Potty training can be a tricky journey for both parents and toddlers.
It is a big step, and sometimes kids master peeing in the toilet, but will not poop.
If your toddler is doing great with peeing but refuses to poop in the toilet, you are not alone.
Many parents go through this exact struggle.
It can be frustrating, confusing, and even a bit worrying, but rest assured, it is a common issue.
It is important to understand that this is something many children face, and with some patience and a little creativity, you can help them work through it.
Connecting with other parents who are experiencing the same challenges can also offer support and ideas.
Why Toddlers Pee But Won’t Poop on the Potty?
Some toddlers learn to pee in the potty but refuse to poop there, and this is more common than you might think.
Sometimes they feel scared or nervous about the potty because of the splash, noise, or strange falling feeling when they poop.
If they have had one painful poop, they might start holding it in, which can lead to harder stools and even tummy aches.
Toilet refusal, which often happens between ages 2 and 4, is normal. Many kids prefer to poop in a diaper while they get used to the potty.
Quick Checks Before Potty Training Tactics
Before jumping into new potty-training tactics, it’s important to check for simple causes that might be blocking your toddler’s progress.
- Rule out constipation by checking for hard stools, signs of pain, or skipped days.
- Contact your pediatrician if your toddler shows signs of discomfort or ongoing constipation.
- Follow a child-oriented approach, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Avoid pressure and keep a steady, predictable daily routine.
- Use gentle positive reinforcement to encourage progress without stress.
- Create a calm, supportive atmosphere to help your toddler feel safe and confident using the potty for poop.
Addressing these basics first can make the training process smoother, less stressful, and more comfortable for both you and your toddler.
Steps to Help Your Toddler Poop in the Potty
Helping your toddler poop in the potty takes patience, gentle steps, and a supportive approach to make the process feel safe and positive.
Step 1: Make Pooping Feel Safe
Help your toddler feel comfortable with the potty by making it a positive place.
Let them play near it, read books while sitting on it, or use a smaller seat insert so it feels secure.
Support their feet with a stool to prevent dangling legs and give them a sense of stability.
Step 2: Schedule Soft-Belly Sits
Encourage your toddler to sit on the potty for 5–10 minutes after meals, when the body’s natural gastro-colic reflex makes pooping easier.
Keep the time calm by offering a quiet activity or book. Use a timer so the sit doesn’t feel endless, and remind them it’s just part of their daily routine.
Step 3: Bridge from Diaper to Potty
If your toddler refuses to poop without a diaper, start by letting them poop in a diaper while sitting on the potty.
Over time, loosen the diaper, then cut a hole in it so poop drops into the potty. Eventually, you can remove the diaper completely without causing stress.
Step 4: Use the Right Position
Good positioning makes pooping easier and less scary.
Place their feet on a small stool, have them lean forward slightly, and try fun blowing games like blowing bubbles or pretending to blow out candles.
This helps relax the pelvic floor muscles, making it easier for poop to come out.
Step 5: Talk About Feelings and Give Support
Help your toddler name their feelings, whether it’s fear, nervousness, or just not wanting to stop playing.
Show them the flushing process so it’s not a surprise. Give specific praise for effort.
Small rewards are fine, but avoid pressure or forcing them.
Connecting with Other Parents
Many parents have gone through the same struggles, and their shared experiences can offer helpful insights.
On community forums, you will find a variety of strategies and success stories from parents who have faced similar challenges with their toddlers.
Some parents talk about how they started with small steps, encouraging their child to sit on the toilet for a short period, even if they did not actually poop.
Others share that keeping things relaxed and without pressure helped their child gradually feel more comfortable with the idea.
For more guidelines, check out Reddit.
Helping a Toddler Who Won’t Sit on the Potty
When a toddler refuses to sit on the potty, start slow and make it feel safe.
Let them pick their potty seat or choose a favorite book to look at while sitting.
Begin with short, no-pressure sessions, even if they’re fully dressed, and gradually increase the time.
Use gentle, predictable routines and simple phrases, so they feel in control, relaxed, and more willing to try again without feeling scared or pressured.
When to Seek Professional Help?
Sometimes, potty training challenges can go beyond just being a normal phase.
If your child continues to struggle with pooping in the toilet, there may be deeper issues at play.
- Pain or Discomfort: If your child has a tummy ache, feels pain when pooping, or gets constipated often, it is a good idea to see a doctor.
- Holding Poop: Holding in poop because of fear can cause discomfort and may lead to bigger problems, like constipation, pain, or potty refusal later.
- Long-lasting Resistance: Refusing to poop in the toilet for a long time might signal more than just a passing phase and may need extra attention.
- Fear or Worry: If your child is scared or upset about pooping, a doctor or a child expert can help find ways to make them feel better about it.
- Follow your feelings: If you’re unsure or doubt, seeing a doctor can ease your mind and help determine what’s best for your child.
It is important to know when to seek help from a professional to ensure your child’s comfort and well-being.
The Bottom Line
Potty training is a big milestone, and it is important to remember that every child moves at their own pace.
It can be tough when your toddler is hesitant to poop in the toilet, but with patience and support, they will get there.
Each small step is progress, and the key is to make the experience as positive as possible for both you and your child.
If you ever feel stuck, reaching out to other parents or professionals can provide new ideas and reassurance.
Keep in mind that this phase is just one part of the journey, and soon enough, it will be behind you.
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