Withholding poo during training

[Jaylden]

Hey, our little one is withholding the nr 2s and now does them during his sleep. Have you encountered the same and how did you make them feel comfortable to poo on the potty? Thank you

I would ask if he wants a nappy to poo in when he looks like he needs to go. You don’t want to get into the cycle of him withholding and having issues long term.

It’s very common during the early days of training. If he’s still going regularly e.g. every day but in his night nappy then not ideal but I wouldn’t call it withholding or be worried about constipation, and if he’s not having accidents in his pants then that’s something. I’d just carry on as you are, don’t make a big deal about it, be sure to offer privacy when using the potty/toilet (that cracked it for DD!) and usually it resolves itself pretty quickly as they get more comfortable with the whole process. I would not offer a nappy for poos during the day because it’ll be a much harder habit to break. If you’re at that point with a distressed child suffering from withholding related constipation then personally I’d quit training, treat the constipation and revisit in a few months.

My almost 3 year old son is the same. He is dry and consistent using the "big toilet" for wees but will only poo in his nappy at nap time or overnight. It is frustrating as this has been going on for a number of months but I'm hoping it will click...going to try a few ideas