Bowel Training

Often the most difficult part of toilet training a child is getting them to use a potty or toilet for the elimination of solid waste (poo!) Here are some helpful hints to consider when trying to potty train a child.

Ensure that you have chosen the right size of potty or toilet seat insert for your child. This needs to be a comfortable experience if it is to become an accepted behaviour.
Warm drinks, a warm bath a soothing tummy massage can be especially helpful if your child has been constipated or reluctant to pass poo for a couple of days.
A child who has a good position on the toilet with a support for his/her feet will find this easier.
Teach your child how to wipe themselves.
It is particularly important for girls to wipe from front to back, as this will avoid bringing bacteria from the bowel towards the bladder.
Use a soft toilet paper and praise your child when they manage to wipe themselves. Encourage hand washing after every toileting so that this becomes a natural habit.

Having a healthy regular bowel movement is better for your child and developing this habit needs time and training. A healthy bowel needs a regular fiber intake, regular exercise, like walking and swimming, and the ingestion of plenty of fluids including water. Setting aside a regular time for toileting without rushing, will improve the habit. Access to clean and pleasant facilities makes this a nicer experience. 

Fiber containing foods include;-
Wheatabix, bran flakes and shredded wheat
Wholemeal bread
Wholemeal pasta and brown rice
Fruit and vegetables (dried, fresh, or frozen), washed but with skin on where possible.
Pulses like peas, baked beans, kidney beans etc