My Toddler Holds In Their Poop
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIDDK, Mayo Clinic guidelines
Last reviewed:
Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing my toddler holds in their poop, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Stool withholding is very common in toddlers and is often triggered by a painful bowel movement that makes the child afraid to poop again. It can also emerge during potty training when children feel pressure or anxiety about using the toilet. The resulting cycle of withholding, harder stools, and pain can be frustrating, but it is highly treatable with a combination of stool softeners, dietary changes, and patient, pressure-free encouragement.
Key takeaways
- Stool withholding is very common in toddlers and is often triggered by a painful bowel movement that makes the child afraid to poop again. It can also emerge during potty training when children feel pressure or anxiety about using the toilet. The resulting cycle of withholding, harder stools, and pain can be frustrating, but it is highly treatable with a combination of stool softeners, dietary changes, and patient, pressure-free encouragement.
- Usually normal when: Your toddler occasionally resists pooping for a day but eventually goes without significant distress
- Call your doctor if: Your child has not had a bowel movement in over a week and has abdominal pain, distension, or vomiting
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The biggest concern with vomiting is dehydration. Young children can become dehydrated quickly, so it's important to replace fluids. Offer small amounts of an oral rehydration solution frequently.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIDDK, Mayo Clinic guidelines, stool withholding is very common in toddlers and is often triggered by a painful bowel movement that makes the child afraid to poop again. It can also emerge during potty training when children feel pressure or anxiety about using the toilet. The resulting cycle of withholding, harder stools, and pain can be frustrating, but it is highly treatable with a combination of stool softeners, dietary changes, and patient, pressure-free encouragement. At 12-18 months, stool withholding can begin at this age, usually triggered by a single painful bowel movement that frightens the child. You may notice your toddler stiffening their legs, clenching their buttocks, crossing their legs, or hiding in a corner when they feel the urge to poop. They are not trying to be difficult - they are genuinely trying to avoid pain. Talk to your pediatrician about using a stool softener to break the cycle and make bowel movements comfortable again. It is generally considered normal when your toddler occasionally resists pooping for a day but eventually goes without significant distress. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has not had a bowel movement in over a week and has abdominal pain, distension, or vomiting.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
12-18 months
Stool withholding can begin at this age, usually triggered by a single painful bowel movement that frightens the child. You may notice your toddler stiffening their legs, clenching their buttocks, crossing their legs, or hiding in a corner when they feel the urge to poop. They are not trying to be difficult - they are genuinely trying to avoid pain. Talk to your pediatrician about using a stool softener to break the cycle and make bowel movements comfortable again.
18-24 months
This age marks the beginning of potty training readiness for some children, and introducing the toilet too early or with too much pressure can trigger stool withholding. If your child is withholding, it is best to pause potty training and focus first on making pooping comfortable and painless. Continue using diapers or pull-ups without shame, soften stools with medication if recommended by your pediatrician, and offer high-fiber foods and plenty of water.
24-30 months
Stool withholding is most common during active potty training. Many toddlers will urinate on the toilet successfully but insist on a diaper for bowel movements. This is a normal transitional stage. Allowing your child to poop in a diaper while continuing to work on comfort and confidence is far better than forcing toilet use and worsening the withholding cycle. Reading books about pooping, using a step stool for proper posture, and celebrating small steps all help.
30-36 months
If stool withholding has been ongoing, your child may have developed a pattern of chronic constipation where the rectum has stretched to accommodate large, hard stools. This can reduce the urge to go and may lead to soiling accidents (encopresis). Your pediatrician may recommend a longer course of stool softeners to allow the rectum to return to its normal size, along with a consistent toileting routine. Resolution takes time but is very achievable with patience and medical support.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler holds in their poop and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your toddler is regularly withholding stool for three or more days at a time, resulting in large, painful bowel movements.
- Mention if stool withholding is significantly interfering with potty training progress or causing your child distress.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your toddler occasionally resists pooping for a day but eventually goes without significant distress
- Your child prefers to poop in a diaper rather than on the toilet during potty training but is pooping regularly
- Your child briefly stiffens or hides when they feel the urge but then has a normal bowel movement
- Your child's withholding behavior is improving with dietary changes and encouragement
- Your toddler is regularly withholding stool for three or more days at a time, resulting in large, painful bowel movements
- Stool withholding is significantly interfering with potty training progress or causing your child distress
- Your child has developed a pattern of soiling accidents (small amounts of stool leaking into underwear) between large bowel movements
- Your child has not had a bowel movement in over a week and has abdominal pain, distension, or vomiting
- Your child is in severe pain, has blood in the stool, or is refusing to eat due to discomfort from stool withholding
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice my toddler holds in their poop — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your toddler occasionally resists pooping for a day but eventually goes without significant distress — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 12-18 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Note any patterns between feeds and symptoms.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child has not had a bowel movement in over a week and has abdominal pain, distension, or vomiting.
Related Resources
Poop Color & Texture Guide
What your baby's poop color and consistency mean, and when to worry.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is my toddler holds in their poop normal?
When should I call the doctor about my toddler holds in their poop?
When is my toddler holds in their poop normal?
What causes my toddler holds in their poop?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about my toddler holds in their poop?
Is my toddler holds in their poop normal at 12-18 months?
Is my toddler holds in their poop normal at 18-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for my toddler holds in their poop?
Does my toddler holds in their poop go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Constipation and Your Child. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Constipation in Children. NIDDK
- [3]Mayo Clinic. Encopresis - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Toddler Holds In Their Poop.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler holds in their poop and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your toddler is regularly withholding stool for three or more days at a time, resulting in large, painful bowel movements.
- Mention if stool withholding is significantly interfering with potty training progress or causing your child distress.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your toddler is regularly withholding stool for three or more days at a time, resulting in large, painful bowel movements
- Stool withholding is significantly interfering with potty training progress or causing your child distress
- Your child has developed a pattern of soiling accidents (small amounts of stool leaking into underwear) between large bowel movements
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child has not had a bowel movement in over a week and has abdominal pain, distension, or vomiting
- Your child is in severe pain, has blood in the stool, or is refusing to eat due to discomfort from stool withholding
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of my toddler holds in their poop are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has not had a bowel movement in over a week and has abdominal pain, distension, or vomiting.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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