Soiling, or encopresis, is a condition where children have varying levels of bowel incontinence, even after they’re toilet-trained.

While it might not seem common, one study found that soiling affects around 4% of kids aged between 4 and 17 [1]. Though it may not sound serious, it can have a big impact on a child's emotional wellbeing.

In this post, we’ll explore the causes of soiling, strategies to help your child, and where to find support as a parent or caregiver.

What causes bowel incontinence?

One of the main reasons kids experience bowel incontinence, or soiling, is usually because they're constipated.

It might seem counterintuitive, but when a child is constipated for a long time, their tummy can get stretched out, and so they might not even feel the urge to go. Or, sometimes, liquid stool can leak around the hard stool that's stuck.

Other things that can cause soiling include:

• Developmental issues or problems with the nerves
• Not drinking enough water
• Feeling scared to use the toilet
• Not having easy access to a toilet
• Problems with the nerves or muscles around the bottom
• Being sick
• Surgery

Signs your child is soiling

Other than the obvious (finding stool in your child’s underwear) some other signs they may be experiencing soiling, and potentially trying to hide it:

• They experience sudden urges to do a poo and don’t reach the toilet in time
• Frequent and ongoing itching or rubbing of their bottom
• Hiding their worn/dirty underwear
• Withdrawing from family and friends, emotionally and socially

How to empower kids with bowel incontinence to live confidently

While you’re figuring out the cause and treatment for a child’s bowel incontinence, there are some things you can do to help boost their confidence and self-esteem. So they can live a full, happy life!

• Explain to your child how the body works, how their incontinence might have been caused and that none of it is their fault.
• Do things that you know your child enjoys and before you head out, talk them through how they can manage their incontinence in public (like locating public toilets in advance).
• Praise your child when they follow advice from their doctor.
• Let your child know that they’re never ‘in trouble’ for soiling.
• When sending your child to school, or their friends’ house, always provide them with a backup pair of underwear and clothing and spare continence aids for any accidents.
  
  

Speaking of continence aids, having the right products can make a big difference in your child's comfort and confidence. Our Nundies youth pants have 3-channel rapid absorbency superpowers and can bust odours and keep your child dry for up to 12 hours. Perfect for both daytime and nighttime accidents. They look and feel like regular underwear, so your child won't feel self-conscious.

How to treat bowel incontinence in kids

The treatment of soiling, or bowel incontinence, will depend on the causes.

If your child is constipated, your doctor might suggest using a medicine to soften their stool. Eating healthy, high-fibre foods, avoiding foods that upset their tummy, and drinking lots of water can also help.

It's important to see a doctor as soon as you notice your child is soiling. Early treatment can help stop things from getting worse.