Potty training is a big step for toddlers and a huge learning curve for parents too. While many people expect it to be about timing and routines, there is often an overlooked factor that can quietly derail the process — gut health. More specifically, constipation.

When a toddler struggles to go regularly or comfortably, it can affect both their physical comfort and their willingness to use the toilet. In fact, constipation is one of the most common causes of potty training setbacks. What your child eats, how their body feels, and even how they feel emotionally all play a role in how smoothly toilet training goes.

Let’s explore how gut health can impact this journey and what you can do to help. 

As a potty training consultant, one of the most common challenges I help parents with is constipation. It is something many families do not realise is affecting their child until potty training starts to feel like an uphill battle. Some children begin training already constipated, which makes things harder right from the start. Others become constipated during the process due to anxiety, withholding, or changes in routine.

When children begin potty training, they often feel unsure about doing a poo without a nappy. They may hold it in because the sensation is unfamiliar. But the longer poo sits in the gut, the more water is absorbed, making it dry and harder to pass. When it eventually comes out, it can feel uncomfortable or even painful. After one uncomfortable experience, some children begin to hold it in as a way to avoid more pain. Unfortunately, this can create a cycle where the child holds more often, becomes more backed up, and finds it even more uncomfortable the next time they go.

Sometimes the problem starts with emotions. A child may not like the feeling of sitting bare or may be unsure about where the poo goes once it leaves their body. Some believe that poo is dirty or embarrassing. Even well meaning encouragement like sticker charts or praise can feel like pressure if a child is not ready. If they begin holding on purpose, that can quickly lead to constipation and discomfort, which then reinforces their reluctance. 

Understanding this cycle is key. When constipation is present, it is not just a physical issue. It shapes how your child feels about the entire potty training experience. 

Constipation can look different in every child, but there are common signs to watch out for. If your child is passing poo infrequently or finds it painful to go, these can be early clues. Some common signs that your child might be constipated include finding it hard or painful to do a poo, going less often than usual, or passing poo that is very large or very small and dry, like little pellets. You might notice small traces of blood from straining, or your child might seem off their food. In some cases, children may have loose or watery poo that leaks out. 

Some children are more prone to digestive issues. For example, constipation can be a symptom of cows milk protein allergy, so if your child is starting a new stage of the milk ladder, it is worth keeping an eye on changes in their gut health. 

Gut health is about more than just poo. A child with an imbalanced gut microbiome might also show signs like skin issues, allergies, bloating, tiredness or shifts in mood. If you suspect your child’s gut might be struggling or constipation is becoming a pattern, it is important to speak with medical professional. Getting the right support early can make potty training much smoother and far less stressful for everyone involved. 

How children feel emotionally can have a big effect on how their gut works. You may have heard people say they have a ‘gut feeling’ and there is real science behind that. The gut and the brain are connected, and when children are feeling anxious or under stress, it can show up in their tummy. This might look like constipation, loose poo, or general tummy aches without a clear cause.

Research also tells us that the balance of bacteria in the gut, sometimes called the gut microbiome, can affect how we feel emotionally. For example, lower levels of certain feel good hormones like serotonin and dopamine in the gut can make someone more likely to feel anxious or low. It also works the other way around. If a child goes through something stressful or upsetting, it can throw off the balance in their gut and lead to digestive issues.

So gut health and emotional health are closely linked, and this really matters during potty training. If a child is feeling anxious about using the toilet, they might start holding in their poo. Holding can lead to constipation, which then makes going to the toilet uncomfortable or even painful. That pain adds more anxiety, and the cycle begins. Sometimes children are not just dealing with a sore tummy, they are also managing big feelings they do not yet know how to explain.

That is why it is so important to create a calm and pressure free potty training experience. Reassure your child that using the toilet is normal and nothing to feel embarrassed about. Talk openly about poo so they do not feel shame or fear. Helping them stay relaxed and making sure they are not constipated at the start can make the whole journey a lot smoother. 

One of the best ways to help your child’s digestive system is through diet. A combination of fibre, hydration and movement can go a long way in supporting regular, comfortable bowel movements.

Here are some fibre-rich foods that many toddlers enjoy:

• Fresh fruits like pears, apples and kiwi

• Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn

• Whole grains including oats, brown rice and wholemeal bread

Switching from white bread to wholegrain or rye bread can make a big difference, and keeping cereal choices high in fibre is another easy win. Some foods are natural laxatives too. Pears, prunes and kiwi can gently encourage the bowels to move without causing distress.

Encourage regular water intake throughout the day. Letting your toddler choose a fun cup or water bottle can make drinking more exciting. Fizzy drinks or sugary juices are best avoided, especially during potty training, as they can sometimes worsen gut symptoms.

To help support a healthy gut microbiome, you can also include natural probiotics like yoghurt, kefir or sourdough bread. Foods that act as prebiotics, which help feed the good bacteria, include bananas, oats, asparagus and leeks. Some parents choose to add a probiotic supplement, but it is always best to check with a GP or pharmacist before doing so.

If your child has allergies or intolerances, particularly to dairy, this can also affect their digestive health. Many families find it helpful to avoid major dietary changes or allergy reintroductions during the early stages of potty training unless advised otherwise by a medical professional. 

Potty training is about more than just using the toilet. It is about helping your child feel confident, safe, and comfortable in their body. Digestive health plays a big part in that process, and constipation can quietly disrupt even the most well-planned approach.

By learning to spot the signs of gut trouble, supporting your child with fibre rich foods, and creating a calm and positive potty training experience, you can make this stage of parenting much smoother.

If you suspect that something is off with your child’s digestion, or if potty training is becoming more stressful than it should be, know that help is available. With a little guidance and the right support, your child can move through this stage with confidence and comfort.