Let's talk about stools! 

One item that can help aid your child to have healthy poops is to use a stool ("Squatty Potty" is the company that has made these famous in the last few years in the media) under their feet. As humans, we are meant to squat to poop and pee. To properly evacuate poop, the anorectal angle of the large intestine needs to straighten due to the puborectalis muscle (a pelvic floor muscle) relaxation. 

All that to say, body positioning is better and it will be easier for the poop to come out when they use a stool. Most toilets in homes, schools, daycares and in public places are too tall for kids. Using a stool brings their knees up and simulates a squatting position while sitting on the toilet. 

Here are some things to think about when using a stool while pooping:

- Knees are higher than hips

- Feet are flat and fully supported by the stool

- Spine is straight

- Forearms are rested on thigh/knees

- Relax pelvic floor muscles by taking deep, belly breaths

Each poop should be completed in 2 minutes or less and then you or your child can wipe front to back until clean. If nothing has occurred within 5 minutes of sitting on the toilet, have them get up and move on with their day. They can try again later when they have their next urge. Sitting on the toilet for too long can lead to pelvic floor damage in the future!

If you would like to purchase a Squatty Potty, you may use this promo code (HC-TheEducated20) for 20% off their products. 

(*Note: I am not affiliated with Squatty Potty and I do not make any money from this company.)