Just when you thought your toddler had nailed potty training, something strange starts happening…
They suddenly refuse to poop.
You know they need to. You can see the wiggles, the clenched cheeks, the hide-and-seek bathroom avoidance. But no matter how many sticker charts or silly dances you try, they hold it in like it’s a game.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not doing anything wrong. Poop withholding is a super common potty training challenge. And believe it or not, it often pops up after kids have seemed totally trained.
Let’s break down why it happens, how it affects your child, and what you can do to help.
Common Reasons Toddlers Withhold Poop
1. Scary (but Common) Bathroom Experiences
Sometimes all it takes is one bad moment—like a loud automatic toilet flush in a public restroom—to make your toddler think the potty is out to get them.
Been there? Same. One unexpected poop in the bathtub left my newly potty-trained son terrified of pooping for months.
Another common culprit: painful poops. If your child has had a hard or uncomfortable bowel movement, they may start associating the potty with pain. And when pooping = pain, they’ll hold it in to avoid going. Unfortunately, that only leads to more discomfort.
2. Environmental Distractions
Toddlers are BUSY. There are blocks to stack, snacks to eat, shows to finish. When they feel the urge to go, many kids ignore it because they’re mid-play or mid-episode.
This isn’t fear—it’s FOMO. But the result is the same: your kiddo holds it in too long and ends up uncomfortable, constipated, or scared to try again.
The Long-Term Impact of Withholding
When a child repeatedly holds in poop, their bowel movements become more difficult and painful. This can lead to a cycle of:
- Clenching and resisting
- Constipation
- Stomachaches and bloating
- Increased anxiety about pooping
It’s a tough cycle—for them and for you.
What Can You Do to Help?
💛 1. Make Potty Time a Positive Experience
If your child has had a scary or painful poop, reassure them that their body is learning. Sit with them, encourage them gently, and use body-positive, shame-free language.
Celebrate the small wins—even just sitting on the toilet is a step in the right direction!
🌱 2. Add a Daily Prebiotic Supplement
If withholding is causing constipation or discomfort, a kid-friendly prebiotic like Begin Health’s Daily Growing Up Prebiotics may help.
Each serving includes 3g of fiber to support digestion and help soften stools, making bathroom time easier and less intimidating.
Kids are more likely to go when they’re comfortable—and that’s half the battle!
You’re Not Alone—and I’m Here to Help
Withholding can feel like a mystery, especially when potty training was going so well. But you’re not doing anything wrong. And you don’t have to navigate this stage alone.
👏 Want more help?
Check out my digital potty training course—designed to walk you through every stage of potty training, including tricky issues like withholding.
Need personalized support? I also offer 1:1 potty training consultations where we build a custom plan tailored to your child’s needs.
✅ Ready to take the stress out of potty training?
👉 Click here to explore my course
👉 Book a 1:1 consultation with me
You’ve got this. And I’ve got your back—one poop at a time. 💩✨
