The old saying may be that “Everybody poops” but sometimes, toddlers don’t have it that easy. Several issues can lead to your toddler being unable to go to the bathroom and it’s up to you to help them the best way you can. Before reaching for over-the-counter medications, there are a few natural ways to loosen things up. These homemade laxatives can kick your toddler’s digestive system into gear without any unexpected side effects.
10 Natural Recipes for Laxatives
1. Bananas and Prunes
Ingredients
1 ripe banana
8 dried prunes
3-4 ounces of breastmilk
Method:
- Peel the banana and cut up the dried prunes.
- Combine the fruits and breast milk in a blender.
- Serve
2. Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients
1 ripe banana
½ cup fresh strawberries
½ cup fresh blueberries
1 kiwi, peeled and diced
½ cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
¼ cup water or apple juice (for desired consistency)
Method:
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more water or apple juice if needed.
- Pour into a fun cup with a colorful straw.
3. Vegetable Nuggets
Ingredients
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, and peas), steamed and finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or dairy-free cheese
½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 egg or egg alternatives
1 teaspoon olive oil
A pinch of salt and pepper
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into small nuggets and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the nuggets are golden and crispy.
- Serve with a side of yogurt dip.
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4. Apple Chia Pudding
Ingredients
2 tablespoons chia seeds
½ cup unsweetened applesauce or a pureed apple pouch will work
½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Method:
- In a bowl, mix the chia seeds, applesauce, milk, and cinnamon.
- Stir well to combine and make sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
- Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like texture.
- Drizzle with honey if desired and serve as a delightful snack or breakfast option.
5. Banana Pancakes
Ingredients
1 ripe banana, mashed
½ cup rolled oats
1 egg or egg alternative
½ teaspoon baking powder
A pinch of cinnamon
Butter or oil for cooking
Method:
- In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, rolled oats, egg, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil.
- Pour small portions of the batter onto the pan to form pancakes.
- Cook for a couple of minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra yumminess.
6. Kiddie Wraps
Ingredients
1 whole wheat tortilla or wrap
2 tablespoons cream cheese or hummus
½ cup spiralized or thinly sliced veggies (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers)
¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) or cheese alternatives
A handful of baby spinach or lettuce leaves
Method:
- Lay the tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spread a layer of cream cheese or hummus over the tortilla.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the spread.
- Place the spiralized or sliced veggies evenly on top of the cheese.
- Add a layer of baby spinach or lettuce leaves.
- Gently roll up the tortilla, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a wrap.
- Slice the wrap into bite-sized pieces or fun pinwheels.
- Serve with a side of yogurt dip or your toddler’s favorite sauce.
7. Baked Apples
Ingredients
3-4 medium apples (about 3 cups sliced; core discarded)
1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter (or coconut oil)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Method:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Place the butter or oil into a pie plate or baking dish. Warm in the oven for a few minutes to melt. Remove from oven.
- Slice the apples into approximately 1/2-inch slices and discard the cores. Place the slices in the baking dish with the oil.
- Add the cinnamon and toss to combine.
- Bake for 28-34 minutes, or until tender when poked with a fork.
- Serve in slices or cut into smaller pieces and add to yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes.
8. Pear Popsicles
Ingredients
14-ounce can of pears in juice
Method:
- Pour the pears and juice into a bowl. Roughly chop up with kitchen scissors or mash slightly with a potato masher.
- Portion into popsicle molds. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Release from the popsicle mold and serve.
9. Watermelon Juice
Ingredients
4 cups seedless watermelon cubes
Method:
- Place the watermelon cubes into a blender.
- Blend, starting on low and increasing the speed to high as the cubes start turning into juice.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if desired.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge and serve within 2-3 days.
10. Blueberry Popsicles
Ingredients
1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
1 cup blueberries (wild blueberries give these the best color)
½ -1 cup lightly packed baby spinach (or kale)
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a blender and grind until very well combined, about 20-30 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Divide the mixture among reusable freezer-pop molds. (Or, place four 3-ounce plastic cups onto a plate or a small baking dish and divide the yogurt mixture evenly among them. Place a popsicle stick into the center and place it onto a plate or small baking dish to freeze.)
- Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.
- Run the mold under warm water to help loosen as needed.
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How to Prevent Constipation in Your Toddler
While natural remedies are great for addressing constipation, it’s always best to prevent the issue in the first place. Constipation can be uncomfortable for your toddler and the ensuing loosening of their bowels isn’t always easy to handle, either. One efficient way to ensure your toddler stays regular is to monitor their diet.
Ideally, your toddler should eat a balanced diet with fiber and fluid. Both of these are integral to a properly functioning digestive system. Fiber and fluid work together to keep feces soft and easy to pass. Keeping your child hydrated is a good way to make sure that they’re drinking enough fluid. While water is best, you can mix things up with some juice as well.
If your child doesn’t usually get a lot of fiber in their diet, it’s best to introduce them slowly so there’s time for them to get used to new foods. Some great options include kiwi, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and legumes like black beans, kidney beans, or lentils. You can also try mixing the fiber-rich foods into meals they already like.
Other things that can help with regular digestion are physical activity and routine potty time. The experts say that even if nothing happens when your toddler sits on the potty, having the routine helps them get used to going at the same time.
When to See the Doctor
Generally, constipation isn’t serious and can be resolved easily. However, there are times when something more serious is happening. If your toddler’s constipation has lasted for more than two weeks, you need to see the doctor. Furthermore, your doctor needs to know if the constipation is accompanied by loss of appetite, a fever, abdominal swelling, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, pain when trying to use the bathroom, and any sign that a part of the intestine is coming out of the anus.
Toddlers can get constipation at any time so it’s good to have a few recipes on hand that can help. You can also be proactive by ensuring that they’re properly hydrated and getting enough fiber in their diet. If nothing helps, though, and their symptoms are getting worse, it’s time to see a doctor.
