Toddler Saves Poop for Naptime or Bedtime
Why Kids Often Poop in Their Overnight Diaper (And Why It’s Totally Normal During Potty Training)
You’re in the middle of potty training or maybe you are at the end with just one loose end: your child saves their poop for their nap or nighttime diaper.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone, this is incredibly common and I get more hits on my first blog post about this, than any other.
Pooping at naptime is more common than you think!
Your child will outgrow this over time!
Many children prefer the safety and comfort of a diaper for bowel movements, even after they’re doing well with pee on the potty. Think about you as an adult, where is your favourite place to poop? I know it’s not your bed but I do know its likely the comfort of your OWN bathroom.
Butt is it a problem? Not really. In fact, it’s often just a phase in the learning curve of potty training. Let’s look at why this happens and what you can do about it.
3 Practical Tips for Parents
1. Understand the Timing
Bodies like routines, even for poop. During nap and nighttime, your child is relaxed, lying down, and in a safe space. Their body naturally gets the “it’s time to go” signal. This isn’t regression; it’s biology. Be patient and notice if there are patterns in timing (right after lunch, before nap, etc.). To look at this in a positive light, they feel safe at home in thier bed. Thats a good thing!
2. Normalize the Process
Children may feel safer pooping in a diaper because it’s familiar. They’ve done it their whole lives! Avoid shaming or labeling it as “bad.” If they are going to bed in a diaper, you are also using it for a reason. To them, the reason its there is to be used.
3. Offer Opportunities Before Sleep
Encourage a “potty sit” before nap or bedtime, especially after meals when the bowels are naturally more active (hello, gastrocolic reflex). Even if nothing happens, the routine teaches awareness and sets them up for success. Also, do not let them sit for too long as this can cause piles.
Is It Really an Issue?
Nope, it is not usually, even though you may feel like it is. This is one of those whack a mole parenting moments, where most kids grow out of it and then move onto a next phase for you to pull your hair out over. However, if your child is consistently withholding stool until nap/bedtime and struggling with constipation or pain, that’s worth addressing with your pediatrician or a potty training consultant. like myself.
For most families, this is a normal and temporary stage of potty training. Diapers at nap and night are just safety nets, not signs of failure.
If you were to walk away with one positive thought, that is, poop is better out than in, even if its in the diaper the fact its coming out trumps everything else.
Want to talk through a poop issue with me? I know it’s not the most comfortable of conversations but I am used to it, and have heard it all!
