3 Steps to Wean Kids Off Laxatives with Prebiotics

Long-term laxative use can interfere with the body’s natural ability to pass stool, leading to dependency and difficulty in regaining normal bowel function. I

f your kid has been relying on laxatives to manage constipation, gradually transitioning to natural solutions is key.

The goal is to restore healthy digestion by supporting the gut with prebiotics, fiber, hydration, and consistent habits.

Here’s how to do it in three simple steps.

Step 1: Gradual Reduction of Laxatives

Suddenly stopping laxatives can cause rebound constipation, so a slow, steady approach is best.

Start by keeping your kid on their current dose of laxatives while introducing ½ packet of Growing Up Prebiotics daily.

Growing Up Prebiotics contains just 2 simple ingredients: Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) and prebiotic fiber from chicory root which work together to promote softer, more regular poops.

As your kiddo adjusts, you can continue increasing their prebiotic intake while monitoring stool consistency.

Once you know that your kid is tolerating Growing Up Prebiotics well, you can continue to increase it to the full dose as needed.

You should see stool consistency begin to change as you add in prebiotics. 

Step 2: Support Gut Health with Natural Solutions

To help the body transition away from laxatives, focus on nourishing the gut and promoting natural motility.

• Increase Fiber Intake – Gradually add fiber-rich foods like apples, pears, and carrots to your little one's diet to support regularity. (Check out our dietitian-recommended fiber food list for kids.)

• Keep Hydration a Priority – Water helps soften stool and prevent backup. Aim for plenty of fluids throughout the day.

• Boost Good Bacteria – Probiotics from yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods introduce healthy bacteria, while prebiotics like apples and Growing Up Prebiotics help feed these beneficial microbes (Bermudez-Brito et al., 2012).

• Consider Magnesium for Stool Softening – Magnesium naturally relaxes the intestines and supports softer stools. Foods like leafy greens, seeds, and a kid-friendly magnesium supplementcan help.

As stools become softer, you can slowly decrease the amount of laxatives you kid is taking.

You may find that you are able to get your kid off of laxatives all together. Alternatively, it's okay of they still require a small amount of the osmotic laxatives until their overall gut health improves. 

Begin Health Expert Tip:

If the stool becomes too firm or your kid begins to miss days of pooping, adding laxatives back in or increasing the amount should be done to prevent further back. up of the stool. 

Step 3: Establish Healthy Bowel Habits

Creating consistent bathroom habits will encourage natural digestion without relying on laxatives.

• Set a Routine – Encourage bathroom breaks after meals to align with the body’s natural reflexes.

• Use Proper Posture – Sitting with knees slightly elevated (using a footstool) helps stools pass more easily.

• Stay Active – Gentle movement like walking or yoga stimulates digestion and supports gut motility.

• Be Patient – It can take several weeks for your kid’s gut to regain normal function. If constipation worsens, temporarily pause the reduction of laxatives or slightly increase prebiotic intake to keep things moving.

Summary

Weaning off laxatives is a process that involves gradually reducing dosage, supporting gut health with prebiotics and fiber, and creating long-term habits for digestive regularity.

With time, patience, and the right strategies, your kid’s gut can regain its natural rhythm without relying on laxatives.