13 Traditional Medicines for Toddlers with Constipation, Help Your Child Feel Relieved!

Parents must panic and worry when they see their beloved child fall ill. No exception when they have difficulty defecating. Children such as toddlers may feel uncomfortable and fussy when they are constipated. However, some parents choose to give traditional medicine for constipation for toddlers.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) , any child with large, hard, dry stools, accompanied by painful bowel movements, stools between bowel movements, or blood on the outside of the stool may be constipated. Some symptoms of constipation in toddlers include:

stools that are hard, dry, or pebble-like straining or pain (or both) when trying to pass a large stool stomach ache bloated nauseous fear or avoidance of using the toilet (signs that a child is doing this include clenching the buttocks, crossing the legs, blushing, sweating, or crying) blood in stool feces or pieces of liquid stool in the diaper or underwear (soiled).

Meanwhile, some parents take the initiative to give herbal or traditional medicine to overcome this problem. Some traditional medicines have been considered effective in treating various diseases since ancient times and have been preserved from generation to generation. However, parents must know the content contained in the herbal ingredients, instead of just giving it to toddlers without knowing the side effects.

For this reason, theAsianparent has summarized several traditional medicines for constipation which are certainly safe to give to toddlers.

13 Traditional Medicines for Constipation in Toddlers

Seeing your child in pain and discomfort can be very scary. Here are some natural remedies for constipation in toddlers that may prove helpful.

1. Brown Sugar

If the child is over one year old, then brown sugar solution can do wonders in treating constipation. Parents can mix half a teaspoon of brown sugar and half 15 ml of water. Give this solution to the toddler twice a day. 

It is recommended that parents use palm sugar or brown sugar and not white sugar.

2. Organic Coconut Oil

Organic coconut oil works very well if your toddler has infrequent bowel movements or has difficulty passing stools. Parents can add 2-3 three milliliters of coconut oil to their child’s food. 

For babies under 6 months, parents can apply coconut oil around the baby’s anus to lighten the stool.

3. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are very beneficial in fighting constipation in babies aged over 6 months and adults. Parents can give tomato juice to toddlers to facilitate bowel movements. 

The method is to boil one small tomato with one cup of water. Cool and strain the mixture. Give three to four spoons of this juice to your toddler every day to avoid constipation. Parents can also make tomato juice if the child likes it.

4. Fennel Seeds, Traditional Medicine for Constipation in Toddlers

As a country famous for its myriad of efficacious spices, Parents may have heard of the greatness of fennel seeds. This spice is known for its many health benefits. Fennel seeds are also very effective in treating digestive problems. So these seeds are often used as a traditional medicine for constipation in toddlers.

Parents can boil one teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of water. Cool and strain the decoction and give this to the toddler. Give this solution three to four times a day.

5. Papaya

Papaya is a rich source of fiber and thus very effective in treating constipation. This fruit contains the enzyme papain which functions to break down proteins into peptides and amino acids. In other words, this enzyme can help soften hard stools or food residue in the stomach.

Try giving papaya porridge, papaya pieces, or smoothies to regulate bowel movements. But make sure not to give it too often. Just give it once or twice a day after meals.

6. Apple

Just like adults, lack of fiber can also cause constipation in toddlers. The pectin or water-soluble fiber content in apples is very useful in treating constipation. 

Parents can make apple juice without the skin and give it to toddlers to drink. A bottle of juice a day can help children have easy bowel movements.

7. Pear

Pears are rich in pectin and dietary fiber. Pears can be grated to extract the juice. It is best to give pear juice in diluted form to toddlers. Therefore, give your toddler 60 ml of pear juice to help smooth bowel movements. 

8. Mango

Mango juice is considered quite effective in combating constipation in toddlers. Mango is a natural laxative. So mango juice works very well to facilitate bowel movements in babies. It may take four to five hours for this fruit to encourage a child to have a bowel movement.

But keep in mind, the AAP recommends that toddlers not consume more than 120 ml of juice per day in total. In addition, 

9. Fluids are a Traditional Medicine for Constipation in Toddlers

Constipation can occur due to lack of fluids or insufficient fluids in the toddler’s diet. Therefore, if the child is over 6 months old, Parents are advised to include plenty of fluids in their diet. 

Soup, fruit juice, milk, and water are some options to increase fluid intake. However, limit milk intake to 480 ml per day. Adequate fluid in the toddler’s body can help smooth bowel movements.

10. Take a warm bath

A warm bath is an ideal way to soothe and relax tense muscles. Warm baths also work well if constipation occurs. Fill the child’s bathtub with warm water and add a few tablespoons of baking soda. This will help the rectal muscles to open and aid bowel movements.

11. Massage

Abdominal massage is a great way to encourage bowel movements in toddlers. In addition, massaging your child’s abdomen can relax the muscles that support the bladder and bowels, helping to increase bowel activity.

It is recommended that parents use gentle clockwise hand movements to stimulate the intestines to move into the rectal area. Parents can also use good baby oil for massaging.

12. Sports

Just like adults, it is very important for toddlers to move or exercise to have a smooth bowel movement. Exercising by moving their legs in a back and forth motion, circular motion or pumping motion is one of the most effective remedies for constipation for toddlers. Running, dancing, throwing a ball, or playing in the playground can also get the bowel moving.

Make sure your child gets outside to play or exercise for at least 30 to 60 minutes a day. 

13. Acupuncture, Traditional Medicine for Constipation in Toddlers

This traditional Chinese medicine involves inserting and manipulating fine needles into various parts of the body. This therapy can help if your child is experiencing constipation-related abdominal pain.

In addition to 13 traditional medicines for toddlers’ constipation, improving toddlers’ bowel habits can also be another alternative. Especially for toddlers who are in the toilet training period or can already defecate in the toilet. 

Encourage your child to use the bathroom regularly during the day, especially after meals and whenever they feel the urge to go. Let your child sit for at least 10 minutes at a time. Place a small stool under your child’s feet, usually the leverage will help them push the stool out. Parents can reward toddlers for using the toilet with a special story or stickers, so it becomes a positive experience.

However, if your toddler is having trouble eating, losing weight, or has blood in their stool, seek medical help. Your healthcare provider may recommend medication to treat your toddler’s constipation, especially if it is chronic. You may also want to discuss stopping or changing your child’s medication if it is causing constipation.

Those are some traditional medicines for constipation in toddlers that parents can give when they are constipated. Hopefully it can help your little one pass their stool!

***

Constipation in children
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation-in-children/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354248 

What You Can Do If Your Toddler Is Constipated
https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/toddler-constipation 

Toddler Constipation
https://www.webmd.com/children/toddler-constipation-causes-treatments 

Home Remedies for Constipation in Infants
https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/top-12-baby-constipation-home-remedies/

Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia