Many parents find that while their child happily pees on the potty, pooping becomes a completely different story.
If your child hides, waits for a diaper, or goes in their knickers — you’re not alone. This is one of the most common and completely normal hurdles in potty training.
The good news? With gentle steps and patience, your child will learn to feel safe and confident using the potty for poop.
1. Keep Bowel Movements Regular
The very first step in poop training is to prevent constipation.
When poop is hard or painful to pass, children naturally start holding it in — which only makes things worse.
1. Offer foods rich in fibre, such as pears, kiwis, prunes, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables.
2. Encourage daily movement and playtime — it helps digestion too!
A happy tummy leads to a relaxed and willing child.
2. Encourage Hydration
Hydration keeps stools soft and easy to pass.
Offer water regularly throughout the day. Sometimes even small reminders like “Let’s sip water!” can make a big difference. Smoothies, juicy fruits, or a special water bottle can also make drinking more fun for toddlers.
3. Try the “After Meal” Potty Routine
Offer the potty 20–30 minutes after meals, when the body’s natural reflex to poop is strongest. Let your child sit for about 5–7 minutes — no pressure, no rushing. Keep potty time calm and positive — you can sit nearby, read a short book, or chat gently.
4. Create the Right Posture
If your child uses a small floor potty, their natural squat position already helps. If they’re using a toilet seat, add a footstool so their knees are slightly higher than their hips. This position helps the body release poop more easily and prevents strain.
5. Make Potty Time Fun with a “Potty Basket”
Turn potty time into a moment your child looks forward to! Create a special potty basket filled with small activities your child enjoys — such as blowing bubbles, using a pinwheel, or playing a toy flute. Blowing is actually brilliant — it engages the same muscles used to release poop! Keep this basket ONLY for potty time so it feels special and exciting.
6. Reward Effort, Not Just Success
Positive reinforcement builds motivation and confidence. Use stickers, marbles, or a “no accident jar” — and make sure your child understands what earns a reward. Praise effort every time they try to poop in the potty, even if nothing comes out.
7. Watch “Poo Goes to Pooland” Together
This YouTube video is specifically designed for children who feel unsure or scared about pooping. It helps them understand what’s happening inside their body in a playful, light-hearted way. Watching together normalises the process and makes it less intimidating.
8. Gradually Transition Away from the Diaper
If your child insists on wearing a diaper to poop, that’s okay — we can use that as a starting point. Try this gentle approach:
- Let your child sit on the potty with their diaper on.
- After a week or two, open one side of the diaper.
- Then open both sides.
- Place the diaper in the potty.
- Finally, remove it completely when they’re ready.
This step-by-step method helps them feel safe and in control.
9. Keep Daycare Consistent
If your child attends daycare, share your approach with their educators. Consistency between home and daycare helps your child feel more secure and speeds up success.
Final Thoughts
Poop training takes time, patience, and trust. The goal isn’t just to poop in the potty — it’s to help your child feel comfortable, proud, and confident in the process.
Remember: Potty training is messy, but the grass is greener on the other side.
If your child is struggling with poop training, I’d love to help you one-on-one. Book your Mini Potty Boost Call today and get personalised guidance tailored to your child’s needs.