Toddler Holding in Poop
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing toddler holding in poop, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Stool withholding is very common in toddlers, often triggered by a painful bowel movement that makes them afraid to go again. The resulting cycle - holding leads to harder stool, which leads to more pain, which leads to more holding - can be frustrating but is very treatable. A combination of stool softeners (as recommended by your pediatrician), dietary changes, and a calm, pressure-free approach usually resolves it.
Key takeaways
- Stool withholding is very common in toddlers, often triggered by a painful bowel movement that makes them afraid to go again. The resulting cycle - holding leads to harder stool, which leads to more pain, which leads to more holding - can be frustrating but is very treatable. A combination of stool softeners (as recommended by your pediatrician), dietary changes, and a calm, pressure-free approach usually resolves it.
- Usually normal when: Occasional reluctance to poop during toilet training that resolves with gentle encouragement
- Call your doctor if: Your child has not had a bowel movement in a week or more with abdominal distension, vomiting, or fever
- 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 guidelines, stool withholding is very common in toddlers, often triggered by a painful bowel movement that makes them afraid to go again. The resulting cycle - holding leads to harder stool, which leads to more pain, which leads to more holding - can be frustrating but is very treatable. A combination of stool softeners (as recommended by your pediatrician), dietary changes, and a calm, pressure-free approach usually resolves it. At 6-12 months, true stool withholding is uncommon at this age, but the groundwork can be laid if a baby experiences painful bowel movements (often from dietary changes with solid food introduction). If your baby seems to stiffen and resist during bowel movements, ensure stools stay soft with adequate fluids, and foods like prunes, pears, and peas. It is generally considered normal when occasional reluctance to poop during toilet training that resolves with gentle encouragement. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has not had a bowel movement in a week or more with abdominal distension, vomiting, or fever.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-12 months
True stool withholding is uncommon at this age, but the groundwork can be laid if a baby experiences painful bowel movements (often from dietary changes with solid food introduction). If your baby seems to stiffen and resist during bowel movements, ensure stools stay soft with adequate fluids, and foods like prunes, pears, and peas.
1-2 years
Stool withholding often begins in this age range, frequently triggered by a single painful bowel movement. Your toddler may stiffen their legs, stand on tiptoes, clench their buttocks, hide in a corner, and refuse to sit on the toilet or potty. They are not being stubborn - they are genuinely afraid. Do not force toilet sitting. Focus first on making stools soft and painless before addressing toilet use.
2-3 years
The withholding cycle is most common during toilet training. The pressure of using the potty combined with fear of pain creates a perfect storm. If your toddler is withholding, consider pausing toilet training temporarily and going back to diapers without shame. Use stool softeners as directed by your pediatrician to keep stools painlessly soft for several weeks, rebuilding your child's confidence that pooping does not hurt.
3+ years
Persistent withholding can lead to encopresis - where liquid stool leaks around a large, hard stool mass. This is not your child's fault and is not done on purpose. Treatment involves a "clean-out" phase followed by maintenance stool softeners, often for months. Work closely with your pediatrician. With patience and consistent treatment, nearly all children overcome this.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed toddler holding in 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 actively withholding stool for more than 2-3 days at a time.
- Mention if bowel movements are consistently painful and your child cries or screams when pooping.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Occasional reluctance to poop during toilet training that resolves with gentle encouragement
- Brief withholding after a single hard bowel movement that passes within a few days
- Preference for pooping in a diaper rather than the toilet during early training - this is very common
- Your toddler is actively withholding stool for more than 2-3 days at a time
- Bowel movements are consistently painful and your child cries or screams when pooping
- You notice liquid stool leaking into the diaper or underwear between bowel movements (this can be overflow from withholding)
- Your child has not had a bowel movement in a week or more with abdominal distension, vomiting, or fever
- Your child is in severe abdominal pain, the belly is hard and swollen, and they are unable to eat or drink
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice toddler holding in poop — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that occasional reluctance to poop during toilet training that resolves with gentle encouragement — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-12 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 a week or more with abdominal distension, vomiting, or fever.
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 toddler holding in poop normal?
When should I call the doctor about toddler holding in poop?
When is toddler holding in poop normal?
What causes toddler holding in poop?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler holding in poop?
Is toddler holding in poop normal at 6-12 months?
Is toddler holding in poop normal at 1-2 years?
Should I go to the ER for toddler holding in poop?
Does toddler holding in poop go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Holding in Poop.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed toddler holding in 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 actively withholding stool for more than 2-3 days at a time.
- Mention if bowel movements are consistently painful and your child cries or screams when pooping.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your toddler is actively withholding stool for more than 2-3 days at a time
- Bowel movements are consistently painful and your child cries or screams when pooping
- You notice liquid stool leaking into the diaper or underwear between bowel movements (this can be overflow from withholding)
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child has not had a bowel movement in a week or more with abdominal distension, vomiting, or fever
- Your child is in severe abdominal pain, the belly is hard and swollen, and they are unable to eat or drink
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 toddler holding in poop are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has not had a bowel movement in a week or more with abdominal distension, vomiting, or fever.
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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