluids into the intestine.

Prune juice is a strong natural laxative and will give your child the urge to go to the bathroom shortly after drinking it.

How much Prune Juice should I give my Child?

Every child is different and because of this serving sizes will vary according to how it effects them. However as a general guide we would recommend giving children a 75ml serving size. For babies over six months we would recommend some prune juice mixed with 30-60ml of water

Learning about constipation in Children