Real moms share tried and tested remedies for constipation in kids

Is your child in pain due to constipation? Try these tried and tested remedies.

As a mother, you will be amazed at how much of your thoughts will be centered around poop. I used to be a person who could not even stand the talk of poop, especially when I was eating. Now, as a mother, I can get up from eating, clean my child s poopy bum, wash my hands, come back and resume eating. Mothers are obsessed with poop, and understandably so. Your child needs to be pooping, because you want her digestive system to be healthy and working. A constipated child is a child in pain, and that is the worst horror for any mother. That is why we take great pride in discussing poop in great detail, frequency, colour, texture, and everything in between. Still, constipation is a problem with a lot of children, and mothers don t really like relying on medication. So here are some tried and tested remedies for constipation that have worked for real mothers.

Blueberries

Blueberries were a lifesaver for me when I was constipated during pregnancy. Nothing worked for me except blueberries, and that is what I tried when my child got constipated. Of course, she wouldn t eat the blueberries because I asked her to, so I used to put it in her smoothies and milkshakes. 2 servings of blueberries usually works, and it is my go-to remedy for whenever mu child hasn t gone potty in a while.

- Nasreen Naseem

Papaya

Constipated? I have to serve papaya to my child. We all know that papaya is the best home remedy when it comes to constipation. Adults use it all the time, right? So that is what I give to my child as well. I know that my child will have trouble pooping when she eats a lot of rice or bread, or hasn t been eating lentils or chapatti. So I pre-empt the problem and start feeding her papayas beforehand. Lucky for me, she likes eating papaya and I try feeding my child papaya at least three times a week, to avoid any constipation situation.

- Jisha Thomas

Chana dal

If I keep my toddlers diet in check, we are able to avoid any constipation situations. However, when we are travelling or on a staycation, it gets difficult to monitor her diet, and that is when the problem arises. What I do is give her chana dal with roti. Chana dal works like a charm everytime, and the plus is that my daughter loves eating chana dal with a spoon of ghee. I avoid giving it with rice, as roti I feel is more fibrous and helps ease the things. Another quick remedy that I follow is giving her a pulp of water-soaked munakkas (black raisins) It is a remedy that I have used for years. Since it is sweet and only a spoonful, she takes it happily like a dose of medicine. A couple of times is usually enough.

- Rukhsana Shoayb

Note: These are home remedies that have been tried and tested, and worked for the mothers quoted. It might or might not work for you. Readers discretion is advised. In severe cases of constipation, it is advisable to see a doctor.

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