Is It Okay For A Toddler To Poop In A Diaper?

Let’s be honest, no one likes to change smelly diapers. And to change it daily for over 2 years is a big headache.

But it is quite NORMAL for a toddler to poop in diapers. They have pooped in their nappies all their lives.

While it’s easy for some children to adapt quickly to toilets, it is harder for others to do the same. And to change this habit of theirs is a huge headache.

Most children cannot control their bowel movements, so pooping in diapers is much easier than waiting to go to the toilet.

Let’s check out the Dos and Don’ts of this phase of a toddler’s life.

The Dos and Don’ts Of Potty Training

Potty training is a very slow process. It means a major change for children and you need to be especially patient with them while they go through it.

There are many things you have to keep in mind considering the age of your toddler.

It might become hard for them and this may make them anxious. Potty training should be a very fun and sometimes a very creative process.

1. Teach Your Toddler How To Use A Toilet Seat

A child must be familiar with a toilet seat before you start their potty training. They should know how to sit on it and use it.

As their parent, it is your responsibility to show them how to sit on the toilet seat properly. Ask them to see you.

Help them adjust their bottom on the seat.

I’d suggest you buy a seat of their size and this will help them adjust accordingly.

2. Acknowledge Their Fear

If your toddler is scared of using a toilet seat, communicate with them. Ask them why they are scared of it. And help them overcome their fears.

– Are They Scared To Poop While Sitting?

Help them sit properly on the seat. You can read story books while they are pooping to calm them down.

– Is It The Shape Of The Seat?

You can buy a small toilet for your toddler.

Or try drawing the shape of a toilet seat on cardboard and ask your toddler to sit on it for practice. Make it a fun activity.

– Is The Toilet Seat Cold?

A cold toilet seat sends chills down my spine. I won’t be surprised if your toddler doesn’t like cold seat, too.

Try using a warm washcloth to wipe the seat before they sit on it. This will make the seat comparatively warmer than before.

– Are They Scared Of Water Splashing On Their Butt After Pooping?

Don’t we all hate Poseidon’s kiss when water splashes on our buttcheeks after dropping your stool?

You can try covering the floor of the toilet bowl with a tissue. This will prevent the water from splashing.

– Are They Scared Of The Flush?

Ask your toddler to stand near the door and show them how to flush. Try this a few times and ask them to come closer step by step. Explain to them it will not cause any harm.

3. Don’t Force Your Toddler.

Potty training is not a one-night process. It is going to take a lot of time to learn how to poop in a toilet.

Forcing your toddler, or punishing them for not using the toilet might make them hold their poop for longer times.
This may lead to constipation.

4. Follow A Schedule.

Be consistent with their eating schedule, and note down the approximate time of their bathroom calls.

This will help you plan and continue their potty training without uncalled explosions (If you know, you know.)

5. Dietary Changes

Give your toddler high-fiber, toddler-friendly fruits, and vegetables. And give them age-appropriate ounces of water.

This will prevent constipation and help your toddler pass the stools comfortably.

Tackling Constipation

Constipation may be the biggest contributing factor in most children not pooping regularly.

The idea of having to pass hard and painful stools might scare your child. This will lead them to avoid potty training altogether.

How To Check If Your Child Is Constipated?

Constipation is passing hard and lumpy stools.

If the child is pooping less than 4 times a week, then they might be constipated.

It may lead to stomach aches and very foul-smelling poo.

Contact your physician for immediate help. They might prescribe some laxatives and a high-fiber diet for your toddler.

Read Next:

– Does My Toddler Hate Me?
– Is Activia Yogurt Safe For A Toddler?
– Why Do Babies Stare At Me?
– I Hit My Toddler And I Feel Bad – What Can I Do?
– Can Babies Have Jello?

In A Nutshell

Potty training your toddler is going to be quite difficult for you. Your toddler will learn how to pee in a toilet, but passing stools is going to take much longer than that.

Some children learn how to use a toilet quickly and some slowly. There’s nothing to worry about it as long as the stools are normal. And it is okay for a toddler to poop in a diaper.