Families For Life | Faecal Incontinence
Faecal Incontinence in Young Children: What Parents Need to Know
Discovering that your child is having accidents involving soiling can be worrying and frustrating — but it's more common than you might think, and in most cases, it's very treatable.
What Is It?
Faecal incontinence (also called soiling or encopresis) is when a child who is past the typical potty-training age has bowel accidents in their underwear. This isn't the same as a toddler still learning to use the toilet — it refers to children who have already been toilet-trained but continue to soil, or start soiling again after a period of being dry.
Why Does It Happen?
The most common cause is constipation. When stool builds up and hardens in the bowel, liquid waste can leak around it and into the underwear, often without the child even realising it's happening. This is sometimes called "overflow soiling."
Other contributing factors can include:
A fear of using the toilet (especially at school or in unfamiliar places)
Stress or anxiety, such as a change in family circumstances or starting school
A diet low in fibre or fluids
In rarer cases, an underlying medical condition
It's important to know that soiling is almost never deliberate. Children are often just as distressed about it as their parents are.
Signs to Look Out For
Skid marks or smearing in underwear rather than a full bowel movement
Complaints of tummy pain or bloating
Going several days without a bowel movement
Hard, pellet-like stools, or conversely, very loose stools leaking around a blockage
Avoiding the toilet or showing anxiety around it
What Can You Do?
The first step is to see your family doctor or paediatrician, who can confirm whether constipation is the cause and recommend treatment. This often involves a combination of stool softeners or laxatives (prescribed by a doctor), dietary changes to increase fibre and fluid intake, and a regular toilet routine — encouraging your child to sit on the toilet for a few minutes after meals.
Equally important is your response at home. Try to stay calm and avoid expressing frustration or shame when accidents happen. Positive reinforcement for toilet sits (not just successes) can go a long way in reducing anxiety around the issue.
When to Seek Help
You should speak to a doctor if soiling is happening regularly, if your child seems to be in pain, or if it's affecting their confidence or school life. In some cases, a referral to a paediatric gastroenterologist or continence nurse may be recommended.
Faecal incontinence can feel isolating for both children and parents, but it's a recognised medical issue with good outcomes when addressed early. With patience, the right support, and a little time, most children overcome it completely.