Helping your child poop on the toilet when they are afraid to (Diaper Fading) (2215)

Key points below


Why won’t my child poop on the toilet?

Some children are scared to poop on the toilet. It may have been hard to poop or hurt to poop in the past. They may hold poop in because they are afraid pooping on the toilet will hurt. This may be why they only poop in a diaper, pull-up, or underwear.

Why is this important?

It is important to help your child not be scared to poop on the toilet. Most children toilet train when it is right for their age (3 to 4 years or older). If they don’t learn to poop in the toilet:

What is diaper fading?

Diaper fading is a way to help your child learn how to poop on the toilet.  It uses small steps to help your child not fear pooping on the toilet. It helps stop them from holding poop in. 

To help your child poop on the toilet, it’s important to use rewards. Rewards will help increase their willingness to complete these steps. Offer your child smiles, praise, and rewards such as screen time, treats, time with a parent or caregiver, or a small prize. Give that reward to your child every time they poop in the bathroom or on the toilet.

How do I help my child get use to pooping on the toilet?

1. Have your child wear underwear all day and while awake.

2. Only put a diaper or pull-up on when they need to poop.

 

3. Move the marked area 1 step closer to the toilet every 2 to 3 days.

4. Have your child sit on the toilet with their diaper or pull-up on to poop for 2 to 3 days. Then, start to cut a straight line (slit) in their diaper or pull-up.

diaper slit

For more health and wellness information check out this resource: 

Austin, J. E. & Begotka, A.M. (2024). A Diaper Fading Protocol to Treat Toilet Refusal: Four Case Studies. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 31(3), 335-344. ISSN 1077-7229.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2023.12.009.

ALERT

Call the provider who is helping your child poop on the toilet if they are unable to move through the diaper fading steps and poop on the toilet.

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child:

  • has not pooped for more than 3 days. 
  • is having severe stomach pain. 
  • has blood in their stool.
  • is vomiting repeatedly. 
  • has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.