Potty training at 2: How can I get my toddler to poo on the potty?

Check your child's stools for consistency. The stools should be soft and not too large. If the stools are pebbly, hard or very large, it is possible that your child is constipated.  A child will be reluctant to initiate a bowel movement, for fear of the pain associated with constipation. A child suffering from constipation will often hold back on bowel movements, until it is no longer possible to do so. This is what can cause unexpected “accidents” during toilet training.

To ensure that your child is free from constipation, make certain that their diet is correct. Include the right amount of fibre. A rough guide to use is your child's age plus five grammes of fibre per day. This means that a two-year-old needs seven grammes of dietary fibre per day. It is better to include fibre in every meal, rather than in one serving. Keep track of your child's nutritional intake via food labels and food nutrition charts.

Once your child has normal, soft stools, you can track their bowel movements and work out a pattern. Encourage your child to sit on the potty many times a day, without needing to actually use it. Eventually your child will be comfortable enough to use the potty for bowel movements. Your child's feet should be firmly placed on the floor when using the potty. This ensures stability and gives your child safe leverage while using the potty.