My Toddler Is Holding In Poop — What Should I Do?
Holding in poop is common around potty training, and it can turn into constipation if it goes on too long. Here's how to help, and when to see your GP.
- Why toddlers hold it in
- Signs to watch for
- What helps at home
- When to see your GP
- The bottom line
If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, and it's worth taking seriously. Constipation is especially common around potty training, usually between about 2 and 3 years old.
1Why Toddlers Hold It In
Some children start holding in poop because it feels uncomfortable or scary, especially if pooping has already hurt once. The NHS notes that a child may hold in poop if they feel anxious or stressed about using the toilet. Big changes can add to that worry too, such as moving house, starting nursery, or a new baby arriving.
It can become a cycle. Hard poop hurts more to push out, so they hold on even longer, and the poop builds up.
2Signs to Watch For
Look for a pattern rather than a single bad day:
- 1Fewer than three poops a week
- 2Poop that is large, hard, and difficult to push out
- 3Poop that looks like small pellets
- 4Soiled pants, even though your child is otherwise potty trained. This can be "overflow" leaking around a hard plug
- 5Pain when pooping
- 6Avoiding the toilet altogether
3What Helps at Home
Start with the basics, and be patient. Constipation doesn't usually clear in a day.
- 1Keep fluids and fibre up. Make sure your child drinks plenty and eats a variety of foods, especially fruit and vegetables. Encourage physical activity too.
- 2Build a calm toilet routine. Sit your child on the potty or toilet for about five minutes after meals or before bed, whether or not anything happens. Make sure their feet can rest flat on the floor or a step.
- 3Praise the effort, not just the result. Praise them whether or not they poop. A stressed child holds on more, so keep your tone calm and positive. Try not to get cross, because constipation isn't something children do on purpose.
- 4Ask how they feel. Gently ask whether they're worried about using the toilet. Sometimes a specific fear, such as the flush, the sound, or a certain bathroom, is the real issue, and naming it helps.
4When to See Your GP
- The NHS advises getting help early, because the longer constipation lasts, the longer it can take to resolve.
- Laxatives, if prescribed, can take several months to work, and they may temporarily make overflow soiling worse. That is expected, and it's a reason to keep the appointment rather than stop.
- If your child develops new or more severe tummy ache, get medical advice promptly.
You can also talk to your health visitor if toilet training feels stuck.