It is normal for a 3 year old to poop 6 times a day in some cases depending on the 3 year old's diet.
While 3 year old's typically poop 1 time to 3 times a day, a 3 year old pooping 6 times a day can be normal as long as the poop is soft, and they are not having diarrhea or pain or cramping.
If the poop is loose or watery and they have other symptoms, then it could be an illness or toddlers diarrhea.
The 3 year old might have food intolerance's, if they are constantly pooping and it's diarrhea.
The longest a 3 year old can go without pooping is 3 days.
If the 3 year old is not pooping within 3 days, it's considered too long to go without pooping and can be a sign that your 3 year old is constipated and you should take the 3 year old to the pediatrician to be checked out.
Children ages 1 to 4 years old, often poop 1 to 4 times a day, although some children 1 to 4 years of age may go up to 2 to 3 days without pooping, but if they haven't pooped within 3 days then they are likely constipated.
If the 3 year old is straining, experiencing pain when pooping or trying to poop and having hard poop they should see a doctor.
A 3 year old should poop as often as once a day.
However the actual amount of times that a 3 year old will poop can vary depending on the 3 year old's diet.
Some 3 year old's may poop once a day or even twice a day and some 3 year old's may only poop once every few days to a few times a week.
If the 3 year old is eating more fiber based foods, then the 3 year old will often poop more often than they would if they ate less fiber.
Many toddlers including 3 year old's have a bowel movement or poop once a day, but even if the toddler or 3 year old is pooping up to 3 times a day, it's still normal.
And even if the toddler or 3 year old goes a few days without pooping, that is also normal.
If the toddler or 3 year old poops less than 3 times a week, then it's considered to be constipation, especially if the poop is hard, dry and painful to pass.
If the 3 year old or toddler is not pooping at all, or having pain or has been constipated for more than a few days, then it's best to take the toddler or 3 year old to their doctor.
Pooping every other day is also normal for toddlers and 3 year old's as long as the poop is soft and not painful.
Signs of constipation in a toddler or 3 year old include.
Pooping less than 3 times a week.
Straining, crying, or appearing to be in pain when trying to poop.
Having poop that is often small, hard and or difficult to pass.
Being bloated, a decrease in appetite or changes in the toddler or 3 year old's posture or movements.
And when the poop stays in the colon too long, it can result in watery poop leaking around the blockage which is also known as fecal soiling or encopresis.