How to Help Constipated Kids

The information here is strictly educational and not medical advice. It should not substitute professional medical consultation.

Constipation is common for many kids, though it doesn’t make it easier for the child or parent. Just because it is common, does not mean it should be ignored. Check out this post on the causes of constipation, how to improve it, and what to look for. In this article we dive into prebiotics, what they are, and how they can help constipation in kids!

How to Help Constipated Kids with Prebiotics 

Constipation is a common digestive issue affecting kids worldwide. In fact, up to 29% of pediatric doctor visits are related to constipation (1). While increasing dietary fiber and fluids can alleviate some symptoms, many kids need a more comprehensive approach to achieve lasting relief. (2) One powerful step parents can take to support their little ones’ gut health is introducing a daily prebiotic like Begin Health’s Growing Up Prebiotics. Let’s explore how prebiotics can support your kiddo's digestive system and help with constipation symptoms. 

What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut. When these “good” gut bacteria thrive, they create a balanced and healthier environment in the digestive tract, leading to better digestion and regular bowel movements. Prebiotics specifically help foster a diverse gut microbiota, which plays a key role in overall digestive wellness and immune health—since 80% of the immune system resides in the gut. (2,3)

Research shows that prebiotics, especially those derived from chicory root fiber or Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium, which strengthens the gut and enhances microbiome health. This not only improves digestion but also builds a more resilient immune system. (2,3)

Why Prebiotics Are a Game-Changer for Constipated Kids

For constipated kids, the most common challenges are infrequent bowel movements and hard stools. Laxatives are commonly prescribed to constipated kids but only offer a short-term, band-aid solution without providing long-term health benefits. In some cases, prebiotics might help provide a more holistic way to nourish the gut microbiome to help reduce the risk for painful stools. Studies indicate that regular consumption of prebiotics can alleviate these issues in several ways:

• Increased Stool Frequency: Prebiotics can promote regularity by speeding up gut transit time, leading to more frequent bowel movements.

• Softer Stools: By increasing water content in the intestines, prebiotics make stools softer and easier to pass, reducing discomfort associated with constipation. (4)

Benefits of Growing Up Prebiotics

Begin Health’s unique formulation of Growing Up Prebiotics provides a convenient and natural way to support your kiddos’ digestive health. Here are the top benefits:

• Supports Softer and More Frequent Stools: With a blend of chicory root fiber and Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), Growing Up Prebiotics is designed to support softer, more frequent stools, making bowel movements easier for your little one within six weeks of daily use. (4)

• Tasteless and Textureless Formula: Growing Up Prebiotics can be mixed into your little one’s favorite drink or soft food without altering the taste or texture, ensuring seamless integration into their daily diet. Perfect for both picky eaters and non-picky eaters alike! 

• Age-Appropriate for Toddlers and Up: Formulated for children ages 1 year and up, Growing Up Prebiotics is safe and effective for toddlers and older kids who need extra digestive support.

• 3 Grams of Fiber per Serving: 95% of kids do not meet the daily recommended fiber intake. Each serving of Growing Up Prebiotics delivers 3 grams of natural prebiotic fiber, helping to close the fiber gap for kids, especially for picky eaters who may struggle to get enough fiber through diet alone.

Summary

Prebiotics—whether from natural sources like apples and bananas or supplements like Growing Up Prebiotics—can play a pivotal role in relieving constipation in kids. Research shows that chicory root fiber prebiotics can increase stool frequency and soften stools within six weeks. Along with a balanced diet, hydration, and an active lifestyle, daily prebiotic intake helps create a holistic plan for managing constipation and supporting your kiddo's gut health for life.

Additional tools/resources

• For my full constipation protocol for kids including lifestyle modifications, foods to consider and avoid, and supplements and other support strategies, check out Bite Sized Academy! Bite Sized Academy is our app-based community and your parent pocket guide to clear, evidence-based education and resources to nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to support growth, development, and health for your children to THRIVE!

• For 10% off Growing Up Prebiotics use code: BITESIZED at checkout!

• Disclaimer

  Medical/General: The content, information, opinions, and suggestions listed here have been created with typically developing children and babies in mind. The information here is generalized for a broad audience. The information here should by no means be used as a substitute for medical advice or for any circumstance be used in place of emergency services. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. If your child has underlying medical or developmental differences, including but not limited to prematurity, developmental delay, sensory processing differences, gastrointestinal differences, cardiopulmonary disease processes, or neurological differences, we strongly recommend you discuss your child's feeding plan with the child's doctor, health care provider or therapy team. By accessing this site and the information in it, you acknowledge and agree that you are accepting responsibility for your child’s health and well-being. By using and accepting the information on this site, the author (Cierra Crowley) is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions discussed. It is important to talk to your child’s pediatrician or medical provider to start anything new or make any changes.

  Affiliation: this page contains affiliate links from which I can earn small commissions (at no additional cost to you).

• References

  • [1] Oniszczuk A, Oniszczuk T, Gancarz M, Szymańska J. Role of Gut Microbiota, Probiotics and Prebiotics in the Cardiovascular Diseases. Molecules. 2021 Feb 22;26(4):1172. doi: 10.3390/molecules26041172. PMID: 33671813; PMCID: PMC7926819.

  • [2] Stuivenberg GA, Burton JP, Bron PA, Reid G. Why Are Bifidobacteria Important for Infants? Microorganisms. 2022 Jan 25;10(2):278. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms10020278. PMID: 35208736; PMCID: PMC8880231.

  • [3] Wiertsema SP, van Bergenhenegouwen J, Garssen J, Knippels LMJ. The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients. 2021 Mar 9;13(3):886. doi: 10.3390/nu13030886. PMID: 33803407; PMCID: PMC8001875.

  • [4] Closa-Monasterolo R, Ferré N, Castillejo-DeVillasante G, Luque V, Gispert-Llaurado M, Zaragoza-Jordana M, Theis S, Escribano J. The use of inulin-type fructans improves stool consistency in constipated children. A randomised clinical trial: pilot study. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2017 Aug;68(5):587-594. doi: 10.1080/09637486.2016.1263605. Epub 2016 Dec 8. PMID: 27931142.

  • [5] Jennings A, Davies GJ, Costarelli V, Dettmar PW. Dietary fibre, fluids and physical activity in relation to constipation symptoms in pre-adolescent children. J Child Health Care. 2009 Jun;13(2):116-27. doi: 10.1177/1367493509102469. PMID: 19458167.