Constipation is a common concern for parents of infants and toddlers. There are many medicinal interventions to help with constipation. We prefer to start with a nutritional approach. With this strategy, constipation remains a dietary challenge rather than a medical problem that requires medicine.

We always thank a pediatric GI specialist for this little trick:

  1. Stew a can of prunes (can use pears or peaches)
  2. Puree the stewed prunes
  3. Pour the stewed prunes into an ice cube tray and allow to freeze
  4. Pop one of the cubes into a bowl and let thaw overnight in the refrigerator
  5. Add 2 teaspoons of flax seed oil to the bowl
  6. Add water to the bowl and mix until you have a nice slushy consistency that your infant/toddler will love.

This strategy works incredibly well. In addition to being a nice insurance policy to prevent constipation, it offers omega fatty acids and a good deal of fiber for your child’s diet.