Constipation is unfortunately a common issue with babies and toddlers. If it is occasional it probably isn’t a serious issue but if your little one is always constipated you should get your pediatrician involved. Toddler constipation can be caused from a number of things like low fiber intake, food sensitivities, picky eating, or a lack of exercise. There are lots of safe and effective alternatives to help prevent constipation. Below are some tips for helping ease bathroom time, as well as some smoothie recipes that give your child the nutrients they need for a healthier system.
Drink More Water – Many kids suffering from constipation don’t drink enough water. If your toddler isn’t a huge water person then give them different types of juice without the added sugar. Being properly hydrated keeps things moving in the intestines.
Increase Fiber Intake – Plant-based foods are high in fiber, great for hydration and keeping your system regular. Soluble fiber creates a gel like substance in your system and insoluble fiber creates a bulk to get things moving. In addition to veggies, beans and oatmeal are great, too.
Ditch The Junk – Over-processed foods and sugary foods lack nutrients, the proper fiber, and the overall balance needed to keep your system healthy and flowing. If your child eats a lot of junk food cut back slowly and start getting creative with healthier options.
Get The Good Bacteria – If your child has the right amount of good bacteria in their gut then it helps with digestion and creating a stronger immune system. Now they offer yogurt for kids that have probiotics and come in a variety of flavors.
The Fruit Smoothie – Smoothies are a tasty way to get the right nutrients in your little one. If they won’t drink it, you can also put it into a bowl, add a little rice cereal to bulk it up and have them eat it that way. Vitamix.com gives some great examples of fruit smoothies that your little one may find tasty.
Just Peachy Smoothie
1/2 cup red or green grapes
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
1 medium to large ripe peach, halved, pitted
1 cup ice cubes
Place all ingredients into the blender in the order listed and secure lid.
Blend for 40-45 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.
Triple Strawberry Smoothie
1 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen, thawed
1/4 cup strawberry low fat yogurt
1/4 cup strawberry or vanilla nonfat frozen yogurt or ice cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar or other sweetener, to taste
1/4 cup water
Place all ingredients into the blender in the order listed and secure lid.
Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to High.
Blend for 30 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.
Good Morning Green Smoothie
1/2 cup water
1 cup green grapes
1/4 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 kiwi, peeled
1/2 medium apple, 4 ounces, seeded
3/4 cup chopped fresh broccoli
1/2-inch-thick slice lemon, peeled
1 cup ice cubes
Place all ingredients into the blender in the order listed and secure lid.
Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to High.
Blend for 1 minute or until desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately.
All Green Smoothie
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 3/4 cups green grapes
1/4 Bartlett pear, ripe, seeded and halved
1/2 avocado, pitted, peeled
1/4 cup coarsely chopped broccoli
1/2 cup spinach, washed
1/4 cup ice cubes
Place all ingredients into the blender in the order listed and secure lid.
Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to High.
Blend for 35-40 seconds or until mixture is smooth
Everything Smoothie
1/2 cup soy milk
1/2 cup red or green grapes
1 medium orange, peeled, halved, seeded
1/2 cup frozen peach slices, thawed
1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks, core included
1/2 medium carrot
1/2 cup fresh broccoli, chopped
1/2 cup fresh spinach, washed
1 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 banana, peeled, frozen
1 cup ice cubes
Place all ingredients into the blender in the order listed and secure lid.
Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to High.
Blend for 1 minute, or until desired consistency is reached.
