Potty Training can cause changes in Bowel Movements

Children who are being potty trained and experience the change from diapers to potty training pants may also not have a Bowel Movement (BM) for a couple of days. Therefore, with potty training in one day, some children may not have a Bowel Movement (BM) for a couple of days. This is normal and what you want to do as a parent is to make sure you are fully aware of this and are monitoring your child's Bowel Movements (BMs).

Give your child plenty of fluids, because fluids keep the stool soft. Apple juice and prune juice are good for softening the stool. Stay away from sodas, especially ones with caffeine, as these tend to dry out the system. Chocolate also has caffeine, so if you are using chocolates as a reward, be careful with the amount of chocolate your child is consuming.

Food also has an impact, so try and stay away from foods made with white flour, bananas, rice and soy. Fruits and vegetables are good choices - such as plums, peaches, apricots, pears, peas, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower etc. and of course raisins, prunes & dried fruits.

You do not want the stool to get hard, because if the stool becomes hard, it is more difficult to pass it and could cause discomfort. A child who experiences a painful BM may become resistant to having BMs in the potty (see section on BM resistance).

Once your child is comfortable with his/her new routine of potty training, bowel movements will follow and a new routine with urinations and BMs in the potty will be established.