What should I do if my child does not poop or is constipated during potty training?
Applies to age: 18–36 months
In short
Do not underestimate constipation. See a doctor reasonably soon, before the problem gets worse. Go to a doctor or the hospital emergency department (SOR) immediately if the constipation comes with very severe abdominal pain or vomiting.
What is normal
Some claims: international norm
- Constipation is fairly common in children and usually harmless.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Zaparcia są dość częste u dzieci i zwykle nieszkodliwe.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Constipation usually goes away after a few days, but it can last longer.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Zazwyczaj ustępują po kilku dniach, ale mogą potrwać dłużej.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Constipation is common in childhood, especially when a child is learning to use the potty at around 2–3 years of age.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Constipation is common in childhood, particularly when children are being potty trained at around 2 to 3 years old.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- Constipation usually appears, among other times, when a child is learning to use the potty.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
uczy się korzystać z nocnika
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- The causes of constipation in children include improper potty training, for example pressure from the caregiver.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
niewłaściwa nauka korzystania z nocnika – na przykład wywieranie presji przez opiekuna.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Constipation can result from pressure or from regularly interrupting the child during potty (or toilet) training, or from anxiety, for example because of a move, the birth of a sibling or starting care at a facility or school.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
feeling pressured or being regularly interrupted while potty (or toilet) training
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
feeling worried or anxious about something – such as moving house, the arrival of a new baby, or starting nursery or school
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- Some children feel anxiety or stress about using the toilet.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Niektóre dzieci odczuwają niepokój lub stres związany z korzystaniem z toalety.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Stress about the toilet usually happens during potty training or when the child's usual way of using the toilet changes (for example after a move or starting preschool).
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Zwykle dzieje się to podczas nauki korzystania z nocnika lub gdy zmienił się ich zwyczajowy sposób korzystania z toalety (np. po przeprowadzce lub rozpoczęciu przedszkola).
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- The vicious circle of constipation: the more a child holds back, the worse the constipation gets.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
This can create a vicious circle; the more they hold back, the more constipated they get.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- Constipation with soiled underwear is not something the child does on purpose, so there is no reason to be angry with them.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Getting constipated and soiling their clothes is not something your child is doing on purpose, so there's no reason to get cross with them.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- The best attitude toward the problem is calm and relaxed, although the situation can be stressful for both of you.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
You may both find the situation stressful, but staying calm and relaxed is the best attitude to help your child deal with the problem.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- Simple changes to the child's diet and potty training can help in dealing with constipation.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Proste zmiany w diecie dziecka i nauka korzystania z nocnika mogą pomóc w radzeniu sobie z problemem zaparć.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Sometimes it takes several weeks for the symptoms of constipation to go away despite changes in diet and potty training.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Czasami jednak mija kilka tygodni, zanim objawy ustąpią.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Give your child time to use the toilet and do not rush them.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Daj dziecku czas na skorzystanie z toalety, nie pospieszaj go.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Praise your child when they manage to use the toilet.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Pochwal je, kiedy sobie poradziło.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Give older children plenty of fluids and encourage them to eat fruit.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
podawaj starszym dzieciom dużo płynów i zachęcaj je do jedzenia owoców
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Set up a routine of sitting on the potty or toilet regularly, after meals or before bed, and praise your child whether or not they poop.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Get your child into a routine of regularly sitting on the potty or toilet, after meals or before bed, and praise them whether or not they poo.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- Your child should be able to rest their feet flat on the floor or a step when sitting on the potty or toilet - this makes it easier to poop.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Make sure your child can rest their feet flat on the floor or a step when they're using the potty or toilet, to get them in a good position for pooing.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- Ask your child whether they are worried about using the potty or toilet - some children do not want to poop in certain places, for example at a care facility or at school.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Ask if they feel worried about using the potty or toilet – some children do not want to poo in certain situations, such as at nursery or school.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
When to worry
Some claims: international norm
- Constipation means a child has bowel movements less than 3 times a week.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Zaparcia występują, gdy dziecko wypróżnia się rzadziej niż 3 razy w tygodniu.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Pain when passing stool, hard and compact stool, and difficulty having a bowel movement can be signs of constipation.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
odczuwa ból podczas oddawania stolca
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
Polish original
ma twardy i zbity kał
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
Polish original
ma trudności z wypróżnieniem się
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- In babies and small children, soiled underwear can be a sign of problems with bowel movements.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
brudzenie bielizny
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- In babies and small children, reluctance to use the toilet can be a sign of problems with bowel movements.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
niechęć do korzystania z toalety
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- In a child over 1 year of age, soiled underwear can be a symptom of constipation, because loose stool can leak around hard, retained stool.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
If your child is over 1 year old, soiled pants can be another sign of constipation, as runny poo (diarrhoea) may leak out around the hard, constipated poo.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- Hard stool can cause small tears around the anus, which can bleed and leave traces of blood on the stool or toilet paper.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Pęknięcia mogą krwawić i pozostawiać ślady krwi na powierzchni stolca lub na papierze toaletowym.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
Worth discussing with a doctor: international norm
- Regular soiling of underwear with stool in a child is worth discussing with a doctor.
Source: NHS – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
your child is regularly pooing their pants (soiling)
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
ER / 112 (Poland)
- Go to a doctor or the SOR immediately if the constipation comes with very severe abdominal pain.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
ma bardzo silny ból brzucha
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Go to a doctor or the SOR immediately if the constipation comes with vomiting.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
wymiotuje
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Go to a doctor or the SOR immediately if the constipation comes with cold sweats and an upset stomach.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
ma zimne poty i rozstrój żołądka
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Go to a doctor or the SOR immediately if there is blood and mucus in the stool and the child does not feel well.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
ma krew oraz śluz w stolcu i nie czuje się dobrze
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
See a doctor
Some claims: international norm
Urgent medical assessment needed: international norm
- Soiling underwear with stool in a child who has a swollen tummy and is vomiting needs an urgent medical assessment.
Source: NHS – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
your child is pooing their pants (soiling), has a swollen tummy and is being sick
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- Soiling underwear with stool in a child who has numbness or weakness in both legs needs an urgent medical assessment.
Source: NHS – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
your child is soiling and has numbness or weakness in both legs
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- Do not underestimate constipation in a child; see a doctor reasonably soon, before the problem gets worse.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Zgłoś się do lekarza w miarę szybko, zanim problem się nasili.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Contact a doctor if your child feels pain when passing stool.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
czuje ból, gdy oddaje stolec
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Contact a doctor if your child's stool contains blood.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
kał zawiera krew
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Contact a doctor if your child has had difficulty having bowel movements for a week or longer.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
miało trudności z wypróżnianiem się przez tydzień lub dłużej
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Contact a doctor if your child has repeated problems with constipation or alternating constipation and diarrhea.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
ma powtarzające się problemy z zaparciami
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
Polish original
ma naprzemienne zaparcia i biegunkę
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Contact a doctor if your child is not gaining weight as they should.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
nie przybiera na wadze tak, jak powinno
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Constipation in a child can point to a serious illness or disorder, so you should see a doctor to rule it out.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Zaparcie u dziecka może też wskazywać na poważną chorobę lub zaburzenie.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
Polish original
Należy skonsultować się z lekarzem, by wykluczyć m.in.:
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- With constipation, a doctor may rule out, among other things, psychological disorders, for example toilet phobia.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
zaburzenia psychologiczne (np. fobię toaletową)
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
international norm “International norm” next to a section heading means its claims come from a non-Polish source, because no Polish source in our registry covers this topic. When this applies to only some of the claims, the foreign ones carry the same label next to their source.
Sources
- Portal Pacjenta (pacjent.gov.pl)License: CC BY 3.0 PL. Source: Portal Pacjenta (pacjent.gov.pl). Content summarized and translated by the editors; changed relative to the original.
- NHS (nhs.uk, Anglia)
- https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/constipation-in-children/
- https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/soiling-child-pooing-their-pants/
License: Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: NHS (nhs.uk, Anglia). Content summarized and translated by the editors; changed relative to the original. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The summary is ours and is not attributed to the NHS.