Natural Ways to Relieve Constipation

One sure fire way to know a child is constipated is leakage.  If your child has not gone to the bathroom due to stomach pain and the undies are a bit less than perfect when placed in the laundry, constipation could be the culprit.

One way to find out for sure if there is leakage due to constipation is simple.  Make sure your child has gone to the bathroom or at least has a clean bottom.  Wait about an hour or an hour and a half and check by physically examining or having the child wipe and let you know.

Leakage would be an important time to consult a physician.

Most constipation however is either dietary or emotional.

There are several natural ways to help ease constipation and regulate your child.

Tips to Try...

• Bake high fiber muffins.
• Buy a high fiber cereal like Fiber One or All Bran.  Fiber One has more sugar and less bran, but it taste much better by far!
• Switch to whole wheat bread.
• Serve raw vegetables like carrots and celery as snacks.  Encourage eating cauliflower and broccoli.
• Apples, pears, and peaches tend to aid in soothing constipation while applesauce and bananas tend to make the problem worsen.
• Drink lots of water and fruit juice.

Remember to always consult a doctor with all medical concerns if they persist for more than a day or two.