Digestive health is top-of-mind for many, especially moms

(ARA) - New parents are often surprised by how much time they spend monitoring their child's digestive health - from sharing great details about the baby's latest diaper change to worrying about what foods will keep things flowing freely. There is no greater responsibility than keeping babies and toddlers healthy so they can thrive, and the digestive tract is the first line of defense for the body's immune system - whether you are 1 or 101.

Children experience bouts of constipation much like adults. In fact, one in four children suffer from constipation in the United States and treatment costs for this digestive health issue amount to nearly $4 billion annually, according to a 2008 study by Nationwide Children's Hospital.

"Although babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers are constantly on the move, their digestive tracts sometimes slow down due to constipation," says Carolyn O'Neil, registered dietitian and co-author of "The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!" "Busy moms need to stay focused on their own health - drinking enough fluids and eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains - and they need to keep an eye on their child's digestive health to prevent painful bouts of constipation for their child's tiny tummy."

Unlike adults, who may experience bowel movements more regularly, children normally pass stools as far apart as every few days. Generally, if a child has fewer than three bowel movements per week and they are difficult to pass, he or she may be constipated.

The good news? Nutrition experts say drinking ample fluids and eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains is the best approach for maintaining digestive health.

For naturally effective digestive health solutions that are easy on the tummy and on the taste buds, simple and natural solutions such as plum juice, like Sunsweet's PlumSmart, can help regulate digestion naturally for both adults and children. In fact, a recent clinical study of plum juice versus psyllium for improving bowel function in adults, published in the Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness, revealed that 58 percent of participants reported relief from irregularity within the first 24 hours after consuming one cup (8 ounces) of plum juice.

To get tiny tummies back on track, O'Neil shares some simple and natural solutions to find relief and prevent the pain of constipation:

* When solid foods are first introduced to babies around 1 year old, try giving 4 ounces of PlumSmart plum juice to help alleviate tummy troubles caused by constipation. Kids will love the refreshing taste.

* For babies just cutting teeth, increase their fiber intake by offering cooked carrots, apples or soft fruits such as small pieces of ripe pears or peaches.

* For ages 2 1/2 and younger, parents should make sure their toddlers are drinking enough fluids and getting a range of fruits and vegetables in their diet.

* For potty-training toddlers around 2 or 3 years old, one of the most common causes of constipation is avoiding going to the toilet. At this age, toddlers are often so involved in their play that they avoid potty breaks. The body has a natural reflex called the gastro colonic reflex which is triggered by eating meals. After a meal, place the child on the toilet for at least 10 minutes to take advantage of this natural reflex.

Bouts of constipation that extend for long periods of time, up to two weeks, should be brought to a doctor's attention. For more digestive health tips for the whole family, visit www.smartdigestivehealth.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent