What is a quick home remedy for constipation in children?

Extra water, a fibre-rich fruit such as papaya or pear, and soaked raisins usually help within a day or two. A warm bath and tummy massage can ease discomfort.

Is ghee good for constipation in kids?

A little ghee in food is a traditional way to soften stools and is generally fine for children over six months, as part of a balanced diet.

When should I worry about my child's constipation?

If there is blood, vomiting, a swollen belly, weight loss, fever or it lasts more than two weeks, see a doctor.

Kids' health10 min

Home remedies for constipation in kids: water, fibre, soaked raisins and toilet time

Hard, painful poos make children hold back, which makes constipation worse. These home remedies for constipation in kids break that cycle gently with more water, fruit and fibre, soaked raisins, a little ghee in food, a clockwise tummy massage and an unhurried toilet routine after meals.

Why children get constipated

Too little water and fibre, a diet heavy in milk, biscuits and maida, toilet training, a change in routine, travel and holding back because of pain are common causes. Most constipation in children is functional and improves with diet and habits.

In Ayurveda, dryness and irregular routine aggravate vata in the gut, and warm, moist food with a little ghee is the traditional remedy.

Ingredients

8–10 black raisins (munakka) or 2–3 prunes, soaked overnight
½–1 teaspoon ghee in dal, khichdi or roti
Fruits such as papaya, pear, guava, orange or ripe banana
Plenty of water

How to prepare

Soak the raisins in a little water overnight; mash them for toddlers.
Add ghee to one meal a day.

How to use

Give the soaked raisins with their water in the morning (for children over 1 year).
Offer fruit or vegetables at every meal and water between meals.
Encourage the child to sit on the toilet for 5 minutes after breakfast and dinner, with a footstool so the knees are above the hips; gently massage the tummy clockwise at bedtime.

Helpful habits

Keep cow's milk to about 2 cups a day for toddlers; more can crowd out fibre.
Swap maida biscuits for whole-grain roti, poha, dalia or fruit.
Praise effort rather than results and never punish accidents.

Precautions

For babies under 6 months, do not give water, juice or home remedies without your paediatrician's advice.
See a doctor for constipation with vomiting, a swollen tummy, blood in the stool, weight loss, fever, or constipation since birth, or if it lasts more than two weeks.
Do not give laxatives, enemas or castor oil to children unless a doctor prescribes them.

Frequently asked questions

What is a quick home remedy for constipation in children?: Extra water, a fibre-rich fruit such as papaya or pear, and soaked raisins usually help within a day or two. A warm bath and tummy massage can ease discomfort.
Is ghee good for constipation in kids?: A little ghee in food is a traditional way to soften stools and is generally fine for children over six months, as part of a balanced diet.
When should I worry about my child's constipation?: If there is blood, vomiting, a swollen belly, weight loss, fever or it lasts more than two weeks, see a doctor.