3 Tips to Get Your Toddler to Poop on the Potty

Potty training can be tough but getting your toddler to poop on the potty is often the biggest hurdle. While some kids take to it quickly, others hold it in, ask for a diaper, or experience constipation from fear or resistance.

The good news? With the right approach, most toddlers can overcome poop anxiety and learn to go with confidence. Here are three tried-and-true tips to help your little one make the transition from diaper to potty.

1. Make Pooping Feel Safe and Routine

Many toddlers feel anxious about pooping on the potty because it’s unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or just plain scary. The key is to remove pressure and create a predictable, calm environment around bathroom time.

Try this:

• Sit your toddler on the potty at the same time every day (after meals is ideal) to create a routine.

• Read a potty-themed book or play calming music to make the experience feel relaxed.

• Use a footstool so their feet are supported.This creates a better squatting position and helps them push more easily.

Consistency and predictability are what help your toddler feel safe enough to let go.

2. Support Healthy, Easy-to-Pass Poops

Toddlers who experienceconstipation or hard stools may avoid the potty simply because pooping is painful. Before pushing potty training, it’s important to make sure your toddler is pooping regularly and comfortably.

Nutrition tips that help:

• Offerfiber-rich foods like berries, pears, beans, and whole grains.

• Make sure your toddler isdrinking enough water, especially if fiber intake is increasing.

• Consider a daily prebiotic supplement likeGrowing Up Prebiotics to help soften stool and promote regularity.

• Talk to your pediatrician about adding amagnesium supplementif your toddler is consistently struggling with constipation.

When pooping feels easy and pain-free, toddlers are more likely to try it on the potty.

3. Celebrate, Don’t Pressure

Encouragement goes a long way especially for something as personal and emotional as pooping. Toddlers do best when they feel in control and get praised for small wins.

Ways to motivate without pressure:

• Usestickers, small rewards, or verbal praise for simply sitting on the potty, even if they don’t poop yet.

• Let them flush the toilet or pick out their own potty seat or “poop book.”

• Avoid punishing accidents or pushing when they resist. Back off and try again later if needed.

A toddler who feels emotionally safe and physically comfortable is much more likely to succeed.

Summary

Helping your toddler poop on the potty takesroutine,digestive support, andpositive reinforcement. Start by making it part of a predictable routine, support regular poops with fiber and hydration, and celebrate small steps along the way. With patience and consistency, your toddler will get there and you’ll both feel better for it.