Published: June 28, 2024 | Last Updated on: June 28, 2024
| by HemaHere is the only constipation diet plan you’ll need for your baby or toddler! Features a complete meal-by-meal plan for 5 whole days – with recipes!
You’re bound to hear someone giggle when the conversation is about poop, but as any parent knows, constipation is no laughing matter! Babies, especially, struggle when they have constipation, and it can be heartbreaking for new parents to watch helplessly. The first step in overcoming this helplessness is to get educated about identifying the condition and the right foods to feed your baby.
Signs of Constipation in Babies and Kids
Hard, dry, poop that looks like pebbles
Crying or straining to pass stools
Appearing uncomfortable during a bowel movement
Pooping less than thrice a week
Blood in stools
Abdominal pain
Bloating or swelling in the belly
Clenching the bottom
Belly feeling hard
Smelly gas and stools
Decreased appetite
Increase in spitting up
Causes of Constipation in Children
1. Lack of sufficient fiber in the diet
2. Insufficient fluid intake
3. Excessive junk food consumption
4. Switching from breastmilk to formula, or when starting solids
5. Lack of exercise or physical activity
6. Ignoring body signals to poop
7. Being anxious about unfamiliar bathrooms
8. Side effects of certain medicines like iron supplements
9. Structural problems of the intestinal tract, rectum, or anus
10. Other medical conditions like endocrine issues or problems with the nervous system
Now that we know what constipation looks like and what causes it, let’s look at how we can fix it through diet!
Important Note: Please remember that these food charts are only for guidance and not a substitute for medical advice. Breast milk is the best food for babies, so breastfeed whenever your baby wants. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for babies under 6 months.
6 Months Constipation Diet Plan
7 Months Constipation Diet Plan
8 Months Constipation Diet Plan
9 Months Constipation Diet Plan
10 Months Constipation Diet Plan
11 Months Constipation Diet Plan
1 Year Constipation Diet Plan
Tips for Feeding Your Child During Constipation
1. Breastfeed your baby as much as they desire, since breastmilk is considered a natural laxative
2. If your baby is formula-fed, think about changing to a different formula
3. Make sure your child has enough fluids to help the fiber move through his body
4. Skip sodas and soft drinks and opt for clear soups or fruit juices – please note that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend fruit juice for children younger than 1 year
5. Avoid all kinds of junk food and processed food
6. Cut down on meat till the constipation clears
7. If you think the constipation may be because of a particular food, keep a food diary to identify the trigger
8. Ensure a regular feeding schedule for your child for more regular bowel movements
At the end of the day, the two most important things to remember are the two ‘F’s – Fiber and Fluids. Fiber is important for relieving constipation, overall intestinal health, and maintaining a healthy weight. To know how much fiber your child needs, follow the AAP’s recommendation of adding five to your child’s age – that’s how many grams of fiber they need per day. Along with fiber, make sure that they consume enough fluids so that the fiber can move along the intestinal tract smoothly.
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