4 Foods That Help Toddlers Poop

Maintaining a toddler's digestive health is a key part of overall health and well-being. Studies show us that the first 1000 days of a kid’s life is a critical window for proper microbiome development [1]. Incorporating the right foods into their diet early on can significantly help their delicate digestive systems and set them up for better health as they continue to grow. Additional studies also suggest that integrating prebiotic-rich foods can be helpful in supporting a toddler’s gut health by facilitating smoother bowel movements and improving regularity [2]. Here are four foods to incorporate today that will support your toddler’s digestion and help them poop:

1. Apples

Among the wide variety of fruits, apples stand out for their beneficial prebiotic properties. Loaded with pectin fiber, apples help regulate bowel movements by adding bulk to stool. Additionally, they contain polyphenols that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthier digestive system [3].

2. Sweet Potatoes

This nutrient-rich root vegetable is not only loved for its taste but also for its nutrient profile. Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber and resistant starch which help to maintain a balanced gut environment by feeding the good bacteria in the microbiome. A balanced microbiome is important for a healthy digestion. The fiber found in sweet potatoes also helps in softening stool and easing bowel movements, making them a nutrient powerhouse for a toddler’s digestion [4].

3. Kefir

Similar to yogurt, kefir is a fermented dairy drink made from kefir grains but provides 3x as much probiotics compared to yogurt. Kefir contains a diverse range of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli that contribute to a healthier gut microbiome by adding to gut diversity, which helps with better digestion [5,6].

4. Pears

Pears also contain pectin fiber, which helps in regulating bowel movements by adding bulk to stool. They also contain fructose and sorbitol, which can help provide relief for constipation in kids by acting as a natural food laxative. Because a majority of the fiber is found on the outer peel, it’s best to consume pears with their whole peels attached. Pears are just one of the four fruits that can help support a kid’s struggle with regularity - for more information, check out what our Registered Dietitian has to say about the 4 “P” Fruits for Kids Constipation.

References:

[1] Pantazi AC, Balasa AL, Mihai CM, Chisnoiu T, Lupu VV, Kassim MAK, Mihai L, Frecus CE, Chirila SI, Lupu A, Andrusca A, Ionescu C, Cuzic V, Cambrea SC. Development of Gut Microbiota in the First 1000 Days after Birth and Potential Interventions. Nutrients. 2023 Aug 20;15(16):3647. doi: 10.3390/nu15163647. PMID: 37630837; PMCID: PMC10457741.

[2] 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.

[3] Jiang T, Gao X, Wu C, Tian F, Lei Q, Bi J, Xie B, Wang HY, Chen S, Wang X. Apple-Derived Pectin Modulates Gut Microbiota, Improves Gut Barrier Function, and Attenuates Metabolic Endotoxemia in Rats with Diet-Induced Obesity. Nutrients. 2016 Feb 29;8(3):126. doi: 10.3390/nu8030126. PMID: 26938554; PMCID: PMC4808856.

[4] Amagloh FC, Yada B, Tumuhimbise GA, Amagloh FK, Kaaya AN. The Potential of Sweetpotato as a Functional Food in Sub-Saharan Africa and Its Implications for Health: A Review. Molecules. 2021 May 17;26(10):2971. doi: 10.3390/molecules26102971. PMID: 34067782; PMCID: PMC8156662.

[5] Culpepper T. The Effects of Kefir and Kefir Components on Immune and Metabolic Physiology in Pre-Clinical Studies: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2022 Aug 8;14(8):e27768. doi: 10.7759/cureus.27768. PMID: 36106262; PMCID: PMC9450431.

[6] Bourrie BC, Willing BP, Cotter PD. The Microbiota and Health Promoting Characteristics of the Fermented Beverage Kefir. Front Microbiol. 2016 May 4;7:647. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00647. PMID: 27199969; PMCID: PMC4854945.

[7] Reiland H, Slavin J. Systematic Review of Pears and Health. Nutr Today. 2015 Nov;50(6):301-305. doi: 10.1097/NT.0000000000000112. Epub 2015 Nov 23. PMID: 26663955; PMCID: PMC4657810.