Toddler is frustrated from being constipated

Foods to Help Your Constipated Toddler

Written by: Happy Wolf

July 4, 2024

Time to read 4 min

Are you worried that your little one is constipated? You aren’t alone. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that around 1 out of 20 visits children make to the doctor are related to constipation (1).

Thankfully, many cases of constipation in children can be managed through food. To help toddlers avoid constipation, we can offer foods with fiber throughout the day and provide them with plenty of water. While food that is high in fiber is always essential for your kids (check out our blog on Why Fiber for Toddlers is so Important), it can also be a great first line of treatment when your child is experiencing mild constipation.

Before we dive in, it is also important to note that physical activity helps prevent constipation. The AAP recommends that children between the ages of 1 and 3 participate in at least 60 minutes of active play daily (2). Physical activity is great for developing muscles, bones, and gross motor skills, and it may help relieve and prevent constipation by stimulating the digestive system (3).

To help you treat and prevent constipation, we rounded up the best foods to help your constipated toddlers.

Why food is the first thing to try for toddler constipation

Even though it is very common, when your toddler is constipated, it can be very concerning for parents. Cheryl Anderson, a family health dietitian and mom of two, understands how stressful it can be when your toddler has trouble passing stool.

Anderson recommends that parents ask themselves if there have been any changes in what their toddler has been eating/not eating, if they have been getting enough to drink, or whether they have been sick. “There are several factors that may be contributing to your child’s constipation,” says Anderson, “and usually, it can be treated at home with high-fiber foods and fluids.”

It is important to speak with your healthcare provider if your child is experiencing constipation that lasts more than a week or is very painful. Anderson explains that toddlers differ in the number of bowel movements they may have each day, where some may go once per day, every other day, or after every meal. Knowing your child and their usual bathroom routine can help you identify when they may be constipated and the severity of their constipation.

However, for mild cases of constipation, the following foods can help your constipated toddler get some relief!

The best foods to help constipated toddlers quickly

The important thing to remember when treating and preventing constipation, is to include foods that are high in fiber and be sure to drink plenty of fluids to help soften stool.

Prunes

Prunes (dried plums) are the top food for treating and preventing constipation. Provide your toddler with 1-2 whole, pitted prunes daily to help relieve constipation. Prunes are high in fiber, which helps to add bulk to stool and move it through the colon effectively.

Bowl of prunes for best foods to help constipated toddlers quickly

Prune juice

Prune juice does not contain all the fiber found in whole prunes because all the pulp is filtered out. However, due to the high sorbitol content, it still has a laxative effect on toddlers. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in fruits such as plums/prunes, dates, and peaches. It helps to draw fluid into the colon, which encourages stool movement.

Apples & Pears

Cut up an apple or pear for your little one to help relieve constipation, but keep the peels on for extra fiber. Apples and pears contain insoluble and soluble fiber that helps bulk up stool and hold onto moisture to keep it moving through the colon.

Berries

Berries are an excellent source of fiber that most toddlers would be happy to see at snack time! The berries that provide the most fiber are raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

Happy Wolf snack bars

Our snack bars contain high-fiber foods like gluten-free oats, dates, fruit purees, and dried fruits. Each delicious bar contains 2 grams of fiber, which helps bulk up and soften stool, making it easier for your little ones to pass stool.

Bran muffins/cereals

Bran is a very high source of fiber, making it an excellent choice for relieving your toddler’s constipation. Bran muffins are a tasty way to help add bulk to your toddler’s stool and get it moving through their colon. However, adding bran flakes or buds to their favorite breakfast cereal can also help.

Bran muffins and cereal as best foods to help constipated toddlers quickly

Beans

Beans are a great way to relieve and prevent constipation in toddlers. They are very high in fiber, helping to keep stool moving through the colon. If your toddler is experiencing constipation, including beans such as kidney, cannellini (white kidney), or black beans in their meals may help get things moving.

Peas, Broccoli & Carrots

All vegetables are good sources of fiber, but green peas, broccoli, and carrots are very high in fiber and tend to be toddler favorites. Including vegetables at all meals can help your toddler avoid the discomfort of constipation while benefiting from all the vitamins and minerals they are packed full of, too!

Tiny Sprouts Digestive Booster

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to boost the fiber in your toddler’s favorite meals, check out Tiny Sprouts Digestive Boosters. You can sprinkle this blend of milled chia seeds, flaxseeds, apple and cinnamon on top of the foods your little one loves to add a delicious flavor and 4 grams of fiber!

Whole grain foods

Breads, cereals, and baked goods made with whole grains are a great way to help increase the fiber in your toddler’s diet. Including a few servings of whole grains daily can help prevent constipation.

Water

Dehydration is a common cause of constipation. Ensuring your toddler is well hydrated daily can help prevent constipation.

We hope that this helps your constipated kids get some relief!

We urge you to speak with your healthcare provider if your child’s constipation is severe, is accompanied by other symptoms, or lasts for more than a week.

References