Why Is My Child Struggling to Poop? Here’s What Parents Should Know

Hey, mummies! Did you know that 82%, or 8 out of 10 children, experience constipation during early childhood in Malaysia⁸?

However, for something so common, constipation in children is still one of those parenting worries that many mums and dads deal with quietly.

As parents, you may notice it when your child has not passed motion for a few days.

Or when they start avoiding toilet time, eating less, becoming more irritable, or crying because passing stool feels uncomfortable.

At first, you may try the usual things. More water. More fruit. A little more movement. Gentle encouragement from outside the toilet door.

But when toilet time keeps ending in discomfort, it can start to feel frustrating and heartbreaking all at once.

Why Toilet Time Can Become So Stressful

Constipation can happen for many reasons.

It may be too little water, not enough fibre-rich foods, a change in routine, or a new school where your child refuses to use any toilet but the one at home. Sometimes, nothing obvious has changed. It just happens.

But here is what makes it especially difficult: once constipation starts, it can become a cycle.

When passing stool starts to hurt, children may begin holding it in because they remember the discomfort. The longer they hold it, the harder the stool can become, which may make the next toilet attempt feel even more difficult.

And this is usually the point where parents start asking, “Okay, what else can I do?”

Nutrition Support for Children with Constipation

Friso Gold Comfort Next is a newly launched formulated milk powder for children aged 1 to 3 years old.

It is specially formulated with Beta-Palmitin, a Prebiotic Mix and Probiotic.

These ingredients support softer stool formation, help improve stool consistency, and support regular stooling^1-6.

So, what does each ingredient actually do?

• Beta-Palmitin^*: Beta-Palmitin helps support softer stool formation¹. This matters because softer stools may help make stooling feel less uncomfortable for children.
• Probiotic: Probiotic improves gut microbiota and effective in relieving digestive problems, including constipation².
• Prebiotic Mix (Carob Bean Gum, GOS and FOS): Prebiotic Mix supports the growth of good bacteria in the gut. It also helps improve stool consistency, which can support a smoother stooling routine^3-6.

But as parents, we do not just want a list of ingredients. We want to know what that support actually looks like in real life.

Will stooling feel less stressful? Will things become more regular? Will our child still get the nutrition they need while we are trying to support their digestive comfort?

Regular Stooling Support, Backed by Clinical Findings

A milk powder for children formulated with Beta-Palmitin, Prebiotic Mix and Probiotic was clinically proven to support regular stooling without straining in 9 out of 10 children^7**.

On top of that, the study also showed 40% fewer constipation cases and significant improvement in stool softness in just one week!^7**

For parents out there who have been dealing with constipation for weeks or even months, that kind of support can feel reassuring.

Friso Gold Comfort Next also comes with the right combination of essential nutrients.

It contains Nucleotides, which support natural body defence⁹, as well as DHA, Taurine, Choline, Iron, Zinc and Vitamin D, which support brain development and overall growth.

So, while parents are looking at stooling support, they can also feel reassured that their child’s everyday nutrition is being supported too.

Helping Children Feel More Comfortable Again

So if toilet time has been feeling stressful lately, this could be a good time to learn more and see whether Friso Gold Comfort Next fits your child’s daily nutrition needs.

Friso Gold Comfort Next is available at AEON, Manjaku Baby Centre, Caring, BIG Pharmacy, Health Lane, Alpro, and the Friso Gold Official Store on Shopee and Lazada.

Alternatively, parents can find out more at frisogold.com.my or follow @frisogoldmy on Instagram.

*Natural milk source.

**Formula used for 8 weeks with decreasing pharmacological treatment during the first 4 weeks.

Reference: 

1. Manios Y, et al. BMC Nutr. 2020;6:46. 
2. Waller PA, et al, Scand J Gastroenterol. 2011; 46(9):1057–1064. 
3. Georgieva M. World J Clin Pediatr. 2016;5(1):118-27. 
4. Vivatvakin B, et al. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(2):193-7. 
5. Moro G, et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2002;34:291-5. 
6. Ben XM, et al. World J Gastroenterol. 2008;14:6564–8. 
7. Sevilla DAC, et al. BMC Pediatr. 2022;22(1):672.
8. Fazil SNS, et al. Malays J Pediatr Child Healthy. 2025;31(S1):15-20.
9. Uauy R, et al. Role of nucleotides in intestinal development and repair: Implications for infant nutrition. J Nutr. 1994;124(Suppl 8):1436S–1441S.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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