Ever wonder why your child might have a poo accident after toilet training? It's called soiling, and it's actually more common than you might think. Basically, it means they’re pooing in their underwear instead of the toilet.

If your child is past the age of 4 and still having accidents, a doctor visit is a good idea to rule out any other issues. Here's the thing: studies show that soiling (also called encopresis) happens to about 3% of 4-year-olds and that rate lessens as children get older [1, 2].

The good news? Most cases aren't serious and there are ways to help! This article will give you the lowdown on why soiling happens and awesome tips to prevent and manage it. So your little explorer can be a pro at using the toilet in no time!

Super Important Note: These are just general stats, and every child is different. If you have any concerns, a chat with your doctor is always the best bet!

What causes soiling in children?

Did you know constipation is a super common culprit behind accidents after potty training? About 25% of kiddos deal with it at some point!

Here's the deal: when poo gets stuck for a long time, it stretches out the back passage (rectum) like a balloon. This can make it hard for your child to feel the urge to go, or even cause soft poop to leak out around the blockage without them noticing.

How to spot the poop blues

• Pooing Every 3 Days (or Less): This is a happy bathroom routine! Soft, medium-sized poos that come easily are a good sign.
  
  
• Stuck in a Hard Place: Hard, small poops every other day, or feeling like there's always some poop stuck? This could be constipation.
  
  

Pro Tip: The Bristol Stool Chart is your friend! It shows what healthy poops look like.

What makes poop rock solid?

• Not Enough Veggie Power: Fibre in fruits and veggies helps keep things moving smoothly. If you aren’t sure how much fruit and veg kids should be  eating, and at which ages, you can refer to this European Commission guide.
  
  
• Hydration Station: Not enough fluids can make everything dry and difficult to pass. According to the European Food Safety Authority, Children aged 2-3 years should be drinking 1300mL a day, and ages 4-8 should be drinking 1600mL a day. Boys aged 9-13 should be drinking 2100mL a day and girls the same age, 1900mL. Teenagers 14 and above should drink 2 litres a day [3].
  
  
• Feeling Scared or Shy: Fear of using the toilet (this could be because of things like sensory issues or previously experiencing pain on the toilet) can lead to constipation.
  
  

If Life’s A Little Tricky: Stressful events (such as family disputes or bullying at school) can cause constipation too.

Beyond Constipation

While constipation is a common culprit, there are other reasons for soiling. If you suspect anything else is going on, a doctor's visit is a great idea.

This could include:

• Neurological disorders or developmental delays can sometimes affect how the bowels work.
• Problems with the rectum or anus can also cause issues.
• Sometimes, surgery on the rectum can lead to temporary constipation.
  
  

Remember: Every child is different. If you have any concerns about your little one's bathroom habits, a chat with your doctor is always the best bet!

They can help you get to the bottom of things (pun intended!) and get your little explorer back on track to happy pooping.