Sometimes, your child is simply not able to gain control of his or her bowels. This might have a lot to do with his or diet. If you alter the diet, you may have a better chance of helping your child be able to poop effectively on the potty.

Dietary changes that you may consider:

• Decrease milk products such as milk, cheese, ice cream, etc…1f a doctor recommends eliminating milk products for any length of time, a calcium supplement will probably be recommended.
  
  
• Increase whole-grain breads, cereals, muffins, and any other bran foods. Try adding bran to other foods. If your child eats bran cereal with milk, dilute milk with water. Offer graham crackers rather than soda crackers. Roughage, such as lettuce and carbs helps.
  
  
• Try prunes and dried fruits. Prune juice can be mixed with a small amount of milk. Encourage your child to eat fruits and vegetables with skins on, seeds, and berries for the fiber value. Fruit nectars are also good.

• Possibly decrease fluid intake such as milk, juices and sodas to increase a child’s appetite for bulkier foods. However, remember that fluids are important if you are dealing with constipation and shouldn’t be drastically reduced. Encourage your child to drink water.
  
• Decrease or eliminate apples, bananas, rice, and gelatin. These are binders. Opt for peaches.
  
  
• Chocolate is a constipating food especially when consumed in quantity.

• Expect to wait two weeks or so before seeing a noticeable change in bowel movements after starting a new diet. Don’t resume bowel training until such a change occurs.
  
• Very loose stools can also inhibit bowel control but are often a sign of other problems such as infection or milk allergy. Food allergies causing chronic diarrhea can also cause “wear and tear” making it difficult to have bowel movements.

A diet change may be recommended, but it should be done in conjunction with medical advice. Your child can benefit from a routine when it comes to potty training.