Your Cart is Empty
Continue shoppingTry our NEW Whole Family Size! Less than $1 a day with subscription🏡 SHOP NOW
Try our NEW Whole Family Size! Less than $1 a day with subscription🏡 SHOP NOW
All natural ingredients
Science-Backed formulas
100% Satisfaction guarantee
All natural ingredients
Science-Backed formulas
100% Satisfaction guarantee
All natural ingredients
Science-Backed formulas
100% Satisfaction guarantee
5 Ways Laxatives
Can Impact Kid's Health
Constipation is common in kids but that doesn’t mean laxatives are always the right solution.
While laxatives or stool softeners are often used for short-term or quick relief, regular or long-term laxative use can come with possible side effects that may affect your kid's digestion, growth, and overall health.
Let’s break down five ways frequent laxative use can have unintended consequences on your kid’s developing body — and why there’s a gentler, more supportive option. 👇
1
Electrolyte Imbalances
Some laxatives work by pulling water into the intestines, which can flush out essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
This can lead to muscle weakness, confusion, and even irregular heartbeats — especially with long-term use.*
The better way? Support your kiddo’s digestion with gentle prebiotic fiber that helps make poops more predictable — without disrupting their body’s natural balance.
*Source:Khan S, Khan SH. Adverse drug event of hypokalaemia-induced cardiotoxicity secondary to the use of laxatives: a systematic review of case reports.J Clin Pharm Ther. 2020;45(5):927–936.
Some laxatives work by pulling water into the intestines, which can flush out essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
This can lead to muscle weakness, confusion, and even irregular heartbeats — especially with long-term use.*
The better way? Support your kiddo’s digestion with gentle prebiotic fiber that helps make poops more predictable — without disrupting their body’s natural balance.
*Source:Khan S, Khan SH. Adverse drug event of hypokalaemia-induced cardiotoxicity secondary to the use of laxatives: a systematic review of case reports.J Clin Pharm Ther. 2020;45(5):927–936.
2
Dehydration
Laxatives can also increase the risk of dehydration by drawing too much water into the bowels. And since kids have smaller bodies and higher water needs, they’re even more vulnerable.
Dehydration in little ones can look like dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, or less pee — and it’s something to watch closely.
Laxatives can also increase the risk of dehydration by drawing too much water into the bowels. And since kids have smaller bodies and higher water needs, they’re even more vulnerable.
Dehydration in little ones can look like dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, or less pee — and it’s something to watch closely.
3
Potential Dependency Risk
Over time with long-term use, some kids can become dependent on laxatives just to poop. Their bowel muscles may stop working effectively on their own — a condition often referred to as lazy bowel syndrome.*
This dependency can make constipation harder to treat and disrupt a kid's natural ability to go without help.
*Source: Tabbers, M. M., et al.Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, vol. 72, no. 1, 2021, pp. 114–119.
Over time with long-term use, some kids can become dependent on laxatives just to poop. Their bowel muscles may stop working effectively on their own — a condition often referred to as lazy bowel syndrome.*
This dependency can make constipation harder to treat and disrupt a kid's natural ability to go without help.
*Source: Tabbers, M. M., et al.Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, vol. 72, no. 1, 2021, pp. 114–119.
4
Constipation isn't just a physical issue, it can also impact a child's behavior.
Children experiencing constipation may exhibit increased irritability, aggression, temper tantrums, disrupted sleep patterns, and withholding behaviors.*
These behavioral changes often intensify as the duration between complete bowel evacuations increases.
*Source: Health Research Authority. “Behavioral Problems in Childhood Constipation.”HRA NHS, 2022.*
Constipation isn't just a physical issue, it can also impact a child's behavior.
Children experiencing constipation may exhibit increased irritability, aggression, temper tantrums, disrupted sleep patterns, and withholding behaviors.*
These behavioral changes often intensify as the duration between complete bowel evacuations increases.
*Source: Health Research Authority. “Behavioral Problems in Childhood Constipation.”HRA NHS, 2022.*
5
The gut does more than digest food — it plays a huge role in your kid’s immune system, nutrient absorption, and even mood.
But some laxatives can upset the natural balance of gut bacteria.
Studies show they may reduce microbial diversity, which can interfere with how nutrients are absorbed and how well the gut functions long term.*
This may lead to low levels of key nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium — nutrients kids need to grow and thrive.
*Source: Salman SS, et al.J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2021;73(4):499–506.
The gut does more than digest food — it plays a huge role in your kid’s immune system, nutrient absorption, and even mood.
But some laxatives can upset the natural balance of gut bacteria.
Studies show they may reduce microbial diversity, which can interfere with how nutrients are absorbed and how well the gut functions long term.*
This may lead to low levels of key nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium — nutrients kids need to grow and thrive.
*Source: Salman SS, et al.J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2021;73(4):499–506.
Meet Daily Growing Up Prebiotics
Laxatives can help in the short term, but they aren’t meant for everyday use. Over time, they may cause side effects like electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, dependency, behavioral changes, and nutrient malabsorption.
Instead of relying on quick fixes, help your kid’s gut work with their body, not against it.
Growing Up Prebiotics supports softer, more comfortable poops by nourishing the gut with gentle prebiotic fiber. Pair it with a healthy diet and hydration for a long-term solution that supports their digestion and overall well-being.
Help Your Child Poop Better 💩
Tasteless and textureless 3g fiber for toddlers and kids ages 1+
4.8/5
stars Based on
1,324
reviews |
Thousands of families trust us
"My 8-year-old struggled with constipation since 6 months old. After years of failed attempts with Miralax and diets, Begin Health finally brought normalcy. Now just 1-2x weekly for maintenance!"
Jeanette B
Verified Buyer
CHOOSE YOUR OPTION
Autoship & Save
Save 15% Off
Free shipping on subscription orders
Surprise offers and mystery gifts
28 Servings of Growing Up Prebiotics (Monthly)
Pause, skip, cancel anytime
Try Once
$39.00
$1.39 Per Serving
28 Servings of Growing Up Prebiotics
Why Begin Health?
Helps kids' poop 'slip out better'
Pediatrician recommended
Perfect for picky eaters
No artificial ingredients
How to Use
Mix one packet/scoop into any drink or soft food
Completely dissolves - no taste or texture
Best taken with morning routine
Safe for daily use
Benefits
Supports regular, predictable potty time
Improves gut health naturally
Works without harsh laxatives
Perfect for ages 1+
Safety & Quality
Made in USA
Third-party tested
Free from top allergens
May contain traces of milk
"My 8-year-old struggled with constipation since 6 months old. After years of failed attempts with Miralax and diets, Begin Health finally brought normalcy. Now just 1-2x weekly for maintenance!"
Jeanette B
Verified Buyer
