Here are some dietary changes that you may want to look at:

• Decrease milk products (milk, cheese, ice cream, etc.).1f a doctor recommends eliminating milk products for any length of time, a calcium supplement will probably be recommended.
• Decrease or eliminate apples, bananas, rice, and gelatin. These are binders. Opt for peaches, instead.
• Chocolate is a constipating food especially when consumed in quantity. Some medications are, too.
• Increase whole-grain breads, cereals, muffins, and any other bran foods. Try adding bran to other foods. If your child will only eat bran cereal with milk, and you’re trying to cut down on milk, dilute the milk with water first. Offer graham crackers rather than soda crackers. Roughage, such as lettuce and carbs helps.
• Possibly decrease fluid intake (milk, juices, sodas) to increase a child’s appetite for bulkier foods. However, remember that fluids are important if you are dealing with constipation and shouldn’t be drastically reduced. Encourage your child to drink water.
• Try prunes — the old stand-by, and dried fruits (if you can get your child to eat them!). Prune juice can be mixed with a small amount of milk. Encourage your child to eat fruits and vegetables with skins on, seeds, and berries for the fiber value. Fruit nectars are good, too.
• Expect to wait two weeks or so before seeing a noticeable change in bowel movements after starting a new diet. Don’t resume bowel training until such a change occurs.
• Very loose stools can also inhibit bowel control but are often a sign of other problems (infection, milk allergy, etc.) indicating that a physician should be consulted. Food allergies causing chronic diarrhea can also cause “wear and tear” making it difficult to have bowel movements.

A diet change may be recommended, but it should be done in conjunction with medical advice. But first just try eliminating apple juice–and other sweet juices — especially if your child drinks a lot, to see if that helps firm them up.

For some children, they can naturally have problems letting go of their feces. They can often feel like it is something they have made and they don’t want to see it go down the drain – so to speak. Take heart and listen to what your child is telling you and how they are telling you what they need to express.
Often, your child can benefit from a routine when it comes to potty training.