Some laxative medicines, such as lactulose, glycerin suppositories, and polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350), may be recommended by a pediatrician to treat constipation in babies. These products help soften stool and increase bowel movements, making it easier for babies to pass stool and relieving symptoms like cramping, hard stools, and dryness.
Constipation is very common in kids, especially in early childhood, because their digestive system is still developing and adapting to different foods. It can also occur during key transitions, such as starting solid foods, changes in diet, or the toilet-training process.
Laxatives for kids should only be used if prescribed by a pediatrician after the child's symptoms are evaluated and the cause of constipation is identified.
Laxatives for constipation
The main laxatives considered safe and that may be recommended by a pediatrician are:
1. Lactulose
Lactulose is a type of sugar that is not absorbed by the intestine but is broken down in the bowel, drawing water into the intestine. This helps soften stool and makes it easier to pass.
This medicine is available in the US as generic lactulose syrup (667 mg/mL).
When it is indicated:
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A pediatrician may recommend lactulose for breastfed babies or children between 1 and 5 years old.
How to use:
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The recommended dose for infants is 5 mL of lactulose syrup per day, taken orally.
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For children ages 1 to 5, the usual dose is 5 to 10 mL per day.
Lactulose should only be used for constipation in babies if prescribed by a pediatrician.
2. Glycerin suppositories
Glycerin suppositories increase the water content of stool, making it softer and stimulating bowel movements.
They also help lubricate stool, making it easier to eliminate.
In the US, infant glycerin suppositories are available in generic form and as products such as Pedia-Lax.
When it is indicated:
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Infant glycerin suppositories may be recommended for constipation in babies up to 2 years of age and should only be used under pediatric guidance.
How to use:
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The suppository should be gently inserted into the anus when needed, and no more than one suppository should be used per day.
3. Milk of magnesia
Milk of magnesia helps retain water in the intestine, softening stool and promoting bowel movements.
It should only be used at the doses and for the duration recommended by a pediatrician.
When it is indicated:
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Milk of magnesia is typically recommended for constipation in children older than 2 years.
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In some cases, a pediatrician may recommend it for younger children.
How to use:
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Milk of magnesia is taken orally.
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For children ages 2 to 5, the recommended dose is 5 mL (1 teaspoon) to 15 mL (1 tablespoon) per day, following pediatric guidance.
4. Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350)
PEG 3350 is an osmotic laxative that increases the amount of water retained in the intestine, helping soften stool and making it easier to pass.
In the US, PEG 3350 is available over the counter under brand names such as MiraLAX.
When it is indicated:
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PEG 3350 may be recommended for children over 2 years of age, depending on the pediatrician’s evaluation.
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It should not be used in children with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or suspected intestinal obstruction.
How to use:
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PEG 3350 is taken orally.
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The dose for children is determined by the pediatrician based on age and body weight.
Laxatives for babies under 1 year
For babies younger than 1 year, the laxatives most commonly recommended by a pediatrician are lactulose or glycerin suppositories.
These laxatives may be used when other measures are not effective, such as:
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Increasing breast milk or formula intake
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Offering small amounts of water or natural laxative juices to babies who have already started solid foods
Abdominal massage may also help relieve constipation in babies.
It is important not to give any type of laxative to a baby unless it has been prescribed by a pediatrician.
Can mineral oil be used for babies
Mineral oil is a laxative recommended only for children older than 6 years, as it lubricates stool and helps with elimination.
It should only be used with pediatric guidance because it can irritate the intestine and may be accidentally aspirated. Because of this risk, it should not be used by babies or children younger than 6 years.