Are you looking for a supplement that is suitable for babies?
You are lucky because baby probiotics are designed to improve your child’s digestive health and prevent a compromised immune system.
Probiotics for kids contain Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus Acidophilus which are essential for treating colic, acid reflux, and maintaining gut health.
Big words aside, they are IMPORTANT for maintaining a healthy lifestyle!
Read more to find the best baby probiotics for kids!
Best Overall
Best Budget
Top 8 Best Baby Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics can improve your baby’s gut microbiome as it contains healthy bacteria.
These probiotic bacteria are live microorganisms that help treat digestive issues and make your child a healthy infant.
Look at the best baby probiotics you can use for kids!
1. BioGaia Probiotic Drops
BEST OVERALL
Features:
- 5 drops daily
- Clinically-studied for babies
- Pediatrician-recommended
If you are looking for probiotic drops to enhance your child’s immune system, BioGaia baby probiotics are the best option!
These probiotic drops contain Lactobacillus Reuteri (L-reuteri), which can be naturally found in breast milk and has been used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) problems.
Also, Lactobacillus Reuteri (L-reuteri) can help treat colicky babies and toddlers suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
Per instructions, these infant probiotics must be utilized five drops daily as the brand recommends via spoon.
What I like about these probiotic drops is that it is the MOST EFFECTIVE probiotic supplement on the market!
Also, it has a high-quality dropper tube, so it is worth every penny!
Additionally, these probiotics help colicky babies and effectively produce a healthy digestive system and treat digestive issues.
What to Expect:
- Prevents and reduces crying episodes from colic: Taking probiotics for babies aids colic, and thus, it results in less crying experience. This is because the gut health of your child is improved.
- Eases occasional constipation: Probiotics act as an antibiotic that helps in aiding constipation. The immune system is stronger because it contains a healthy microbiome.
- Improves and maintains digestive benefits: Baby’s gut health is susceptible, and a minor gas can enable discomfort. Probiotic baby supplements help treat gas and acid reflux, giving ease and comfort.
How to Use BioGaia Protectis Drops:
- Shake the bottle for 10 seconds.
- Use a spoon to administer the drops.
- Use five drops once daily.
Pros
- Helps in infantile colic
- Helps in constipation
Cons
- Expensive price
NOTE: Do not add hot drinks or food, as this may damage the live bacteria.
2. Gerber Probiotic
BEST BUDGET
Features:
- 0.34 fl oz bottle
- Help ease colic symptoms
- Contains the probiotic L. reuteri
- Help to reduce crying time and spit-up frequency
The Gerber probiotic drops are formulated with Lactobacillus Reuteri (L-reuteri) and Vitamin D, making it the best baby probiotic for BREASTFED BABIES because of its component.
This probiotic supplement supports a healthy balance of good bacteria in the baby’s digestive system, which helps in a colicky baby by reducing excessive crying and fussiness.
What I like about the Gerber probiotics for babies is that the dropper is conveniently built into the cap, so losing it won’t be a problem!
This baby probiotic improves your child’s immune and digestive systems because of the good bacteria in the supplement.
What to Expect:
- Contains comforting probiotic drops: This baby supplement contains non-GMO formulas, which are essential to the health benefits of infants. When taken regularly, these baby probiotics effectively reduce colic and spit-ups.
- Help in babies’ developing tummies: A baby supplement help in aiding baby’s gut flora. With that, an improved baby’s gut results in a good and healthy immune and digestive system which addresses the issues such as excessive crying.
- 100% organic: The Gerber Goodness is made up of whole grains like natural fruits, veggies, and grains to help nourish your baby.
How to Use:
- Shake well for 10 seconds before each use.
- Turn bottle at a 45° angle to slowly form a drop. Reclose the bottle.
- Use five drops daily.
Pros
- Made with natural ingredients
- Great for breastfed babies
- Helps a colicky baby
Cons
- Not effective for treating gas
NOTE: If your child was born prematurely or has immune problems, consult your healthcare provider before use.
3. Garden of Life Baby Probiotics
BEST VALUE
Features:
- 7 Probiotic Strains
- Free from Artificial Flavors, Sweeteners, Dyes, and Chemicals
- Certified USDA Organic
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Certified Gluten Free
- Certified Vegan
If you are a first-time parent, the Garden of Life baby probiotics produce safe and effective formulas.
These life-raw probiotics are non-GMO verified, 100% vegan, gluten-free, and free from major allergens.
These liquid probiotics are essential for your baby’s gut health because it supplements the gut microbiome. With this, you can ensure that your baby’s health is a good condition!
What I love about these infant probiotics is they can be used for infants six months and older!
Also, it builds ROBUST immune and digestive systems and promotes probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.
Additionally, these liquid probiotics contain vitamins C and D, making them highly suitable for babies and toddlers who are used to breast milk.
What to Expect:
- Can be used for 6 months and older: This baby probiotic must be used for six months. Although the liquid contains no ingredients that may harm children under six months of age, it is wise to consult a pediatrician.
- Help build strong immune and digestive systems: The Garden of Life probiotic contains health-promoting strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, which effectively treats immune disease and digestive problems.
- 100% natural: Garden of Life probiotic is made from certified and organic ingredients FREE from artificial flavors, sweeteners, and dyes.
How to Use:
- Shake well before each use.
- You can give drops on the breast for infants six months and older, mixed with breast milk or formula.
- Clean the syringe thoroughly after each use.
Pros
- Vegan
- Allergens-free
- Suitable for breastfed babies
Cons
- The smell may bother some
TIP: Do not directly give into the child’s mouth; the child must consume it within 90 days of opening.
4. Love Bug Baby Probiotics
Features:
- 3 Probiotic Strains Studied for Infant Tummies
- Pre-Portioned Easy-to-Use Stick Packs
- Organic, Sugar-Free & Allergen Free
The Love Bug probiotic powder can be added to any food or beverage, provided they are not hot and are flavorless and sugar-free.
This is a strict infant probiotic supplementation because ONLY ages 6 and 12 months are recommended to use this product.
This award-winning probiotic powder contains five specific probiotic strains that help generate a gut microbiome to produce good gut health for babies and toddlers.
I love this product because it is individually packed, so the dosing is extremely simple! Also, this probiotic powder helps fight pathogenic bacteria that may cause digestive issues.
Also, if you are traveling, this baby probiotic is incredibly user-friendly because of its extreme PORTABILITY of individual packets!
What to Expect:
- Usable for ages 0 to 6 months: Even though this is a strict 6 to 12-month supplement, you can also use it for newborn babies.
- However, it has a SPECIAL requirement; use two packets daily if your child has extreme colic, diarrhea, eczema, etc. Also, it is advised to consult your pediatrician first.
- Sugar and allergen free: Your child’s stomach is very sensitive, so you have to choose a product free from any possible ingredients that may harm it. Luckily, the Love Bug is made from NATURAL ingredients, so the probiotic bacteria do not produce harm.
- Tasteless powder: The Love Bug powder is tasteless and simple to use and incorporate. Additionally, your child won’t notice a new taste in his formula because it blends well with other drinks.
How to Use:
- As a dietary supplement for babies 0-6 months: 1 packet daily.
- For colicky babies: 2 packets daily. Empty the entire packet into expressed milk or formula at room temperature and mix until dissolved.
Pros
- No refrigeration required
- Convenient for travel
Cons
- Baby must finish the bottle to be effective
5. Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops
Features:
- Formulated to comfort & reduce crying associated with colic
- NO flavors or colors
- It may help support skin health
- No added sugar, no alcohol, no artificial flavors or colors
- Free of the top 8 allergens
Mommy’s Bliss probiotic drops contain probiotic strains that can improve your child’s gut health.
Also, it kicks off healthy digestion by building the gut microbiome while providing daily Vitamin D that keeps bone development strong.
It is one of the most COMFORTING probiotic drops because it has pure Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, producing healthy babies free from infections and diarrhea.
A huge plus for me about this product is its packaging! This may sound silly, but yes, this supplement form has a secured bottle and a dropper!
Their dropper is not like any dropper because you can see where to draw the liquid probiotics by looking at the black line on the probiotics dropper. How convenient!
What to Expect:
- Can aid fussiness and regulate bowel movement: One of the things I love about Mommy’s bliss probiotics is that it helps regulate your child’s bowel movement. With that, it will instantly treat the baby’s colic and discomfort.
- Can help with constipation: When your child takes a probiotic bacteria supplement, it is expected that your child’s gut flora will also improve.
- With this, the gut bacteria will aid in the metabolism and secretion of waste materials. Hence, constipation is NOT a problem in baby probiotics.
How to Use:
- Remove the original cap from the bottle and replace it with the included dropper and white safety cap.
- Twist the dropper clockwise to ensure a tight seal with the bottle.
- Shake the bottle vigorously to disperse probiotics.
- Remove the cap from the dropper by twisting it counterclockwise slightly.
- Invert the bottle and gently squeeze the dropper to dispense five drops for one daily serving.
Pros
- Helps in irregular bowel movement
- Helps with gas and constipation
Cons
- The dropper is hard to clean
6. Wellements Organic Probiotic Drops
Features:
- Helps Support Digestive and Immune Health
- Non-GMO
- Free From Dyes, Parabens, and Artificial Ingredients
- Suitable for newborns
This organic probiotic from Wellements is one of the best baby supplements on the market! It produces gut bacteria that help digestion, metabolism, and secretion of waste materials.
I love this product because it is USDA-certified organic and is free of parabens, dyes, and preservatives.
Also, there are NO fillers or extra ingredients in it!
This supplement contains two probiotic strains that support your baby’s immune system and overall health, improve their gut health, and can relieve gas discomfort and colic.
Additionally, Wellements are suitable for newborns and older, and they only need to be used once daily, which is simple and practical.
What to Expect:
- Helps in digestive issues: What I like about Wellements probiotic supplementation is it helps in babies having gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, spitting up, and acid reflux.
- Made from organic ingredients: The ingredients from Wellements are child-friendly because it does NOT contain any allergens, chemicals, or dye. Hence, it is highly safe for your child as it promotes improved general health!
How to Use:
- Place bottle between hands for 1-2 minutes before use so that product is warmed and easily dispensed.
- Shake well before each use.
- Place six drops on the nipple, pacifier, or spoon, or mix in breast milk or formula.
Pros
- Suitable for newborn
- Relieves gas discomfort
- Helps reducing colic
Cons
- Expensive price
7. Mary Ruth’s Liquid Probiotic
Features:
- 100% plant-based, raw, vegan
- Increases energy levels
- Assist in controlling digestive problems
- Enhance weight maintenance programs
Mary Ruth’s probiotics help calm and promote your child’s general health.
It is made with 100% vegan, plant-based and raw ingredients, which means it contains no fillers!
Mary Ruth’s liquid probiotic is designed for infants 0 to 12 months old. Also, it is safe for people with food allergies because they don’t contain dairy, gluten, wheat, corn, or soy.
Also, I like that it doesn’t need to be refrigerated, unlike some probiotics!
What to Expect:
- Support immune system and digestion: The Mary Ruth supplement promotes a healthy gut because it is crucial for good immunity, digestion, and general health.
- Contains probiotic strains: This supplement contains various strains beneficial for digestion and nutrient absorption, such as:
- Bifidobacterium infants for a healthy stomach lining
- Bifidobacterium bifidum for increased nutrient absorption
- Lactobacillus reuteri for emotional regulation.
How to Use:
- Shake gently before use.
- Take the dropper and fill it with the required dosage.
- Consume directly by mouth.
Pros
- Suitable for 0-12 months
- It can strengthen the immune system
Cons
- The smell may bother some
- Expensive price
NOTE: Avoid direct dropper contact to the skin to mouth to prevent contamination.
8. Culturelle Baby
Features:
- Helps your baby build a strong foundation of health
- 400 IU of Vitamin D to help build strong bones
- Contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG & BB-12 to support your baby’s immune and digestive health
The Culturelle Baby probiotics can lessen the symptoms that lead to fussiness and crying. It includes a chamomile extract in addition to its included probiotic strains.
The chamomile in the Culturelle supplement is believed to have calming effects and to aid in reducing gas formation in a baby’s tender digestive system.
Most pediatricians recommend this baby probiotic because of its efficacy in decreasing the experience of crying, fussiness, and colic in just ONE WEEK!
Additionally, the Culturelle Baby can help your child be at ease and have good general health, free from infectious diseases.
What to Expect:
- Safe and gentle for your child: The Culturelle probiotic is a safe and gentle probiotic strain that works naturally to reduce fussiness and crying due to unforeseen digestive problems. It promotes digestion, relieving upset stomach and gas which can ease your child’s feelings.
- Can decrease crying in just a week: The Culturelle probiotic contains Bifidobacterium animalis, which helps reduce an infant’s colic.
- Easy to use: You can quickly pour five drops daily with a spoon or mix it with a formula in the bottle or directly in your child’s mouth while nursing.
How to Use:
- Replace the cap with a dropper before the first use and throw away the original cap. It is not advised to clean the dropper between uses.
- Before use, shake.
- Apply 5 drops once daily. Give directly into the infant’s mouth, through a bottle, or while nursing.
- Please use within 60 days of opening.
Pros
- Contains vitamin D
- Aids in bone development
- Have calming effects
Cons
- Thick consistency
NOTE: You should keep Culturelle out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that improve one’s health when ingested or consumed. These are commonly found in fermented foods, dietary, and baby supplements.
These live beneficial bacteria or yeasts work like an ecosystem where it builds up to protect and maintain your overall general health.
Typically, bacteria are thought of negatively as something that makes you sick. However, your body constantly contains two types of bacteria: good and bad.
- Good bacteria found in probiotics aid in maintaining your body’s health and functionality, whereas bad bacteria impair your functioning and can make you acquire infectious diseases.
You can benefit from these good and healthy bacteria in many ways, including fighting off bad bacteria when there are too many of them and making you feel better.
Probiotics are a popular supplement that adults, as well as babies, can take. The live microorganisms are promoted as having digestive health benefits when taken orally.
Generally, probiotics aid in the digestive and immune systems by helping in food digestion, killing disease causing-cells, and producing vitamins.
Different probiotic types contain various strains that affect the body. The probiotic strains that are most frequently found in baby supplements are:
- Lactobacillus
- Saccharomyces
- Bifidobacterium
Also, if your child intakes naturally fermented foods, their body will generate beneficial bacteria.
How Do Probiotic Supplements Work?
Think of it this way.
Your body lacks gut bacteria; as a result, bad bacteria will enter your body and multiply when you are ill, making your body out of balance.
And if you are taking probiotics or fermented products aside from your medication, your body will secrete good bacteria and will start to work to fend off the bacteria.
With this, the healthy bacteria will restore the balance of your body as they OUTNUMBER the infectious bacteria residing and multiplying in your system.
With this, healthy bacteria help your immune system work properly and reduce inflammation, which keeps you healthy!
However, the function of probiotics does not end there; it can also:
- Aids in food digestion.
- Avoid becoming ill by preventing harmful bacteria from spreading out of control.
- Produce vitamins
- Support the gut’s lining cells to stop harmful bacteria from entering the blood you may have ingested through food or drink.
- Medication breakdown and absorption
Your body constantly engages in this balancing act on its own. To achieve this, you don’t need to take probiotic supplements.
Simply put, your body naturally contains good bacteria.
However, to help your body maintain it, adequate consumption of fiber-rich foods and a well-balanced diet is necessary.
Benefits of Probiotics for Babies
If you are still hesitant about giving your child probiotics, listed below are its benefits! After reading this section, I am sure you will instantly buy my favorite probiotic supplements!
If Your Child Has Colic
When you say colic, it is the excessive hours of crying on three or more days of the week. If you want to decrease the amount of colic in your child, probiotics are here to help!
Probiotics have Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG that discourage and reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria associated with colic.
If Your Child Has Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is defined as both diarrhea and vomiting that has been occurring for more than seven days.
It is the most common digestive tract issue a baby can normally have.
Most pediatricians advise using baby probiotics if your child is experiencing these symptoms.
Probiotics compete with enteric pathogens, killing and lessening the number of infectious pathogens, increasing immune responses, and restoring the body’s overall health.
Hence, probiotics REDUCE the duration of diarrhea and vomiting and can even reduce the duration of hospitalization!
Skin Issues
Cradle cap, baby acne, and eczema are the common baby skin issues that your child can experience. These skin issues are caused by imbalanced gut flora.
Supplementing these skin issues with baby probiotics containing L. rhamnosus, L. paracasei, and B. longum can generate healthy gut flora and lead to healthy skin!
Also, if the lactating mother takes probiotics containing the mentioned probiotic strains, it can reduce the risk of eczema and other atopic diseases in infants.
Aids in Necrosis
Necrotizing enterocolitis is highly contagious in preterm infants. This results from postnatal antibiotic use and the incomplete development of healthy digestive microorganisms.
Probiotic supplements may aid in developing these important microorganisms in premature or low birth-weight babies.
How to Choose the Best Probiotics for Your Baby
Choosing the best probiotics for kids might is hard, especially if your child has a sensitive stomach.
However, I have the perfect guide to help you choose the best product you should use! Read this section to know what you SHOULD look for before buying a baby probiotic.
CFU Total
The CFU count is the first factor you must look for before purchasing a probiotic.
It is crucial because it indicates how many living beneficial cells you can ingest with your probiotic.
The higher the CFU count, the more influential the probiotic!
Also, as a general rule, your probiotic must contain at least 1 billion CFUS to be efficient and effective.
Strains
The second factor you must consider before purchasing a probiotic is its strains. Different probiotic strains specialize in treating particular health issues in your child.
Find a supplement that is perfectly designed to address the health issue that your child has.
Form
The third factor you must consider before purchasing a probiotic is its form. Probiotics are consumable in different forms, such as chewable tablets, gummies, or powders.
The best form to purchase is the form preference of your child!
Remember that some children do not prefer gummies, and infants are more suitable with powders.
Diet Requirements
The fourth factor you need to consider is the diet requirement. You must ensure what is suitable for your child regarding allergies, intolerances, and dietary restrictions.
If you are not careful in buying a probiotic supplement, it may cause risks and can cause unpleasant scenarios.
Cost
The price is the fifth factor you must consider before purchasing a probiotic. Some baby probiotics have high costs that are not justified by their effectiveness.
With that, you need to look for a quality product at an affordable price.
However, some products are affordable and quality probiotics if you are on a tight budget.
Types of Probiotics
Since babies take medicine differently, you can choose between the different types of probiotics to administer to your baby, namely powder form, liquid form, or formula.
Powder
You can add the powder to your baby’s bottle of breastmilk or formula or sprinkle it on a pacifier or nipple.
You can also incorporate it into different foods, like yogurt or applesauce, for toddlers or add it to a glass of milk, water, or juice.
Liquid
For babies or toddlers, you can drop the liquid directly onto their tongues, or you can mix it with breastmilk, formula, or a glass of milk, water, or juice.
You can also incorporate it into a serving of yogurt or applesauce for a toddler.
Formula
Some organic infant formulas available on the market are probiotic-fortified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a baby probiotic can raise a lot of questions, which is why I took the liberty of providing some answers!
How Often Should I Give My Baby Probiotics?
You should give your child at least 5-6 drops a day!
You can dispense them with a spoon or add them to a formula or breast milk bottle.
You can also mix your baby into a little cool water if they are six months old. Just don’t mix the drops with hot water or microwave them.
Do Infant Probiotics Help With Gas?
Yes! Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that help the body’s natural digestive process.
Your baby’s digestive system can move the food without producing gas as the probiotics break it down.
Are Probiotics Safe for Babies?
For the most part, yes!
Probiotics are regarded as SAFE for babies. It has different health advantages that your child can benefit from!
However, the FDA does not regulate these probiotics because they are considered supplements rather than medications.
Before giving any probiotic supplement to your child, the best action to take is to consult with a pediatrician.
My Favorite Picks
And now we are on my favorite part!
If you are looking for some recommendations on which probiotic product to use, listed below are my favorite picks!
Budget Option – Gerber Probiotics For Kids
If you are on a tight budget, the Gerber baby probiotics are a suitable product you can use!
This baby probiotic has an affordable price but still works EFFECTIVELY in reducing colic and treating digestive tract problems.
Also, I love how this probiotic is made! After all, it does not contain any allergens, chemicals, or dyes because it is 100% organic.
For more Gerber products, I have a review on Gerber’s Gentle vs. Soothe baby formula if you’re interested!
Best Value – Garden of Life Baby Probiotics
Garden of Life baby probiotics is one of my favorite probiotic supplements! It contains vitamins C and D, essential for your baby’s health.
I definitely noticed my child’s digestive problems go away after using this! Also, you can use it for 0-12 months. Just be sure to seek medical assistance first.
This baby supplement is non-GMO, 100% vegan, and free from all allergens.
Best Overall – BioGaia Probiotic Drops
Say goodbye to colic and digestive problems and hello to good bacteria!
This baby probiotic helps colicky babies and toddlers suffering from digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Also, I love this probiotic because it improves your child’s overall health, making them the best healthy infants they can be!
Conclusion
An infant probiotic is the best baby product you can give if your child shows different problems after birth.
Even though these are not FDA-approved, they are safe to use and consume. Even so, these baby probiotics have a lot of health advantages that your baby can benefit from.
Probiotics effectively reduce gas, stomach problems, excessive crying, and other health issues. Remember to consult your pediatrician before administering these probiotics!
Give your babies probiotics if you want an EASY and HASSLE-FREE way to keep them healthy!