Bladder and bowel

Soiling is when a child regularly poos their pants. If they're already potty-trained, the soiling is usually because they are badly constipated. Treatment from a GP can help.

You may feel angry or frustrated when your child keeps pooing their pants (soiling). But they are not doing it on purpose and may not even realise it's happening.

Soiling usually happens when a child is so constipated that a large, hard piece of poo becomes stuck at the end of their gut (rectum).

Fresh poo from higher up the gut then runs around the hard poo and leaks out, staining their pants.

See a GP if:

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

If your child is pooing their pants (soiling) because they're constipated, a GP can prescribe laxatives to clear out the hard poo and get your child pooing regularly and comfortably again.

This can take a few months to work. The GP will want to see your child regularly to check how they are doing.

The soiling may get worse before it gets better.

A GP may refer your child to a specialist for treatment if they think soiling could be caused by another medical condition.

If your child is regularly pooing their pants (soiling), it can help to:

• set up a regular toilet routine for your child – for example, they could sit on the toilet for 5 minutes every day after each meal and before going to bed
• be positive and encouraging – you could use a star chart to reward your child for sitting on the toilet (whether or not they do a poo), or leave some toys or books next to the toilet
• encourage your child to go to the toilet as soon as they get the urge to during the day
• make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids and has enough fibre in their diet
• encourage your child to be physically active

Find out more

• Constipation in children
• Physical activity guidelines for children (under 5 years)
• Physical activity guidelines for children and young people

Encourage your child to drink more throughout the day – at least 1.2 litres for 4-8 year olds, and 1.5 litres for those aged 9 and over

Avoid giving fizzy or caffeinated drinks to your child. Hot chocolate, orange and blackcurrant drinks have also been shown to irritate the bladder. Water is the best option for your child

Water bottles with time trackers and wobble watches can be helpful to remind your child to use the toilet and to drink throughout the day, as well as maintaining some independence

Encourage your child to use the toilet regularly throughout the day. You may need to liaise with his/ her school to ensure that your child can access the toilet

Your child may benefit from ‘double voiding’ – this is when they use the toilet, and when they think they are finished, they should count to 10 and try again to ensure they are fully emptying their bladder

Ensure your child has a change of clothing when at school or out and about in case of accidents

Don’t punish your child if they do wet during the day – it is more important to praise for when they do follow these steps

Please access ERIC via www.eric.org.uk for further advice and support.

Please access via www.bbuk.org.uk/children-young-people

Or contact our service for more support.

• Encourage your child to drink more throughout the day – at least 1.2 litres for 4-8 year olds, and 1.5 litres for those aged 9 and over
• Avoid giving fizzy or caffeinated drinks to your child. Hot chocolate, orange and blackcurrant drinks have also been shown to irritate the bladder. Water is the best option for your child
• Water bottles with time trackers and wobble watches can be helpful to remind your child to use the toilet and to drink throughout the day, as well as maintaining some independence
• Encourage your child to use the toilet regularly throughout the day. You may need to liaise with his/ her school to ensure that your child can access the toilet
• Your child may benefit from ‘double voiding’ – this is when they use the toilet, and when they think they are finished, they should count to 10 and try again to ensure they are fully emptying their bladder
• Avoid the use of nappies or pull ups for a minimum of two consecutive nights
• Ensure your child’s mattress is fully protected
• Lifting is not recommended, however if you wish to do this, you must make sure that you vary the time and that your child is awake and walked to the toilet
• Ensure the bathroom is accessible at night time
• Ensure your child has a change of clothing when at school or out and about in case of accidents
• Remember to reward your child for following these steps, even if they do not manage to have a dry night.

Please access ERIC via www.eric.org.uk for further advice and support.

Please access via www.bbuk.org.uk/children-young-people.

Or contact our service for more support.