NEW Beginbaby Prebiotic + Probiotics with HMOS. SHOP NOW. Subscribe & Save for 15% off and FREE shipping!

Why Do Kids Withhold Stool?

Medically Reviewed by May Zhu, RDN | Published January 30, 2025

share this article

Stool withholding is a common behavior in young toddlers and kids, often causing frustration for parents and discomfort for kids.

This behavior, where a kid intentionally avoids passing stool even when they feel the urge, can lead to constipation, abdominal pain, and other complications if not addressed.

Understanding why kids withhold stool is the first step toward helping them establish healthy bowel habits.

Fear of Painful Bowel Movements

One of the most common reasons kids withhold stool is fear of pain during bowel movements. If a kid has experienced a hard or painful stool in the past, they may associate pooping with discomfort and avoid it altogether.

Unfortunately, withholding can worsen the problem, as stool becomes harder and more difficult to pass the longer it remains in the rectum (Loening-Baucke, 2007).

To break this cycle, it's important to soften the stool through dietary changes or pediatrician-recommended interventions and reassure your kid that pooping doesn't have to hurt.

Potty Training Challenges

The process of potty training can also trigger stool withholding.

Some kids resist using the toilet because they feel anxious about the transition from diapers, dislike the toilet environment, or feel pressured by parents to perform. When toilet training becomes stressful or overly rigid, kids may assert control by withholding stool.

A gentle, patient approach to toilet training can help alleviate this issue. Celebrate small successes, avoid punishment, and make the bathroom a welcoming and positive space for your kiddos.

Begin Health Expert Tip

Many families have found success using Growing Up Prebiotics during their potty training journey to help overcome painful poops, often a trigger for potty anxiety. Growing Up Prebiotics can help with softer stooling, with every serving providing 3g of fiber for better poops. 

Fear of Public or Unfamiliar Bathrooms

Many toddlers and kids avoid pooping in public restrooms or unfamiliar places due to discomfort or anxiety.

This is especially common during transitions, such as starting school or daycare, where kids may feel self-conscious or nervous about using new facilities.

Encourage your little one to use the bathroom regularly, even in new environments, and remind them that it’s okay to ask for privacy or assistance.

Bringing a familiar item, such as a favorite toy, to the restroom can also help them feel more at ease.

Emotional Factors and Stress

Stress, anxiety, or major life changes, such as moving to a new home or the arrival of a sibling, can contribute to stool withholding. Emotional distress can disrupt a kid’s normal bowel habits and lead to avoidance behaviors.

If your little one is experiencing stress, focus on creating a supportive and understanding environment.

Help them express their feelings and maintain a consistent daily routine to provide stability.

Medical Causes

While behavioral factors are the most common causes of stool withholding, medical issues like constipation, anal fissures, or underlying gastrointestinal disorders may also play a role.

Here are 3 medical conditions that can cause constipation in toddlers and kids.

If your kid continues to withhold stool despite efforts to address the behavior, consult a pediatrician for a thorough evaluation.

Summary

Kids withhold stool due to reasons like fear of painful bowel movements, toilet training challenges, and anxiety about public restrooms. Addressing these issues with understanding and creating a positive bathroom experience can help break the cycle and restore healthy bowel habits.

View Citation

  • Loening-Baucke, V. (2007). Prevalence, symptoms, and outcome of constipation in infants and toddlers. The Journal of Pediatrics, 151(5), 497–502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2007.04.056
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2021). Constipation in children. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov
  • Taubman, B., Buzby, M., & O’Brien, M. (2003). Toilet training and toileting refusal for stool only: A prospective study. Pediatrics, 111(4), 783–790. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.111.4.783