Feeling in the mood to talk about your kiddo’s poop? Parenting gets REAL with diaper changes, potty training, and everything else poop-related. If this seems like an awkward topic, just take a second to remember that as a parent you already think about your baby’s bowel movements MANY times in a day. And so does every other parent out there! Since we’re all in this together, let’s jump over the squeamishness of it all and talk about how a little fiber and a lot of love can help keep things moving along “down there.”
Figuring out fiber
Fiber is the hero that can help prevent constipation. Ever wonder how? Soluble fiber soaks up water as it passes through the digestive system, softening stool which then passes through easier. Insoluble fiber bulks up stool so it can keep on moving, not too fast and not too slow, through the digestive system.
You’ll find both soluble and insoluble fiber in most fiber-rich foods—vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, and whole grains—though some have more of one than the other. When kids don’t get enough fiber, poops can become tiny and hard, which results in poor movement and ultimately difficulty pooping. It’s also good to know that keeping kids well hydrated will help fiber do its job.
When it’s not easy
When kids struggle and strain to have a bowel movement they can experience pain, and it’s heartbreaking. With this pain, some babies and toddlers will try to hold it in, making matters worse. Sometimes the apparent discomfort on their face is not from trying to “go” but from trying “not to go.” As you can imagine, this makes potty training a huge challenge for some toddlers, and is no fun for anyone involved. Fortunately, fiber-rich foods can help by making bowel movements more comfortable.
The goods for their gut
There are many choices of fiber-rich foods, so even with a picky little eater you’re likely to find a few winners. A common challenge for babies and toddlers, who eat small portions, is getting enough fiber from those foods.
In order to get a meaningful amount of fiber from, say, peas, they’ll need to eat about a half-cup! That’s a lot for most babies and toddlers. The way around this is to offer a wide variety of fiber-rich foods in little portions for little tummies.