Probiotics for Babies and Infants

Gut health plays a crucial role not just for adults but also for children and infants. A large portion of the immune system is located in the gut, making it essential to support and maintain a healthy digestive environment from an early age. While adults can improve gut health through fermented foods, reducing sugar intake, and using high-quality probiotics, babies require a gentler and more specialized approach due to their sensitive digestive systems.

Many parents wonder whether infants should take probiotics, which types are suitable, and the proper dosage. Luckily, there are several baby-friendly probiotics available that can support digestive health, even for infants who may not have had an ideal start. It’s important to remember that this information is for general guidance and blog purposes only, and any specific digestive concerns in babies should be addressed with a qualified healthcare professional.

How a Baby’s Gut Gets Colonized

A baby’s gut doesn’t start off empty—it becomes colonized with bacteria through several key stages:

Before Birth
It was long believed that babies develop in a completely sterile environment in the womb. Recent research suggests that some beneficial bacteria may actually reach the baby even before birth. While studies are ongoing, this highlights the importance of maternal gut health during pregnancy.

During Birth
At delivery, a baby’s gut begins to populate with bacteria from the birth canal and amniotic fluid. In an ideal world—where mothers have nutrient-rich diets full of fermented foods, cultured dairy, and minimal exposure to antibiotics—this natural colonization supports a healthy microbiome.

However, many adults grew up with diets high in processed convenience foods, sugars, and starches, which do not support healthy gut bacteria. This means some babies may inherit a less diverse microbiome from the start.

Babies born via cesarean section face additional challenges, as they miss exposure to vaginal bacteria and instead are colonized by bacteria from the mother’s skin or the hospital environment.

From Breastmilk
Breastmilk is another crucial source of beneficial bacteria. It not only provides all essential nutrients for infants but also contains live enzymes, antibodies, and probiotics that help shape the gut microbiome. The composition of breastmilk is influenced by maternal diet and other environmental factors, so a probiotic-rich diet in mothers can enhance the quality of bacteria passed to the baby.

Introducing formula or solid foods before around six months can also impact gut health. While formula feeding is sometimes necessary and can support healthy growth, it’s important to recognize that early nutrition choices can influence the development of the gut microbiome.

How Gut Bacteria Impacts Babies

Many common infant health issues—like colic, gas, eczema, and allergies—can be traced back to gut health. While these problems are frequently seen today, they are not necessarily “normal.” A well-balanced gut plays a crucial role in a baby’s overall well-being.

Here’s why:

Digestion and Nutrient Absorption: Beneficial bacteria are essential for proper digestion, particularly of carbohydrates, and for nutrient absorption. Without a balanced gut microbiome, babies may experience digestive problems such as colic, acid reflux, or excessive gas.
Immune System Support: A large portion of the immune system resides in the gut. Research, including studies on animal models, shows that a healthy gut can improve immune function, while imbalances can increase susceptibility to illness.
Skin Health Connection: Scientists have long observed a link between gut health and skin conditions. Studies indicate that probiotics can reduce symptoms of eczema and other skin issues. Many parents have noticed improvements in their baby’s skin after focusing on gut-supportive practices.

The good news is that gut health can often be improved naturally. Whether a baby was delivered via cesarean, formula-fed, introduced to solids early, or inherited a less-than-ideal maternal microbiome, there are simple steps that can help promote a healthy gut from the start.

Natural Ways to Support Your Baby’s Gut Health

If you’re concerned about your baby’s gut health, there are several practical steps that can help promote a healthy microbiome naturally:

1. Enhance Mom’s Diet if Breastfeeding

For breastfed babies, maternal nutrition directly influences the quality of breastmilk and the beneficial bacteria it provides. Eating a nutrient-rich diet can help support your baby’s digestive and immune health.

Gut-Friendly Foods to Include:

Bone Broth: Rich in gelatin and collagen, bone broth helps strengthen the gut lining, while glutamine supports digestive health.
Fermented Foods: Unpasteurized yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods are excellent sources of natural probiotics. These can be homemade or purchased from trusted brands.
Pastured Meats and Wild-Caught Fish: These provide omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support overall gut health.
Cooked Vegetables: Cooking vegetables makes them easier to digest while still providing essential nutrients.
Omega-3 Supplements: High-quality fish oil or seafood-based sources can provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Vitamin D: Sun exposure and supplementation when necessary help maintain healthy gut function, as vitamin D deficiency has been linked to digestive issues.

Focusing on nutrient-dense, whole foods is key during pregnancy and breastfeeding, while minimizing processed and high-starch foods helps prevent gut imbalances. By supporting maternal gut health, moms can give their babies a strong foundation for a healthy digestive system.

2. Foods to Avoid for a Healthy Baby Gut

While adding nutrient-rich foods is essential, it’s equally important to limit foods that can negatively impact gut health:

Gluten: Some studies suggest gluten may trigger the release of zonulin, a protein that can loosen the tight junctions in the intestines, potentially contributing to leaky gut.
Grains (even gluten-free): Most grains contain anti-nutrients like phytic acid, which can be hard to digest. They are also high in sugars and starches that may feed harmful bacteria. Soaking or sprouting can reduce anti-nutrients, but for a baby’s sensitive gut, it’s often best to minimize grains early on.
Refined Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners: Sugar can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and trigger inflammation. Artificial sweeteners may also reduce beneficial gut bacteria. Natural alternatives like maple syrup, honey (in moderation), or stevia can be used instead.
Vegetable Oils: Oils high in omega-6 fatty acids can be inflammatory. Healthier fat options include coconut oil, butter, lard, and tallow.
Probiotic Supplements for Mom: If gut bacteria are significantly depleted, taking a high-quality probiotic supplement can help support both maternal and infant gut health.

Focusing on avoiding these gut-disrupting foods while emphasizing nutrient-dense, gut-friendly choices can give babies a strong start in life.

3. Nutrient-Dense, Easy-to-Digest Foods for Babies

Once your baby is ready for solids—usually around six months—it’s important to follow the same real-food principles used for adults and breastfeeding moms. Introducing nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods can help support a healthy gut from the start. Some examples include soft-cooked vegetables, pureed meats, and simple fermented foods.

4. Giving Probiotics to Your Baby

Breastfeeding naturally provides probiotics, but if breastfeeding isn’t possible, supplements can be introduced as early as a few days old. Even for breastfed babies, adding probiotics can be beneficial, especially if maternal gut health isn’t optimal. For bottle-fed infants, probiotics can be added directly to formula or a homemade milk preparation.

5. Choosing the Best Baby Probiotics

In nature, probiotics usually come as a combination of multiple strains rather than just one. The most effective infant probiotics include a variety of strains, similar to what’s found in fermented foods or even natural soil exposure.

Option 1: Fermented Foods
Once your baby is eating solids, fermented foods are an excellent source of probiotics. They often contain more bacterial strains than supplements and are more likely to reach the colon intact.

Option 2: Quality Probiotic Supplements
Children’s probiotics are formulated with strains especially beneficial for infants:

Bifidum: One of the first strains to colonize a baby’s gut, naturally found in breastmilk and the vagina.
B. Infantis: Commonly passed from mother to infant, this strain acidifies the gut to discourage harmful bacteria.
L. Reuteri: Found in many children’s probiotics, this strain can help with colic and other common infant health issues.

Forms of Baby Probiotics:

Liquid Drops: Ideal for infants, liquid probiotics can be given directly into the mouth, on a pacifier, or on the nipple.
Powdered Probiotics: These can be sprinkled on the nipple, pacifier, or directly on the baby’s tongue. Avoid mixing with water, as this can affect electrolyte balance.

While no probiotic is perfect, combining food-based sources with high-quality supplements offers an effective approach to supporting your baby’s gut health.

How to Introduce Babies to Fermented Foods

Lacto-fermented foods can have a strong, tangy taste, so it’s best to start introducing them early so babies can gradually develop a liking. Once your baby is ready for solids—usually around six months—they can begin exploring fermented foods. Eating fermented foods during pregnancy also helps familiarize babies with these flavors, but it’s never too late to start.

Tips for Introducing Ferments:

Start Small: Offer a tiny amount of sauerkraut brine on a spoon. Your baby might react with a funny face—or may even reach for more!
Be Patient: If your baby doesn’t enjoy it at first, try again in a week. Consistency often helps them develop a taste over time.
Move to Solids: After the brine, offer small amounts of sauerkraut or other fermented vegetables.
Yogurt: Many babies enjoy yogurt, but some parents prefer to wait until closer to the first birthday. Dairy can be more difficult to digest, especially for babies with sensitive guts.

Starting slowly and offering a variety of fermented foods helps support healthy gut bacteria while making mealtime a fun and exploratory experience.

Conclusion: Probiotics for Babies and Infants

A healthy gut is the foundation of a baby’s overall well-being, influencing digestion, immunity, and even skin health. From birth, babies begin to develop their gut microbiome through delivery, breastmilk, and eventually solid foods. Supporting this process with nutrient-dense foods, probiotics, and carefully introduced fermented foods can set the stage for lifelong health.

While every baby’s needs are unique, focusing on natural, gut-friendly foods and avoiding harmful ingredients like refined sugars, inflammatory oils, and processed grains can make a meaningful difference. Whether breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or introducing solids, taking intentional steps to nurture your baby’s gut can help prevent common digestive and skin issues, laying a strong foundation for a healthy future.