Constipation in toddlers can be stressful, for both kids and parents. If you’re looking for a natural, food-based option to support toddler constipation, this Pear & Prune Puree Fruit Lax is a great option. Prunes and pears are often included to help support regular bowel movements, and this simple recipe comes together quickly on the stovetop. It can be served on its own or added to toast or oatmeal for an easy option.
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Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Pear & Prune Puree Fruit Lax Recipe
- Made with simple, whole food ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Quick to prepare and easy to batch
- Naturally sweet flavour
- Can be served in multiple ways - on its own, on toast, or stirred into oatmeal
- A gentle, food-based option often used to help support regular bowel movements
As a dietitian and a mom to two little ones, I know firsthand how challenging toddler constipation can be! It's so hard to see your little one struggling with this. This is a recipe that we have found supportive for helping keep things regular. I also have a Blueberry & Prune Constipation Smoothie and a whole post on Best Foods and Top Meal Ideas for Toddler Constipation!
Please note: If constipation is ongoing or causing discomfort, it's always a good idea to check in with your child's healthcare provider.
Ingredients for Pear and Prune Puree for Toddler Constipation
Here is what you'll need to make this easy Pear and Prune Puree (Fruit Lax) recipe.
- Pear
- Prunes, pitted
- Dates, pitted
- Apple juice, or half apple juice, half water
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Core and chop the pear. Leave the skin on for added fibre.
Add the chopped pear, prunes, dates, apple juice, and nutmeg (if using), to a medium saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the fruit is very soft.
Let the mixture cool slightly, and pour the mixture into a high speed blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
You can leave it slightly lumpy or continue to puree until smoother. You can also add a little more liquid if you need to thin it out more.
Spread the Pear & Prune Puree on a piece of toast, mix it into some oatmeal, or add into baking!
Hint: Let the mixture cool slightly before blending, and vent the lid to allow steam to escape. Blending hot liquids in a sealed blender can build pressure.
Why These Ingredients are Included
Each ingredient plays an important role in this recipe!
- Prunes - A key ingredient in this recipe! Prunes contain sorbitol and fibre, both often included to help support regular bowel movements.
- Pears - Pears also contain sorbitol and provide additional fibre (especially with the skin on), helping to complement the prunes while keeping the flavour mild and kid-friendly.
- Dates - Add natural sweetness and fibre
- Apple juice - Provides liquid to cook down the fruits in, and apple juice also contains sorbitol and adds a nice hint of apple flavour. Or you can substitute fully with water if preferred.
- Nutmeg (optional) - I love adding a warm spice for a subtle bit of flavour
Variations
- Cinnamon Pear & Prune - Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavour
- Vanilla Pear & Prune - Add ½ teaspoon vanilla after cooking
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze in small portions (such as ice cube trays) for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to label it! Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Toddler Tip
Start small with this Pear & Prune Puree Fruit Lax - starting with about 1 tablespoon, and then adjust as needed. This is a concentrated recipe, so a little goes a long way! You can easily serve this for toddlers by spreading a layer on toast, mixing into oatmeal or quinoa cereal or incorporate into baking.
FAQ
Start with a small amount, about 1 tablespoon, then adjust as needed and increase up to 2 tablespoons.
This can be offered as needed. Because it’s a concentrated recipe, start with once per day and adjust the amount based on your child’s response. It can be offered daily if needed.
Recipe
Pear & Prune Puree for Toddler Constipation (Easy Fruit Lax Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 Food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 1 pear core removed, leave peel on
- ½ cup prunes pitted
- ¼ cup dates pitted
- 1 cup apple juice or half apple, juice half water
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg optioinal
Instructions
- Wash the pear, remove the core, and chop into small pieces, leaving the skin on.
- Add the chopped pear, prunes, dates, and apple juice (or half apple juice, half water) to a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is very soft and the liquid has reduced slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Blend to your desired consistency using a blender, food processor or immersion blender (leave slightly textured if preferred). I like to leave it a bit lumpy.
- Allow to cool fully before serving or storing.
Notes
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