What Is Constipation?
![High fiber foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help children relieve constipation.](https://images.emedicinehealth.com/images/article/main_image/what-foods-will-help-a-child-poop.jpg?output-quality=75)
Constipation is a common problem in children and occurs when a child has:
- Fewer than two bowel movements per week
- Stools that are dry, hard, or lumpy
- Stools that are difficult or painful to pass
- A feeling their bowel movements are incomplete
What Foods Will Help A Child Poop?
High-fiber foods can help relieve constipation and help children stay regular. To help a child poop, try the following foods:
- Pears, plums, and apples
- Eat with the skin for added fiber
- Look for baby foods with pears to help infants with constipation
- Berries
- Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are great fiber-rich snacks
- They can also be pureed and frozen as a dessert
- Kiwi fruit
- Is a type of berry
- Promotes regular bowel movements
- Dried fruits
- Contains more fiber per serving than fresh fruit
- Prunes, raisins, figs, apricots are excellent sources of fiber
- Prunes in particular are often called “nature’s laxative”
- Prune juice may help relieve constipation in babies
- Add to cereal or bake into muffins
- If it’s hard for the child to chew, soak in water to soften
- Though they contain more fiber, dried fruits also contain more calories so consume sparingly in children who are overweight
- Popcorn
- Air-popped popcorn is high in fiber and low in calories
- Avoid popcorn with butter, as the fat can cause constipation
- Beans and legumes
- Beans are an excellent source of fiber and can be added to pasta, soups, salads, and casseroles
- Lentils, black beans, kidney beans, soybeans, and chickpeas
- There are also black bean brownie recipes that use beans in lieu of flour, so even children who dislike beans may like the dessert
- Whole grains
- Whole grains are packed with fiber
- Rye bread is better than whole wheat bread for constipation
- Ezekiel bread made of sprouted whole grains and legumes provides a good dose of fiber
- Oatmeal and bran flake cereals are great breakfast choices – top with fruit for added fiber and sweetness
- Sweet potatoes
- The high fiber content in sweet potatoes helps prevent constipation
- Leave on the skin, which contains most of the fiber
- Regular baked potatoes with skin are also a good source of fiber
- Leave off high-fat toppings such as butter or sour cream because they may add to constipation
- Nuts and seeds
- Almonds, pecans, and walnuts have more fiber than other nuts and make a great snack food
- Seeds such as sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds can be sprinkled on salads for added fiber
- Choose nuts and seeds that are raw or dry roasted, rather than roasted in oil
- Seeds and nuts are also high in calories, so keep portions small
- Vegetables
- Carrots, broccoli, and green peas
- Carrots are an easy snack
- Try serving veggies raw with hummus
In addition to eating high fiber foods, children should drink plenty of water to help the fiber work better.
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References
Medscape Medical Reference