7 Nutrition Tips To Help In Constipation In Children

Even babies have constipation! Though surprising but if your little one has been struggling with her motions in the morning, or if she has hard stools, the chances are she is constipated. How to deal with it? You may need to visit your paediatrician if it is chronic. Apart from any laxative/medication prescribed by your doctor, you need make certain changes in the diet pattern to overcome this problem.

Nutrition Intake to Help in Constipation in Children

Constipation Intake both fluid & fiber intake has to be increased. Read on.. 

• Increase fluid 

          Give more water. If the child doesn’t take plain water include fluids like coconut water, lime water, juices, soups etc.

• Increase Fibre

          Give dals with husk and legumes/beans daily. These can be given as regular curries or in  khichri form or added to the soups.

• Give Whole Cereals like dalia, brown rice, bajra, ragi, rice flakes etc. these can be given as  porridge of dalia, oats, ragi, rice flakes. Alternatively these whole cereals can be used for khichri, uttapam, upma or idlis too.
• Give plenty of fruits and vegetables. Hard fruits like apple, pear can be given as stew. 

           Fruits like banana, papaya, guava, cheeku , grapes can be given as it is or in a mashed form.  Dried fruits like prunes and figs too help in constipation. Give as it is or after soaking overnight.Vegetables especially green leafy, peas, beans, carrots are helpful.

• Avoid giving too much-refined cereals/ maida products, like bread, buns, pizza base, any pasta.
• In each meal make an effort to include one fibre-rich item.
• Sometimes, children react to milk—either constipation or loose motions. Watch how your child’s system reacts after a glass of milk.

Though constipation is children can be relieved easily, if it continues beyond the recommended time, please consult the doctor.