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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

6 year old with Down syndrome still not pooing in toilet

11 replies

HoneyBee2206 · 21/02/2025 17:19

Hi my daughter who has a form of Down syndrome is 6 and still not pooing in the toilet. We have ruled out that this is no longer a constipation issue and just really want to get this sorted now. She often poos in her pants when playing in the evening. She is fine at school and wees in the toilet (not poos) she does this in the evening. I am trying to sit with her on the toilet reading her stories mainly after her evening meal but have no success then she goes to play with her toys and then soils her pants. I am very stressed because me and my husband are going away for the first time abroad this year and my parents are having the kids and I really want her pooing in the toilet as I feel quite judged that this still isn’t happening. I’m really tired as well and have probably gone through a million pairs of kids pants. If anybody has any ideas of anything I can do differently it would be a great help. I’ll be honest just because I can’t afford to keep buying new pants I do put her in a nappy in the evenings after we’ve tried on the toilet. Apologies if too much info.

OP posts:
Dolambslikemintsauce · 21/02/2025 17:22

Would she use a potty?

Anewuser · 21/02/2025 17:22

Have you tried letting her walk around the house without pants on?

She may be less inclined to poo then.

You’ll get there eventually but need to persevere without the nappy.

HoneyBee2206 · 21/02/2025 17:23

Dolambslikemintsauce · 21/02/2025 17:22

Would she use a potty?

Hiya yeah we use a potty too she is fine sitting on toilet or potty but just nothing happens

OP posts:
Dolambslikemintsauce · 21/02/2025 17:24

Have you tried good old bribery?

x2boys · 21/02/2025 17:24

Have you tried a social story with her,?

Pancakeflipper · 21/02/2025 17:25

What about putting a nappy over the loo like a hammock to catch it ? Might increase her confidence? A game of catch the poo with rewards?

itsmeits · 21/02/2025 17:25

Is it around the same time every night? If so about 10 mins before make this your toilet book reading time.

BrianBlessed01 · 21/02/2025 17:27

You do sound very tired and stressed, which is understandable. I'm so sorry. You sound as if you're doing everything you can on a practical level. The only thing I can suggest is to tell your parents (if you haven't already) what you've tried so far, and how anxious you are about putting the situation on them while you and your husband are away (I hope you have a lovely time and manage to relax, btw) just to forewarn them. I'm not in your shoes so I don't want to patronise you (I'm so, so sorry if I am) but is there anything here that might help? https://www.chop.edu/news/toilet-training-children-and-adolescents-down-syndrome. Sending a hug and good luck. x

BrianBlessed01 · 21/02/2025 17:28

Also, being well-hydrated.

24Dogcuddler · 21/02/2025 17:29

Look for
Poo goes to Poo land on You tube

Could be a number of reasons but possibly delayed development? May be sensory, disliking the toilet seat or the splash? Have you tried paper in the toilet? Cushioned toilet seat.
Is she able to blow bubbles? That helps with pooing.
Lots of advice on ERIC website.
Good luck.

SatinHeart · 21/02/2025 17:30

How (and for how long) did you treat the constipation? My eldest took quite a while to 'get' the sensation of needing a poo after being treated for constipation. We were prescribed low dose senna in the end to help with the sensation.

He doesn't have Downs though so no specific advice on how that affects things.

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