Faecal incontinence in children, also called soiling and encopresis, occurs when the bowel is emptied in places other than the toilet. This can occur in children even after they’re toilet trained.

Soiling affects 1-4% of children who are aged 4, and the frequency often decreases with older age [1].

While it might not seem overly common, faecal incontinence in children mustn’t be overlooked - both from a physical and mental health standpoint.

In this article, we’ll discuss what causes faecal incontinence in children, how to help a child feel more confident while they navigate faecal incontinence and where to seek support as a parent or carer.

The number one cause of faecal incontinence in children is chronic constipation.

If children have been constipated for a long time, the built-up stool in their rectum can cause the rectum to stretch. This means that a child could miss the urge to go to the toilet and have a bowel movement. Alternatively, soft or liquid stool might overflow around the constipated stool stuck in the rectum without a child feeling it or meaning to let it out.

Other causes of soiling in children can include:

• Developmental delays or neurological conditions

• Dehydration

• Fear of using the toilet

• Limited access to a toilet

• Nerve damage or abnormalities to the anus/rectum

• Illness

• Rectal surgery

Other than the obvious of finding faeces in your child’s underwear, some other signs they may be experiencing soiling (and potentially trying to hide it):

• They experience sudden urges to have a bowel movement and don’t reach the toilet in time

• Frequent and ongoing itching or rubbing of their anus region

• Hiding their worn/dirty underwear

• Withdrawing from family and friends both emotionally and socially

While you’re figuring out the cause/s and subsequent treatment plan for a child’s incontinence, there are some things you can do to help boost their confidence and self-esteem.

• Explain to your child how the body works, how their incontinence might have been caused and that none of it is their fault

• Do things that you know your child enjoys (i.e. take them to the park, or the cinema) and before you head out, talk them through how they will be able to manage their incontinence in public (like locating public toilets in advance)

• Praise your child when they follow advice from their healthcare professionals

• Let your child know that they’re never ‘in trouble’ for soiling

• When sending your child to school, or their friends’ house, always provide them with a backup pair of underwear and clothing and spare incontinence aids for any accidents

Speaking of incontinence aids, equipping a child with the best possible products for their needs will also work wonders for their comfort and confidence.

Our Magics Youth Pants are designed to not only rapidly absorb liquid so the top sheet is dry to the touch, but they also feature up to 12 hours of odour-locking control which is an especially beneficial feature if your child is soiling.

They look and feel similar to regular underwear and are very slimline, so your child doesn’t need to worry about someone seeing they have pull-ups on - if this is a concern of theirs.

We offer a 100% money back guarantee so there’s no risk in trying them. Your child can experience the Magics difference that thousands of other Aussie parents love!

The treatment of a child’s faecal incontinence will depend on the causes.

If they’re found to be chronically constipated, their GP will likely suggest using sool softeners or laxatives to help them pass the hardened/stuck stool.

Ensuring your child is eating a healthy, balanced diet of whole foods, and avoiding bowel irritating foods, will help maintain their digestion - as will getting them to drink plenty of water!

Remember, as soon as you’re aware your child or the child you care for is experiencing faecal incontinence, you must take them to see their GP. This will ensure the condition is kept under control from the get-go and avoid it worsening and leading to any other health issues.