I-SIT: Instructions for Structured Toilet Sits

Important information:

Structured toilet sits can help your child develop healthy bowel habits. Regular sitting times and proper posture make it easier to pass stool. Encourage your child to follow a routine and use pushing techniques to support healthy digestion.

Patient instructions:

• Set a schedule. Have your child sit on the toilet at specific times each day. Typically, 2-3 times per day is ideal.

  • After meals: Plan sits 15–30 minutes after eating. This takes advantage of the body's natural reflex to move stool after meals.

  • After accidents: If your child has accidents, schedule sits during those times.

  • When holding stool: If your child seems to be holding in stool, encourage a toilet sit.

• Time each sit. Tell your child how long they will sit, typically one minute per year of age, up to 10 minutes. Use a timer to keep track.

• Choose the right activity. It may be helpful to have your child engage in a special activity during toilet sits.

  • Allow a quiet activity, like reading or listening to music, to help your child stay seated.

  • Avoid activities that interfere with posture or pushing. If the activity does distract your child, use it as a reward after the sit.

  • Encourage activities that help with pushing, like blowing up a balloon, using a party blower, or blowing bubbles.

• Monitor when needed. Older children may want privacy, but supervision can help keep them focused and use proper techniques.

• Use proper toileting posture: I-SIT on the toilet!

  • Place feet on the floor or a footstool so knees are slightly higher than hips. Consider using a potty seat.

  • Sit up straight and then lean forward slightly.

  • Relax the legs and bottom.

  • Consider using a pinwheel or balloon to blow which can help tighten the belly muscles

Reviewed February 2025 by Kelly Rodriguez, PhD, Jennifer Webster, DO