I hear frequently from parents who are trying to toilet train that the child is having some success. Namely, parents will say the child has learned how to pee on the potty, and has no wet accidents.

Some toddlers may also hold poop because they fear accidents and incorrect potty training. The typical signs of a toddler holding poop include appetite loss, gassiness, body stiffness, and discomfort.

The key is figuring out why a child is struggling to poop in the potty, L’Italien says. Two of the most common answers to this question are constipation and withholding, which are often connected.

A fully potty-trained child will be able to clearly convey when they want to pee and poop. They can pull their pants down, tuck their shirts, and independently use a familiar bathroom.

Toddlers struggling to poop may not be constipated. Sometimes infants struggle with potty training, but there are no physical issues. Learn more about toddler dyschezia.

There are endless books on raising toddlers out there, especially in the realm of potty training and discipline, but I’ve ...

Use words your child can say, like pee, poop, and potty. If you plan to start your child on a potty seat, put it in the bathroom so they get used to it.

Potty training is a major milestone in a toddler’s development, ... was on the brink of calling a “poop therapist” when my toddler was "stepping into her independence” by refusing to poop.