can get pretty messy sometimes. One of the messes parents deals with when potty training is when their kiddo tries to play with their poop. If that’s what is up to, then you’ve got a Poop Picasso on your hands. Your baby playing with their poop will stop you in your tracks and leave you wondering whether something is wrong with your child. Rest assured that nothing is wrong and that it’s perfectly normal for your child to hold and play with their poop. Still, you’re looking for other ways to deal with this since you’re not ready to collect her art or display it. Read on to learn more on why toddlers play with their poop and what you can do.

Why Is My Child Interested In Poop?

According to , a toddler is struggling to master her own body, control its functions, and is curious about what her body produces. Kids learn by exploring and playing in various ways and may switch between playing clean-up and playing messy. In fact, you should take this new exploration phase as a sign that your toddler is interested and ready for potty training. If your baby is still in diapers and taking the poop out, they’re noticing that there is poop in their diaper, and it makes them uncomfortable. Or they’re just curious about the excretions coming from their body and want to explore them further. You can use this as a teaching moment and tell your child not to play with their poop calmly. Remind them that poop remains in the diaper or potty.

Also, according to, sometimes, children with or sensory issues, constipation, anxiety, or a kid who’s experienced some kind of trauma do a lot of diaper diving. However, most kids between 2 and 3 years old are motivated by curiosity. If your child is fully potty trained and still messes with their poop, you may want to discuss this with their pediatrician. Also, talk to your doctor if your child is beyond 3.5 years and still plays with their poop. They will help you evaluate the issue and help you stop the problem in its tracks.

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How To Deal With It

You appreciate that your child is . But you don’t appreciate the smell or the mess. Here’s how to deal with a toddler who loves to play with their poop:

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  Don’t overreact or get angry- The most critical thing is not to overreact or get angry. If your baby knows mommy will freak out every time he plays with his poop, he will do it to get your attention.
  


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  Teach her- Help your child make the connection between poop and the potty, telling her that poop belongs in the potty. Have her join you in the toilet to help flush the remaining poop. Having your child clean up the mess she makes can create a learning moment. However, it can also create an infection risk if she mouths her hands before washing them carefully. So, be cautious while also teaching her how to wash her hands properly after she plays with poop or uses the bathroom. Also, encourage her to play with toys instead of poop.
  


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  Read books- Books about pooping in the potty can help your child understand what it means to go in a potty and not play with their poop.
  


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  Limit diaper access- During this short-term phase, temporarily limit your child’s diaper access by dressing him in zip-up PJs, onesies, and overalls. You can also put on her diaper backward, making it hard for her to unhook it so she can play with her poop.
  


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  Let him explore his curiosity in other ways- Appropriate messy play such as playing with Play-doh, finger paints, and clay may also benefit your child. He will enjoy your attention as he plays with these messy toys. Also, make sure to praise him for playing with toys instead of poop.
  


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  Watch for pooping signs- advises that you watch your child for and make sure that you change him immediately after he’s done pooping.
  


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  Reward your kiddo for staying out of her diaper. Encourage her by saying that you’re proud of her for keeping the poop in her diaper or let her put a sticker on a chart each time she poops and doesn’t play with it.
  


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  Be open for potty training- Remember to keep the door to potty training open. Your child will eventually cross this chapter of poopy diapers and playing with poop altogether. So, keep an eye out for the signs of potty-training readiness.
  

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