Pooping in the Bath Tup

My daughter did the exact same thing at about that same age. I did the exact same thing, removing it and showing her where it goes. I tried to tell her why it was "icky" to do it in the bathtub (i.e. you can get sick from it, it will get you and your toys dirty, etc.) I put it very lightly in a non-blaming, supportive way. She eventually grew out of it (about 1 month or so). She is now 2 1/2 and has just in the last 2 weeks shown an interest in potty training. She is doing great, staying dry at naps and at bedtime. Unfortunately, she still won't "poo" in the potty. But, we are working on it. So, I think that your son's disinterest in potty training is fairly common. I have twin nephews who showed absolutely no interest until they were almost 3. One day, they just decided they would do it. I've also heard that boys sometimes take longer to potty train than girls. That may not be true, but "Who knows?" I wish you luck with it, it can be a very stressful time for both of you. Especially if your family is like mine and laughed every time I told them about her "pooing" in the bath tub. LOL God Bless!

I think it is the warm water that brings this on for some kids. I make sure that my son has plenty of time to poop before his bath (ie, sitting on the toilet 2 or 3 times) and if all else fails, drinking warm water can help kids poop before they get in the tub.

Hi K.,
I heard this about 15 years ago so I'm not sure if its still accurate. A pediatrician told me that kids (esp. boys) are incapable of controlling the muscles used to start and stop the elemination process until about 27 months. There are kids that have been potty trained before that, part of that is that some kids can develop that muscle skill earlier, another part is that the parents are usually vigilant in helping to remind them to 'try to go' at regular times throughout the day and the kids happen to sit before they have that desperate urge and a need to hold it. Kids that are potty trained earlier than that tend to have more accidents.

It is common for little ones to poop in the tub because the warm water relaxes them. Also, many people tend to eliminate at specific times of the day, which can change for many reasons, so if you have a regular routine for eating, baths, etc. this may be why it seems like a habit. Scooping it out and putting it in the toilet is good pre-training for your son.

Two things. I would not bathe your little guy after he has just eaten. That may be a problem. AND.... My daughter started potty training when she was 18 months and I was told be her childcare provider and DOC that their little muscles are strong enough at this age to start the process of potty training. It took her awhile to get it down, but she is 3 and only has an occasional accident and that is at night. Good luck and let us know how it turns out for you.