The number of defecations varies in babies. Some babies can defecate up to 8-10 times. Some defecate every 2-3 days. Naturally fed babies usually develop a soft stool; a part of the stool has formed; color is yellow. The increase in the number of defecations and their being in the form of amorphous liquid should be interpreted in favor of diarrhea. In cases of constipation, the number of defecations of the baby decreases and a harder stool is observed.
Babies are able to hold the toilet and stool when they are about 2 years old. This is possible with the development of defecation and voiding muscles. With the rapid development of language at this age, children better understand what is being said. Toilet training can be given from the age of 2. During toilet training, mothers should not be punishing, threatening, scolding and excessively controlling. When children miss their pee or stool inappropriately, the mother should be able to remain neutral towards the child with her facial expression, tone of voice and all behaviors. In cases where this cannot be achieved, the child may use the toilet inappropriately to punish the parents, to attract attention, or as a form of communication.
Sometimes there are medical reasons behind the child’s incontinence of stool or urine. A child and adolescent psychiatrist should be consulted in cases where the child is unable to hold urine or stool, or if these habits are developed but are lost again. Sometimes, such conditions are underlying medical conditions such as an infection, epileptic seizures, hormonal disorders (eg, diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, hypercalcemia, hypokalemia), Hirsuprung’s disease.
Children and adolescents who have problems with defecation should be evaluated by a child and adolescent psychiatrist.
