Triple Berry Constipation Smoothie

Have a little one who’s constipated? Try this fiber filling constipation smoothie!

Let’s talk about poop. I feel like Mom’s talking about their kids’ poop is a little more “normal” than adults talking about their poop habits, right? 

Knowing your kids’ stool patterns and what it looks like can tell you SO MUCH about what’s going on in their little bellies. This may come as a surprise to you, but poop is one of the top things I talk about with families. And not just like, “how many times a day does your child poop?” but we get down and dirty with it (no pun intended). 

When introducing solid foods, you’ll likely see a change in stool pattern, shape, consistency, and sometimes constipation as babies transition from a full liquid diet to eating more solid foods. Toddlers and older kids also experience constipation for a variety of reasons.

What Is Constipation?

In a nutshell, constipation means less frequent bowel movements. Typically, less than three bowel movements per week (1). Constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the GI tract, causing stool to become hard and dry (1).

Stool frequency is different for every child. If yours typically has 2-3 bowel movements a day and is suddenly going less than one a day, this should raise a red flag that they might be constipated.

Signs and Symptoms of Constipation

Constipation symptoms for kids are typically the same ones you’re used to as an adult. 

—Less frequent bowel movements

—Straining when pooping

—Belly is hard to the touch

—Distended belly

—Hard, lumpy (or pellet-like), or dry stools

—Decreased appetite

—Pain (baby’s may cry) while pooping

—Gas

Reasons For Constipation

Many factors can contribute to constipation. A few of them are:

—Changes in diet (i.e. baby starting to take solids)
—Lack of fiber
—Dehydration
—Lack of exercise/movement
—Potty training (some kids may hold in stool)
—Routine changes
—Cow’s milk allergy
—Medical condition

How To Improve Constipation

Once you’ve determined your child is constipated, there are a few things to try:

—Offer high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Served whole or constipation smoothie style.
—Make sure they drink enough fluids, whether that’s breast milk, formula, or water when they are greater than 12 months old.
—A “prescription” of fruit juice can sometimes help. The most effective are prune, pear, and apple.
—Daily movement. For younger babies, try cycling their legs up and down to help relieve any gas.
How to cycle: Lay your baby on their back, and move their legs up and down like they are riding a bike.
—Encourage and be supportive of potty training efforts to poop on the potty.
—Probiotics, either from foods like yogurt or kefir, or supplemented. Note: not all kids need a supplemented probiotic, talk to your medical provider or registered dietitian to determine if it’s best for your child.

If you’re unsure if your child is constipated or has something else going on, loop in your medical provider for help!

High Fiber Foods In This Constipation Smoothie

Raspberries

Raspberries knock it out of the park when it comes to fiber. One cup contains 9 grams, leaving it one of the top fruits that contain fiber (2).

Blueberries

We know and love blueberries for being high in antioxidants, which is great for kids’ immune systems, but don’t underestimate blueberries when it comes to fiber. One cup of blueberries contains 4 grams of fiber (3).

Strawberries

One cup of strawberries contains 3 grams of fiber. While it isn’t as much as raspberries and blackberries, it’s still impressive for this small nutrient-dense fruit (4).

Chia Seeds

One tablespoon of chia seeds contains 4 grams of fiber (5).

I love to use chia seeds as a simple way to amp up the fiber in Hudson’s diet. These little seeds are safe for babies and toddlers and can be eaten in a variety of ways. If you haven’t checked out my oatmeal sprinkle yet, you must! Sprinkle chia seeds on oatmeal, yogurt, toast, or in smoothies.

Did You Make This Constipation Smoothie?

Make sure to tag me on Instagram @firstbitesnutrition so I can see and share your creations!