Why Is My Toddler Struggling to Poo? It Might Be Constipation

When your toddler is straining, crying, or holding out before using the potty, it can be worrying and emotionally draining. You may find yourself wondering if it is just a temporary phase, part of toilet training, or something more concerning that needs attention.

This is a common challenge many families face, and it often points to constipation. While it is usually not a sign of anything serious, it can cause significant discomfort for your child and anxiety for you.

At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, located in Bukit Timah, Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu see this often, and we know that it can feel overwhelming if you do not know what to do next. Our goal is to give you clarity, reassurance, and practical steps so you can help your little one feel comfortable again.

Understanding Toddler Constipation

Constipation in Toddler’s happens when your child has infrequent bowel movements, or their stools are hard, dry, and painful to pass. For many toddlers, this means going fewer than three times a week.

You may also notice signs such as tummy aches, bloating, reduced appetite, or even soiling accidents in children who are already toilet trained. Some toddlers may start withholding stools, creating a cycle where the problem worsens over time.

In Singapore, toddler constipation often appears during times of change,  starting preschool, adjusting to new routines, or transitioning from nappies to the potty. These life stages can bring shifts in diet, habits, and emotions that affect digestion.

Signs That Your Toddler May Be Constipated

While each child’s bowel pattern is different, there are common signs that may suggest constipation:

• Less frequent bowel movements, especially fewer than three per week

• Hard, dry stools or small pellet-like stools

• Crying, straining, or twisting during bowel movements

• Bloating or tummy pain that eases after passing stool

• Avoidance of the potty or reluctance to sit down

• Soiling accidents caused by softer stool leaking around a hard blockage

  
  

If you notice these signs, taking action early can make your toddler more comfortable and help avoid prolonged discomfort.

Common Causes of Toddler Constipation

Most constipation is what doctors call functional constipation, meaning there is no underlying disease, but rather changes in diet, routine, or behaviour.

Not enough fibre or fluids

A diet lacking in wholegrains, fruits, and vegetables can make stools hard and difficult to pass. Limited fluid intake adds to the problem.

Holding in stools

 If your toddler has had a painful bowel movement before, they may try to avoid going again, leading to harder stools.

Routine changes

Starting preschool, travelling, or new family schedules can affect bathroom habits.

Food sensitivities

Some children may have subtle intolerances, dairy is a common example that contributes to constipation.

Post-illness changes

After a fever or diarrhoea, bowel movements may temporarily become irregular.

What You Can Do at Home

With gentle care, most cases of toddler constipation improve in a few days. Here are supportive steps you can take:

Offer fluids throughout the day

Water is best, but diluted prune, pear, or apple juice can help soften stools.

Add more fibre-rich foods

Fruits like papaya, pears, and prunes, and vegetables such as peas and broccoli, can improve bowel movements. Wholemeal bread, brown rice, and oats are also helpful.

Create a calm potty routine

Encourage your toddler to sit on the potty after meals when their body’s natural reflex to pass stools is strongest. A small footstool can help position them comfortably.

Make it positive and stress-free

Avoid scolding or forcing your toddler to go. Praise and encouragement can make the experience less intimidating.

Soothe discomfort 

A warm bath or gentle tummy massage can relax muscles and make passing stools easier.

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should bring your toddler to see a doctor if:

• Constipation lasts more than a few days without improvement

• You notice blood in their stools beyond a small streak from a minor tear

• They have persistent tummy pain, bloating, or reduced appetite

• They have repeated soiling accidents despite being toilet trained

• They appear unwell with vomiting, weight loss, or unusual tiredness

  
  

At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we provide gentle, thorough assessments and, when needed, recommend appropriate treatments to help your child find relief quickly.

Helping Prevent Constipation in the Future

While you cannot prevent every episode, you can reduce the likelihood of constipation with consistent habits:

• Keep your toddler hydrated throughout the day

• Include a variety of fibre-rich foods in their meals

• Encourage regular potty breaks after meals

• Maintain a calm, positive approach to toilet training

• Keep routines steady, even during travel or busy times

Gentle, Supportive Care for Your Toddler

Constipation can be uncomfortable for toddlers and stressful for parents, but with the right support, it can be managed effectively.

At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, located in Bukit Timah, Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu combine medical expertise with a caring approach, so you feel supported and informed. We take time to understand your child’s needs, explain each step, and work with you to get your toddler feeling comfortable again.

If your toddler is struggling to poo and you’re unsure what to do next, know that you are not alone. We are here to help,  every step of the way.