25/08/2026
💩 Does your child avoid doing a poo on the toilet and only want to poo in a nappy? You're not alone.
Lots of children go through a stage where they’ll only poo in a nappy, even after starting potty training. It's a common phase, and with patience and support, most children move on from it.
💡 Top tip: If your child asks for a nappy to do a poo, try not to say no. Refusing can lead to them withholding their poo, which may cause constipation. Instead, let them use the nappy just to do their poo, while gently and gradually working towards using the potty or toilet.
Here are some things to consider if your child will only poo in a nappy:
Constipation 💩
A painful poo can make children anxious about going again, leading them to hold on and avoid the toilet. Before focusing on toileting behaviour, make sure any constipation is well managed. It can make all the difference. Use our poo diary and poo checker to track your child's poo habits and read our advice sheet to find out how to spot the signs of constipation.
Is your child scared of the toilet? 🫣
Whether it's the flush, splashing water or sitting on the toilet, small steps and lots of reassurance can help build confidence. You can even turn toilet time into a fun game - visit the Toilet Anxiety page on our website for fun ideas.
Learning to sit on the toilet 🚽
Start by taking the pressure off. Sitting on the potty or toilet isn't about pooing yet, it's about helping your child feel relaxed and comfortable. Begin with a few seconds fully clothed, celebrate every sit, and avoid talking about wee or poo. As their confidence grows, gradually build up to regular toilet sits after meals and before bed. Small steps, consistency and plenty of praise can make a big difference. Keep favourite toys or books nearby and reward every success, no matter how small. Find the webinar 'Tips for helping your child relax on the toilet' on the Family webinars page on the website.
What next?
Once constipation is under control and your child is happy sitting on the potty or toilet for 5-10 minutes, it's time to focus on pooing in the right place. Break the journey into tiny, achievable steps, moving from where they currently like to poo towards the potty or toilet. Find more practical tips and helpful case studies here: https://eric.org.uk/children-who-will-only-poo-in-a-nappy-and-other-toilet-avoiders/
Be patient. Progress can take time, but small, consistent steps lead to big wins.
🎉Celebrate every success along the way.
