15 Sep Healthy Toileting Habits for Optimal Bladder and Bowel Function
Did you know that the way children are taught to use the toilet can have a lasting impact on their bladder and bowel health? The healthy toileting habits they develop during their early years—how and when they go to the toilet, and how they position their bodies—can influence their pelvic floor function well into adulthood.
As a pelvic floor physiotherapist, I see many kids with urinary and bowel issues that could have been prevented by simple changes to their toileting habits. Let’s dive into the most important things parents can do to set their children up for a lifetime of healthy bladder and bowel function through healthy toileting habits.
1. Timing Matters: Don’t Wait Too Long
One of the most common mistakes is waiting too long for kids to use the toilet. If children get too busy or distracted and put off going to the bathroom, it can lead to bladder overactivity, where the bladder becomes hyper-sensitive and triggers the urge to go too frequently. Over time, this habit can cause accidents or daytime wetting.
Encourage your child to use the toilet regularly, even if they don’t feel the urge. A good rule of thumb is every 2–3 hours during the day. Be mindful of this when they are in school, at sports, or on playdates, where they may hold it in for longer.
2. Proper Toilet Posture
Believe it or not, how your child sits on the toilet is key to avoiding strain on the bladder and bowel. When children sit with their feet flat on the floor or on a footstool (which raises their knees above their hips), the muscles around the pelvis are better aligned, allowing for an easier, more effective emptying of both the bladder and bowel.
To make it easier for your child to have proper posture:
🦶 Use a footstool – This helps lift their knees to the right angle for easier bowel movements.
💧 Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps keep stools soft and easier to pass.
3. Teach Relaxation
Pushing or straining during toilet time is never ideal. Kids need to learn that going to the toilet should be a relaxing process. Encourage them to breathe deeply and take their time—there’s no need to rush! Encourage them to sit for a few minutes and relax, even if they don’t have to go right away. This also helps avoid developing a “holding” habit, where they resist the urge to go.
4. Avoid ‘Just-in-Case’ Toileting
A lot of well-meaning parents ask their kids to use the toilet ‘just in case’ before leaving for outings or when getting ready for bed. While this might seem like a good idea, it can lead to overactive bladder habits. Children can start to confuse the feeling of a full bladder with the feeling of needing to go all the time.
Encourage kids to listen to their bodies instead of just going “just in case.” This allows them to develop better bladder control over time.
5. Set a Regular Toilet Routine
Regularity is key to developing healthy toileting habits. Set a time for your child to sit on the toilet after meals when the digestive system naturally stimulates bowel movements. Regular toileting routines help children establish a natural rhythm, reducing the likelihood of constipation or accidents.
6. Address Constipation Promptly
One of the biggest contributors to urinary problems and pelvic floor dysfunction is chronic constipation. If your child is constipated, the full bowel can press on the bladder, causing urinary urgency or leaks. It can also lead to withholding behaviour, which can cause long-term bladder control issues.
If your child is having difficulty with constipation or withholding, a pelvic floor physio can help with techniques like abdominal massage and posture correction to help them empty their bowels effectively.
Prevention Is Key: Creating healthy toileting habits with a Pelvic Floor Physio
Establishing healthy toileting habits early can make a big difference in your child’s future pelvic health. Be consistent, watch for signs of bladder or bowel issues, and don’t hesitate to seek help from our experienced team of pelvic floor physios if problems arise. With these small adjustments, you can set your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy toileting habits.
To make an appointment, get in touch with Western Women’s and Men’s Health today. Contact reception on (03) 8001 2044 or book online.