Constipation & Gas in Kids – Gentle, Natural Relief

Is your child experiencing constipation or gas? I provide gentle, drug-free solutions using advanced nervous system scans and precise adjustments to promote healthy digestion and overall well-being.

Constipation in babies and children is more common than most parents realize — in fact, research shows up to 30% of kids experience constipation at some point, though only about 4% is due to medical conditions. Most of the time, constipation is functional, meaning it’s related to nervous system stress, diet, hydration, and development.

I specialize in helping families find natural relief for constipation, gas, and bloating. Whether your baby is struggling with tummy troubles after a C-section birth, or your toddler is uncomfortable from holding in stool, we provide gentle, drug-free solutions to get their digestive system moving again.

Helping Kids with Constipation & Gas Naturally

Why Chiropractic Helps with Digestion

The gut and nervous system are deeply connected through the gut-brain axis and especially the vagus nerve. When birth trauma, stress, or spinal misalignments interfere with these signals, digestion slows down. That’s when kids strain to poop, produce hard/dry stools, or suffer from painful gas.

Gentle, pediatric chiropractic adjustments help restore calm and balance to the nervous system so the intestines can move food along properly. Parents often notice their kids become more comfortable, sleep better, and have easier bowel movements after just a few visits.

Every child is different, but here are common signs to watch for:

• Bowel movements less than 3 times per week

• Hard, dry stool that may have cracks

• Straining or crying when trying to poop

• Distended or hard belly

• Reduced appetite

• Blood in the stool (from small tears)
  

For babies, bowel patterns vary depending on age. Breastfed babies may go longer without stool which is normal, while formula-fed infants and those starting solids are more likely to struggle with constipation.

Signs of Constipation in Babies & Kids

At-Home Remedies Parents Can Try

Dietary Support (for older babies & kids)

• High-fiber foods: Oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, spinach, broccoli, beans, nuts, seeds.

• Natural laxative fruits: Prunes, pears, apricots, figs.

• Magnesium-rich foods: Avocado, spinach, kale, almonds.

• Probiotics: Yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut.

Avoid: Processed snacks, refined grains, sugary drinks, fried or fatty foods, and (for some kids) dairy products.

Movement & Massage

• Bicycle kicks: Move your baby’s legs like pedaling to stimulate the bowels.

• Tummy time & crawling: Encourage natural movement for older infants and toddlers.

There are many at home remedies that parents can try that are safe and effectivel.

• Warm baths: Help relax abdominal muscles and ease straining.

• Gentle massage: Try circular motions on the tummy, moving clockwise, or gently pushing knees to the chest.

Relaxation & Routine

Hydration & Fluids

• Babies over 6 months may benefit from small amounts of water between feeds.

• For some, 1–2 oz of 100% prune, pear, or apple juice (with pediatrician approval) can help soften stool.

"We tried everything — diet changes, juices, massages — but nothing seemed to help my son’s constipation. After starting care at Three Nails, the scans finally gave us answers. Within a few gentle adjustments, he was more comfortable, sleeping better, and going regularly again. We are so thankful we found a natural solution!"
-Diana

Frequently asked questions

Q: What can I give my baby for constipation?

For infants over 6 months, small amounts of water, fiber-rich purees (prunes, pears, peaches), or pediatrician-approved juice may help. Always avoid giving juice to newborns.

Q: How can chiropractic help my child’s constipation?

By relieving stress on the nerves that control digestion, adjustments improve gut motility and help the body function naturally — without harsh medications.

Q: How long can a child be constipated before I worry?

If your child hasn’t had a bowel movement in more than 3–4 days, or if they have pain, distention, or blood in stool.

Q: Will my child need medications?

A: Chiropractic care is drug-free. Our goal is to support your child naturally, and while some families may combine care with other therapies, we focus on creating lasting results without medications whenever possible.