Potty training, oh yes, it is quite the journey. Any parent will know that the toddler years are some of the most challenging, yet wildly fun. One of the most fun parts of this tender age is the potty training journey. The trials can differ from child to child, even within the same family.
Many parents will have smooth sails until they get to the point of their child nearly being potty trained. It can even take you by surprised because you were probably thinking you were so close to having a fully potty trained toddler! What can happen at this point is your child will do what is called, “withholding”, when your child holds in their bowel movements. This can sometimes happen because of a previous painful elimination that will cause your child to hold their bowels and/or not eliminate them completely. This can be the start of a vicious cycle that can lead to constipation and fecal impaction. The good news is, there are many natural ways to fix the problem. Be sure to try these before running off to your child’s pediatrician, who will probably prescribe Miralax, which has caused neurological problems in some children. Please note, Miralax should NEVER be given to anyone under the age of 17, which is stated on the bottle. With so many natural options that work, this should never be an option. Please note, Miralax should NEVER be given to anyone under the age of 17, which is stated on the bottle.
Help make your child’s stools easy to pass by switching up their diet. If your child drinks a lot of milk, try to cut back on the milk intake, believe it or not, but milk can be the culprit. Water is the best option, and getting your child to be a fan of water is one of the best things you can do. Try to add more fruits and veggies to their diet, but steer clear of apples and bananas as they can cause dense stools that are more difficult to pass. Pass on the white rice, white bread, and potatoes and opt for sourdough bread made from wheat flour, brown rice, and sweet potatoes.
Another helpful tip is to get your child outside and active as much as possible. I make it a habit to get my boys outside every day for several hours. This isn’t only good for them, but also good for you.
Nearly being potty trained is a phase that is very common with toddlers, and it will pass. There are many books made for toddlers specifically on this subject. You want to make the bathroom where they go as comfortable as possible. I mix in their favorite books with books about the potty and pooping. They love to read them and it helps to take their mind off of what they are there to do, so they can relax and let their body do its job.
Check out these books to help your little one out:
- Everybody Potties_ An I Can Do It Children’s Board Book
- It Hurts When I Poop!
- From Chewing to Pooing
Just remember, every child is different and will eventually get the potty training down. Try to avoid any of those fact track potty training techniques that claim to have your child potty trained in a week. These cause too much stress on your child and yourself. Remember, your child will tell you when they are ready, they will be curious about the potty, so pay attention to the signs. The first sign is that they know when they are going and dislike a wet or dirty diaper. If the signs are not there, chances are your little one is not ready for the potty training journey just yet. Have patience, don’t rush them, allow them the opportunity to make mistakes. In these moments is where they learn. And most of all, let them be little.
