Smears in knickers - why?

[dipsymum]

Hi, started potty training dd1 (3.6) about three months ago, was hard for the first couple of weeks but since then she's managed really well, has managed to poo and wee without any problems both at home and when we're out and about, has had the occasional accident but nothing that I wouldn't have expected. For the last two weeks though she has 4 or 5 + smears in her knickers each day and every time she has a bath does a very small poo. Any idea why? I keep asking her to sit on the toilet but every time she sits down she says 'it's not going to work'. Could this just be constipation and shes not able to express herself? Any help much appreciated, am trying to stay calm about this but is really winding up my husband.

Hi Dipsymum

It does sound like it could be constipation. My son had this. Was producing tiny balls of poo occasionally but every day his pants were soiled. He was older than your DD - 4 1/2 and bless him was so upset and confused as he was not pooing at school but his pants were dirty. We upped fluid intake and included juice not just water and it was sorted. Apparently fresher poo can seep out around the small balls of poo that are blocking the passage so to speak - sorry if that is too much info!! I would give liquid and juice to treat constipation but if still causing probs after a couple of days speak to your doctor. We also brought magazines etc. to encourage him to sit on the loo for long enough!

Good luck

Jops x