5 Ways to Unclog a Constipated Toddler  

by Lis Garrett 

Dealing with a constipated toddler is not a parent’s idea of fun, as it can be both a frustrating and scary experience. Your toddler may feel anxious because she can’t go, and you may feel as equally uneasy over her pain and distress.  

Infrequent stools alone are not a sign of constipation; some kids just don’t poop as often as others do. But if your child’s bowel movements are hard and dry, difficult for her to pass, or accompanied by abdominal pain, it’s a sure sign she’s probably feeling a little backed up.  

Here are five ways to help eliminate your toddler’s constipation:

Serve your toddler fiber-rich foods such as apples, pears, and raisins. Likewise, choose whole-grain breads, cereals, and pastas.

Give her plenty of liquids to drink. Toddlers should consume 1 to 1.5 quarts of fluids daily in the form of milk, 100% fruit juice, and water. If your toddler is having trouble passing a stool, apple and pear juice are particularly effective in getting things to move along.

Make sure that your toddler is getting enough exercise. Most parents don’t have to worry that their toddler is too sedate; however, long periods of time spent in a car seat or stroller may contribute to constipation. Give your toddler plenty of opportunity to run around and play.

Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly on your toddler’s anal opening. Sometimes a toddler will withhold her poop out of fear that passing it will hurt. A little lubrication will soften the tissue of the anal opening and allow the stool to pass more easily.

Ease her abdominal discomfort with a gentle tummy massage and warm bath.


Visit your toddler’s pediatrician if none of the above home remedies work. He or she may recommend a stool softener, laxative, or other medication to help your toddler eliminate the poop. It’s important that you never give your child medication without the advice of a healthcare professional.

Prepare the following high-fiber snack for your toddler at anytime or whenever she is constipated: 

Hot Apples and Oatmeal  

You will need: 

1 apple, any variety 

¼ cup quick-cooking oatmeal 

½ cup apple juice 

Wash and cut the apple into age-appropriate bites. Combine the apple bites, oatmeal, and apple juice in a saucepan. Cook the mixture for five minutes, or until the apples are warm and tender. 

As the mother of three children, Lis Garrett is no stranger to the occasional clogged kid. In addition to the remedies mentioned above, Lis also advises that having patience is key. Lis is the senior editor and contributing writer for Root & Sprout.