2.5 year old toilet training and pooping in pants

[AEG1720]

2.5 year old toilet training. Started toilet training at Christmas. Great for wees but poos in her pants every day. Using laxidio to keep her regular. She will say she needs a poo, spend time on the toilet then come off and hides to poo. My feeling is she will get there with time. Husband worries it's a sign she's not ready and go back to nappies. Any advice greatly appreciated

[ERIC-Charity Partner]

Dear AEG1720 , this is quite common when toilet training: Sometimes it might happen because a child has had a painful poo, so they try not to let the poo out. Other times it could be because children might prefer the comfort and security of pooing in their pants or a nappy. First I'd suggest making sure her poo is nice and soft. She needs to be doing a soft formed poo (type 4 on our poo-checker) every day or every other day. Have a look at the constipation pages on our website to make sure she doesnt have a poo traffic jam which needs clearing (you may need to complete a disimpaction). I'd also suggest making sure that the laxido is mixed correctly

eric.org.uk/childrens-bowel... eric.org.uk/childrens-bowel... eric.org.uk/how-to-use-macr...

I've added a link to our Children who will only poo in a nappy and other toilet avoiders page, this contains lots of helpful information which will support you in next steps eric.org.uk/children-who-wi...

Continue to do regular toilet sits, but don't mention poo. Make sure she's on a secure seat or potty, and focus on making the sit relaxed: keep a 'toilet time' bag next to the loo; bubbles, games, books and toys in the bag to help her relaxed. Reward her for the sit, not for whether she does a wee or poo. It's about making her relaxed.

eric.org.uk/how-blowing-bub... eric.org.uk/children-who-wi...

if you need any additional support, please contact our helpline,

best wishes, ERIC