Why Your Toddler Won’t Poop on the Potty—And What You Can Do About It
If your toddler is totally on board with peeing in the potty—but flat-out refuses to poop—you are not alone. In fact, this is one of the most common potty training challenges parents face. And while it can be frustrating (and messy), there’s a reason behind it—and real ways to help.
As a pediatric physical therapist who specializes in potty training and child development, I’ve worked with hundreds of families on exactly this issue. Let’s break down why poop resistance happens and what actually helps.
💩 Why Poop Can Be So Much Harder Than Pee
Peeing and pooping aren’t the same skill, even though we often treat them like they are. Here’s why poop can feel like a bigger deal:
The sensation feels different: Poop stretches different muscles and creates a different type of pressure inside the body. For some toddlers, that feeling is unfamiliar—or even scary.
There’s often a history of constipation: Even one hard poop can create pain or fear that lingers. That fear can turn into withholding, which makes the poop harder, which leads to more pain. It’s a tough cycle.
Pooping feels more vulnerable: Kids often prefer to poop in a diaper, in private, or while standing up. Sitting on a toilet can feel exposed and unsafe if they’re not fully ready.
They’ve had fewer chances to practice: Most toddlers pee 3–11 times a day but poop only once or twice. That means by the end of their first week of potty training, they may have had up to 77 chances to practice peeing in the potty—but only 7 chances to practice pooping. By volume alone, peeing just gets more reps. Poop might take a little longer simply because they’ve had fewer chances to get comfortable with it.
🚩 Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling with Poop
Hiding to poop (behind furniture, in another room)
Asking for a diaper to poop, even if they’re using the potty to pee
Going just a little bit at a time, often with visible effort or discomfort
Pooping shortly after sitting on the potty (but not while they were on it)
Skipping poop for a day or more, then having a large, uncomfortable stool
✅ What Helps
It doesn’t help to force it. But it does help to meet them where they are—and slowly build up their confidence and comfort.
Here’s where to start:
1. Check for Constipation
Even if your child poops every day, they could still be constipated. Look for:
Poop that’s hard, dry, or pellet-like
Frequent small poops or extra-large poops
Signs of straining, pain, or fear around poop
If you’re unsure, talk to your pediatrician or check out trusted constipation strategies that include diet tweaks, hydration tips, and posture support.
2. Use a Prep Phase
Before you expect your child to poop on the potty, make sure they’re comfortable with sitting, the potty routine, and talking about their body. Play-based prep activities and simple routines make a huge difference here.
3. Create a “Poop-Only” Potty Routine
Use a specific basket of books or toys just for poop time
Offer sensory input before sitting—like jumping, animal walks, or even a “Paw Patrol rescue” to the potty
Keep potty time short and low-pressure. The goal is comfort first, success later
4. Help Them Understand the Feeling
Most toddlers don’t automatically recognize the sensation of needing to poop. They need to learn what it feels like inside their body—and how to respond to it. (This is something I walk families through in detail inside my guide.)
5. Avoid Pressure
No rewards. No scolding. Just calm, consistent support. The more relaxed and connected your child feels, the more likely they are to let their body do what it needs to do.
The Bottom Line
Pooping on the potty is a big deal for toddlers—and it often takes longer than pee. That’s okay. With the right mix of prep, body awareness, and emotional support, your child can learn to poop confidently and comfortably.
Need more support? There’s a whole section in my potty training guide dedicated to poop struggles (because let’s be honest—they deserve their own plan). You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.