Probiotics can play a crucial role in supporting the health of your little one. They can be particularly beneficial for improving the digestive health of your infant, supporting the development of a healthy gut for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. However, probiotics can also support the immune system and reduce the risk of antibiotic associated issues. Unfortunately, choosing the right probiotic can be a little tricky. So, here we’ll compare our picks for the best infant probiotics.
Best Infant Probiotics: Our Top Picks
Best Infant Probiotics: Top Product Reviews
BioGaia is our top pick of the best infant probiotics as we love that it contains a patented probiotic strain, which has been shown to support infant digestive health. There have been extensive research studies conducted on L-reuteri, the probiotic strain in these drops, and the potential benefits for infant health include supporting digestive health to help regulate bowel movements and reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort.
This probiotic may also enhance your baby’s natural immune system to reduce the risk of infections and maintain a healthier microbiota balance in your baby’s gut. BioGaia Protectis baby probiotic drops are easy to administer and can be used from birth. Additionally, since they don’t require refrigeration, we appreciate that you can carry them with you anywhere.
Mary Ruth’s Liquid Probiotic Drops are formulated with a proprietary blend of 12 different probiotic strains. These include Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis. They also contain alfalfa grass, which is a medicinal herb, which offers digestive benefits. However, this formula is designed for older infants and there are no dosage recommendations for under one’s.
Mary Ruth’s is one of the best probiotics for infants as it is USDA Certified Organic product that is made without any fillers, artificial ingredients or harsh chemicals. It is non GMO, gluten free, vegan and water based. The drops can be mixed with formula, breast milk or water, or they can be dropped directly into your child’s mouth.
Culturelle Baby Calm and Comfort is a probiotic supplement that has been specifically designed for infants and small children. The key ingredient is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or LGG, which is a well studied strain that is documented for positive impact on gut health. We’re big fans of this probiotic because it is free of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and potential allergens including dairy, soy and gluten. This means that it will be gentle on your baby’s delicate digestive system.
Baby Calm and Comfort is also easy to use. It is available as drops, which can be easily mixed into your baby’s formula or spooned directly into their mouth. It is odorless and tasteless, so it will not discourage your infant from feeding. It has been specially formulated to help support a healthy gut microbiome and reduce gas, colic, and occasional digestive upsets.
Infants’ Mylicon Daily Probiotic Drops have been clinically shown to reduce fussiness and crying due to colic when they are used daily. The drops can also support healthy immune system function, balancing the healthy bacteria in your baby’s gut to promote their good digestive health. In fact, these drops may also replenish the beneficial bacteria in your baby’s digestive system which may have been depleted due to antibiotics to restore microflora balance.
We like that Mylicon drops are specially formulated for infants, so they are safe and gentle on babies’ delicate systems. The drops are easy to use, with an included dropper for accurate dosing. The drops themselves are odorless and tasteless, so you don’t need to worry if your baby is sensitive to strong smells or flavors.
Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops have the key ingredient of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, which is the most studied single strain probiotic in the world. We appreciate that the drops are free of the top eight allergens and contain no added sugar, artificial colors or flavors and no alcohol.
These daily probiotic drops are designed as a supplement for babies to help with colic and gas. Although these drops only contain one probiotic strain, this strain has been shown in clinical trials to reduce colic and spit up by as much as 50%. The drops also contain added vitamin D and Mommy’s Bliss suggest that this combination will help your little one with development of a healthy gut and strong bones.
Buying Guide for the Best Infant Probiotics
While we’ve highlighted our picks for the best infant probiotics, if you prefer another brand or product, there are a few factors to consider before you make a final purchase decision.
Safety
One of the most important factors to consider when assessing the best probiotics for infants is the safety of the product. Fortunately, many probiotic products can be supported by clinical data and research studies. These types of studies can show not only if the product works, but if it is mild enough for your little one’s delicate system.
Formulation
There are different probiotic strains and each type of strain has specific effects. This means that different strain combinations can address the specific health needs of your baby. For example, if your baby struggles with colic and is fussy and crying due to gas pains, look for a probiotic containing lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, but if you want to support your baby’s digestive health and encourage regular pooping, L-reuteri may be more appropriate. Think about what health issues you want to address with probiotics, so you can look for particular strains or formulas that are best suited to your baby’s needs.
Ingredients
Unfortunately, not all probiotics are the same high quality and you may find some products contain artificial colors, flavors, allergens or inflammatory ingredients. We prefer to look for a product that is free of common allergens such as dairy, gluten and soy. But, it should also not contain non essential ingredients and fillers, which may irritate your little one’s digestive system.
Format
There is a variety of probiotic products on the market for children, but not all are suitable for infants. Gummies and chewables are typical for children’s products, but since babies don’t have a developed ability to chew and swallow, these will not be the right choice for an infant. It is typically recommended to leave these products until your child is two to four years old.
For infants, probiotics are typically in drop or powder form. Many parents prefer drops as they can be mixed with formula or breastmilk, or even given to the child directly. We find these can also be easier to administer on the go, but be sure to choose a shelf stable product that does not require refrigeration if you plan on doing this.
CFU Count
We’re getting into more technical details now, but probiotics are alive and the CFU or Colony Forming Units is a count of how many live bacteria is in one serving of the supplement. There is no current industry standard for CFUs in an infant probiotic, but most products contain millions per serving. However, bear in mind that it is important to consider the delivery mechanism rather than just the number of CFUs. This will increase the chances that more bacteria will be alive and active when they reach the intestines.
FAQs
Why Would Babies Need Probiotics?
When in the womb, babies have a sterile gut, but after they are born, bacteria is introduced via the breastmilk or formula. Since good bacteria is crucial for not only digesting food, but helping support a healthy immune system, many parents consider probiotics.
Probiotics can support development of the gut flora in your baby. This is particularly important if your baby has had antibiotics or there have been other factors which may have disrupted your baby’s gut bacteria diversity.
Can Probiotics Reduce Reflux?
Reflux is common in the first year of life, particularly in infants aged two to four months. However, if reflux frequently occurs, it can reduce the amount of nutrition your baby receives. There is limited research specifically addressing infant reflux and probiotics, but small study data is promising and many parents report a reduction of reflux with certain probiotic strains, such as L. reuteri.
Could Probiotics Help Colic?
If your baby cries for prolonged periods and is in distress, it could be due to colic and many leading theories suggest gastrointestinal discomfort is a cause of colic. Fortunately, there have been a number of clinical studies showing that daily probiotics can reduce colic symptoms.
When Can You Start Giving Baby Probiotics?
This depends on the specific product and formulation. There are many baby probiotics that can be used from birth. However, it is important to check carefully, as some are not recommended for premature babies and others are only suitable for older infants. If you’re unsure, it is best to check with your pediatrician.
Conclusion
Most new parents feel anxious about the health and wellbeing of their baby, particularly if the baby seems fussy and cries for extended periods. However, probiotics can provide a natural way to support your baby’s immune system and digestive health as their gut biome develops. This can reduce gas issues, colic symptoms and reflux.
Daily use of probiotics can encourage the development of healthy gut flora, which could benefit your little one for the rest of their life. Gut flora has been shown to be crucial for nutrient absorption, toxin elimination and a healthy immune system.
It is important to note that not all infant probiotics have the same quality ingredients. There are some products that contain fillers and allergens, which could irritate your little one’s delicate digestive system. But, if you follow the advice in our buying guide, it can help you to find the best infant probiotics on the market.
