What Kinds of Physical Problems are Associated With Potty Training?

Physical problems can cause a child difficulty when potty training.

Potty training young children can be a stressful time for parents, and it is even more frustrating when you do not know why your child seems to be showing resistance. Physical problems should be considered when parents are searching for a cause to their child's potty training difficulties or negative behaviors.

Weak Bladder

The muscles in a young child's bladder are still developing and are still weak. This can cause a child to be unable to hold urine for very long periods of time and leak urine between bathroom visits. Some children will not empty their bladder completely when using the toilet and the weak muscles cannot hold the leftover urine. To help avoid this problem, remind your child to take their time when using the toilet and schedule trips to the bathroom frequently.

Urinary Tract Infections

Occasionally, young children will develop a urinary tract infection, which causes pain when urinating, foul-smelling urine or frequent urination. A child with a urinary tract infection may be unable to hold her urine very long or fear using the toilet because it is painful to urinate. Urinary tract infections can often be the result of delaying a trip to the bathroom or holding urine in too long. Even after recovering from an infection, a child may continue to resist using the toilet because she remembers the pain associated with it.

Constipation

Young children can also become constipated which can cause problems while potty training. Having a bowel movement may be painful, so they will resist using the toilet. Unfortunately, this can often worsen constipation, making it difficult to overcome this problem. Making dietary changes, such as more whole grains or fiber and decreasing binding foods such as bananas or rice, can help soften stools and make it easier for your child to have a bowel movement. Wait until your child is having regular bowel movements again before you resume potty training.

Food Intolerances

There are some food allergies or intolerances that can cause bowel problems, making it difficult for young children to control their bowel movements. Lactose intolerance, the most common food intolerance, can cause diarrhea when a child takes in dairy products. Other possibilities for intolerances include gluten, which is found in wheat, and fructose, which is in fruits and juices. If you notice your child having chronic diarrhea that is causing a problem with potty training, examine your child's diet to see if a food intolerance could be the cause.

References

• The Potty Seat: Physical Problems During Potty Training
• Healthy Children: Toilet Training Problems Could Be Physical; 2010
• Potty Training Solutions: Regression; 2007
• Keep Kids Healthy: Potty Training Resistance