Potty time when pooping is a problem (2140)

Key points below


When pooping is a problem

Some kids who are toilet trained have problems pooping. This may be due to:

These can lead to problems when your child tries to poop.  

What is the right way to sit?sitting on toliet

Your child should be in a squatting position.  Feet should be flat on the floor or a step stool.  Legs should be apart and elbows should be on the knees. 
Having a routine may help.  Have your child practice sitting on the toilet or potty chair 15 to 20 minutes after each meal and before bed.
Your child should sit for about 5 minutes at a time while on the toilet.  Use a kitchen timer to keep track of time.

What can I do to help? 

- Read a book or play with a toy for a short time.
- Help your child learn to use their belly muscles to help pass stool.  Have your child blow hard on one of the potty box toys like the pinwheel or bubbles. It should feel like a gentle push in the stomach.  Growling like a lion might also work.

- Which bathroom to use if you have more than one.
- To sit frontwards or backwards on the toilet.
- Which item from the potty box they will play with.

- Each time your child sits on the potty without complaining, let them put a small sticker on the chart.  
- Each time your child poops in the toilet, let them post a large sticker.
- You may want to offer a small reward when your child earns a set amount of large stickers. 

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.