For most toddlers, learning how to poop in the toilet is one of the biggest obstacles in potty training. Are you frustrated by your child’s refusal to poop? These tried and true ideas are the perfect way to “move” things along and get your little one pooping in the toilet.
Poop Training Your Kids
You got rid of all the diapers and replaced them with brand new big boy underwear. You have potty training rewards in place. Everything is going great, except your child won’t poop. If you’re looking for what to do when your child won’t poop on the potty we’ve got you covered!
Follow That Kid!
First things first, if your child won’t poop on the potty, chances are they are going to be looking for a place to conduct their business. Do NOT let them out of your sight!
Favorite places to poop include behind the couch, in a closet, or anywhere they think you can’t see them. If you follow them closely, you will be alert to the signs that they need to “go” and avoid a giant clean up later.
Fear + Constipation = Diapers
For a lot of kids, pooping on the potty is downright scary. They’re used to the snug comfort of their diaper, so having their backside exposed just feels weird (and cold.) And the splash of the poop in the potty can trigger all sorts of scary thoughts.
Fear of pooping on the potty is one issue.
Another might be that they’re constipated. Or they’ve had an uncomfortable stool recently, and they’re scared that it will happen again. So they’re holding it in. Which will lead to more hard stools. And more fear.
Whether your child is constipated or afraid (or both), they need to poop. The best way to make this happen, is to get the diapers back out.
This does not mean that your child will never be potty trained – or that they’re going to go back to wearing diapers all day every day. It could mean that your child wears a diaper during naptime and feels comfortable enough to poop then. It could also mean that your child poops at night when the diaper goes on. Or maybe you come to an agreement, and your child gets to wear a diaper every morning while watching Elmo.
The priority at this point is getting your child to poop, so do what you need to do to make this happen.
Consult your Pediatrician
If your child is struggling with constipation, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician to get things moving again. He or she might recommend some dietary changes or even stool softener.
Regardless, it’s important to keep your child hydrated and eating lots of fruits and veggies to keep that poop coming.
Keep Trying
Once your child is pooping regularly again (in a diaper), give them time – but don’t give up altogether.
You might encourage your child to poop (in their diaper) while in the bathroom. Or actually sit on the potty to poop while still wearing their diaper. This will help your child slowly feel more comfortable with pooping on the potty.
If your child’s fear of pooping on the toilet is a new one, you might be dealing with a potty training regression.
Try it Backwards
For some kids, sitting backwards on the potty helps to ease their fear. They have something to hold onto, and the toilet just doesn’t seem as scary anymore.
Just know that this also means your child will need to take their pants and underwear completely off in order to poop on the potty. This is fine at home but presents challenges when you’re out and about.
Be Patient
Your child will poop on the potty someday. Really! It just may not be today. Be patient. Hug your child. Eat some ice cream (or help yourself to a potty training treat.) And try again tomorrow.
Potty Training Doesn’t Have to Stink!
If you’re potty training your child, Kandoo is here to help. Follow the three steps below to receive all of the potty training support we have to offer.
1. Get Potty Training Resources
Visit Kandookids.com/PottyTraining for hacks and support on your potty training journey. From the very basics to how to handle potty training regressions, poop problems and wiping, we’ve got answers to your questions.
2. Sign up for our Potty Training Program
Need a little more help and support? Sign up for our FREE potty program. It’s full of step-by-step advice to walk you through the entire potty training process – from the first time you introduce the potty to how to throw a potty training party to celebrate your success at the end.
Sign up, and you’ll receive the most effective hacks on potty training including a step-by-step plan of action on when to start, supplies to buy, how to keep it silly, how to handle set backs and more! Click here to join now.
3. Stock up on Supplies – like Kandoo Flushable Wipes
Kandoo Flushable Cleansing Wipes clean up to 30% better than toilet paper. The wipes pop up with the push of a button, making them perfect for little hands. Added bonus? No more using too much (or too little) toilet paper.
Help your little one get a clean wipe every time with the Kandoo Potty Time Pack. From Kandoo Flushable Wipes to Kandoo BRIGHTFOAM® Hand soap – and even a potty training superhero cape – the Potty Time Pack has everything you need for potty training success.
If your child likes to be independent, the Kandoo Potty Time Pack can help. Click here to purchase it now with free shipping!
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