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  1. Families
  2. Bowel problems

Bowel problems

Poo problems in childhood are really common – constipation alone affects a third of all children. Because we’re not very good at talking about these problems, we can feel that our child is the only one.

The good news is we have lots of information to help you and your child understand what is going on. If you already know your child is constipated, head straight for 'Advice for children with constipation'. Otherwise, take a look at ‘Poo problems – where to start’ first.

Poo problems - where to start?

Poo problems - where to start?

Constipation, withholding, soiling, mega poos, runny poos, encopresis... There are lots of ways children can experience a poo problem, but help is at hand. Read more

Published: 26th July, 2021

Updated: 8th March, 2022

Author: Alina Lynden

Advice for children with constipation

Advice for children with constipation

How to spot the signs of constipation in children and how it should be treated and managed. Read more

Published: 21st July, 2021

Updated: 9th May, 2022

Author: Alina Lynden

Pooper Highway

Pooper Highway

Watch our 2 minute animation to find out why some children get constipated and how it should be treated. Read more

Published: 9th September, 2020

Updated: 11th January, 2022

Author: Alina Lynden

Withholding

Withholding

Discover why some children try to stop wee or poo from coming out when it should and the ways this can effect their body and behaviour. Read more

Published: 8th September, 2020

Updated: 27th June, 2022

Author: Alina Lynden

Bowel problems resources

Bowel problems resources

Videos, podcasts, blogs and many more free downloadable resources all about poo problems in children and how they can be managed. Read more

Published: 31st March, 2016

Updated: 9th May, 2022

Author: Kerry Vevers

Bowel problems: FAQs

Bowel problems: FAQs

How often should children poo? Why is my child soiling? Get answers to commonly asked questions about children's poo problems. Read more

Published: 18th September, 2015

Updated: 9th May, 2022

Author: Kerry Vevers

Thanks to Renew Medical UK Ltd for sponsoring our bowel information pages

Thanks to Renew Medical UK Ltd for sponsoring our bowel information pages

Read more

Published: 1st September, 2015

Updated: 28th April, 2022

Author: Alina Lynden

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Showing 10 of 7

Latest

  • Step 1 - Preparing for potty training

    Step 1 - Preparing for potty training

    Spending time preparing your child in advance of taking their nappy away is the best way to help them move on to the next step. We explain why and how in this first step...

  • ERIC Conference workshops announced

    ERIC Conference workshops announced

    Read more about the expert-led workshops taking place at our hybrid conference in October.

  • Step 2 - Potty training practice

    Step 2 - Potty training practice

    Teaching your child how to use a potty and feel comfortable around wee and poo is a great way to introduce the next step. You can help them to learn these new skills through play.

  • Step 3 - Perfecting potty training skills

    Step 3 - Perfecting potty training skills

    You're ready to stop using nappies once and for all! Find out how to manage accidents, outings and naptimes plus how to motivate and reward your child.

Most read

  • Resources about children's bowel & bladder problems

    Resources about children's bowel & bladder problems

    Factsheets, charts & templates to help you manage potty training and bowel & bladder problems.

  • A Parent's Guide to Disimpaction

    If your child has been constipated for more than a few days your doctor or nurse may recommend a disimpaction regime. This means giving laxatives in sufficiently large quantities to ‘clear out’ all the accumulated poo.

  • Bowel problems: FAQs

    Bowel problems: FAQs

    How often should children poo? Why is my child soiling? Get answers to commonly asked questions about children's poo problems.

  • Potty training tips

    Potty training tips

    Make sure your child is having plenty to drink throughout the day and check out their poo. Constipation makes potty training really tricky!

  • Children who will only poo in a nappy and other toilet avoiders

    Children who will only poo in a nappy and other toilet avoiders

    Insisting on wearing a nappy to poo is normal for kids who are potty training, but some would happily poo in a nappy for years. Break the habit with these tips.

  • How fast are your bowels? Take the sweetcorn test to find out!

    How fast are your bowels? Take the sweetcorn test to find out!

    A portion of sweetcorn and a clock is all you need to discover how long it takes for food to travel from your mouth to the toilet.

  • Advice for children with constipation

    Advice for children with constipation

    How to spot the signs of constipation in children and how it should be treated and managed.

  • Treating bedwetting

    Treating bedwetting

    Discover how to treat and manage this common childhood condition.

  • Parents and carers

    Parents and carers

  • What causes bedwetting?

    What causes bedwetting?

    There are three main reasons why children and young people struggle with bedwetting. Find out more about the underlying causes.

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Additional needs Bedwetting Bladder problems Bowel problems Constipation Daytime bladder problems Fundraising Nocturnal enuresis Parents Pathway Potty training Soiling Teenagers Toilet training Training training courses
ERIC Conference 2022 booking is open

ERIC Conference 2022 booking is open

Our conference for health and education professionals will take place on 10th October 2022 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Live streaming also available. Read more

Published: 28th February, 2022

Updated: 19th April, 2022

Author: Alina Lynden

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

A brand new role, vital in helping us to develop and expand ERIC's Family Services. Key to our success will be building ERIC's volunteer programme, so that all volunteers feel welcome, valued and able to make a difference. Read more

Published: 1st June, 2022

Updated: 16th June, 2022

Author: Juliette Rayner

Family Support & Helpline Advisor - two vacancies

Family Support & Helpline Advisor - two vacancies

Thanks to support from the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, we are recruiting for two Family Support and Helpline Advisors. Read more

Published: 14th June, 2022

Updated: 16th June, 2022

Author: Juliette Rayner

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