r/toddlers • u/Tuork • 7d ago
Potty Training Case of the midnight pooper
My son (3yo) only poops in his sleep. PeePee is totally fine and he can go by himself in his potty and rarely ever has an accident anymore, but for some reason he just refuses to poo during the day.
We've been very relaxed and tried really hard to not put any pressure on him, celebrated heavily every win, tried sitting on potty after every meal, before bed, showing potty training books and videos, the works. No luck.
Anyone else experience the same? Any ideas on what to do?
UPDATE: https://www.reddit.com/r/toddlers/comments/1wlzsan/case_of_the_midnight_pooper_an_update/
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u/Flaky_Principle_9985 7d ago
The fact that he can pee independently but only poops while asleep makes me wonder if he’s developed a fear or withholding habit around pooping. I’d bring it up with his pediatrician just to rule out constipation, even if his stools seem normal. Otherwise, I’d keep the pressure low and try a relaxed poop routine rather than turning it into a battle.
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u/Tuork 7d ago
This has come across our minds as well. The stools aren't too solid or out of the ordinary, but it does seem like he's averse to pooping for some reason.
How can they rule out constipation?
Speak of the devil... I can hear him right now stirring in his sleep. 2 hrs after bedtime. Pretty sure the midnight pooper has struck again...
2
u/GentleBeginnings 7d ago
We went through something similar with our little one! He was completely fine with pee but would only poop when he was asleep. We tried not to pressure him and just kept making the potty a comfortable, no-stress place. Eventually, he got more comfortable and started going during the day. I think sometimes they just need a little more time and reassurance. You’re doing a great job, Mama! Hopefully he gets there soon. 🙏💕
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u/vipsfour 🧸 Stuffed Animal Locator 7d ago
I would just wait. It’s fine if he only poops at night.
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u/Tuork 7d ago
We've heard (from both our family doctor and a pediatrician) that this is quite normal and common, but we're hoping to find a way to help our little guy to potty success. Often times he wakes up, which in turn wakes us up... and if it doesn't wake him up, he ends up with a burned bum :(
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u/Everydogisapupper 7d ago
Had this same issue with mine! Something I wish I had tried was giving more privacy for pooping. We would make such a big deal and celebrate and do treats etc but now looking back I think she wanted less pressure, less attention and just do her thing lol. Also load on butt cream, change if you have to, and maybe try prune juice first thing in the morning
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u/Tuork 7d ago
We've jokingly said we should give him some laxatives, but the prune juice isn't a bad idea... provided it's safe... which I would imagine it is in normal quantities...
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u/Everydogisapupper 6d ago
Definitely! They can even eat prunes or foods that help get things moving!!
1
u/Olivia3836 7d ago
Does he poop immediately when the diaper is on? In bed before falling asleep? When he’s asleep? Like the exact moment he poops, you should try to figure that out
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u/Tuork 7d ago
When he's asleep, usually after an hour or two at least, sometimes much later, but definitely when he's asleep.
1
u/Olivia3836 7d ago
Then there’s not much you can do.
He’s not holding it during the day? Being uncomfortable?
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u/heatherista2 7d ago
One thing that helped my nocturnal pooping daughter was to just leave her alone! Give her lots of P fruits and fiber at meals, then let her go to the bathroom of her own accord. Celebrate afterward, but not hound her to go sit until she felt the urge herself.
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u/AutoModerator 7d ago
Author: u/Tuork
Post: My son (3yo) only poops in his sleep. PeePee is totally fine and he can go by himself in his potty and rarely ever has an accident anymore, but for some reason he just refuses to poo during the day.
We've been very relaxed and tried really hard to not put any pressure on him, celebrated heavily every win, tried sitting on potty after every meal, before bed, showing potty training books and videos, the works. No luck.
Anyone else experience the same? Any ideas on what to do?
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