You want to give your baby every advantage in life and it all begins with the proper nutrients. Probiotics can be a great addition to their healthy diet. Start a search today to find the best baby probiotics.
You’ve probably heard a lot about probiotics for babies, but finding the right one for your little one can be a daunting task. Fortunately, with a little research, you can find the best probiotics to keep your baby healthy.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms found in many foods and supplements. Sometimes referred to as “good bacteria,” probiotics are noted for providing certain health benefits, particularly in relation to digestion and gut health. If you have ever consumed yogurt, sauerkraut, or kombucha tea, you have consumed probiotics.
As noted by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, many of the microorganisms in foods are the same as those that occur naturally inside the body.
Do Babies Need Probiotics?
While probiotics are not a requirement for healthy development, research indicates that they may help to prevent several common issues in infants. For example, Italian researchers have discovered that babies given probiotics in their first three months have fewer bouts of constipation, acid reflux, and colic.
Is It Safe to Give Babies Probiotics?
Current research suggests that probiotics are perfectly safe to administer to babies. In the aforementioned Italian study, researchers examined 589 infants and found zero adverse reactions.
It’s important to note that different probiotics have different reactions, so make sure to do your research before purchasing a product you’re unfamiliar with.
How Do Probiotics Help Babies?
Research into probiotics is ongoing, but recent clinical studies have shown tremendous promise.
One 2017 study from Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition uncovered several positive associations in babies who take probiotics. While noting that not all probiotics have the same effects, the researchers concluded that certain probiotic strains are effective for treating and preventing a number of common conditions in babies, including gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and respiratory tract infections.
Which Probiotics Should I Give My Baby?
There are plenty of infant probiotic products to choose from. The following list includes some of the most highly recommended products currently on the market.
1. Culturelle Baby Grow + Thrive Probiotics + Vitamin D Drops
Price: $25.99
Culturelle probiotics for babies contain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12), two probiotics that are effective for promoting healthy immune and digestive systems and balancing gut microbiota. Five drops are all it takes to provide your baby with a full serving.
Unique Benefits: This specially formulated probiotic product also contains vitamin D to support the development of strong bones.
2. Mommy’s Bliss Baby Probiotic Drops Everyday
Price: $14.39
Like Culturelle Baby Grow, Mommy’s Bliss Baby Probiotic Drops contain LGG, the most heavily researched probiotic in infants. The product is formulated for colic, digestive health, immune support, and gas. Just use the glass dropper to mix the liquid into food, formula, or breast milk.
Despite some users have complained that the dropper is a bit difficult to use, the product is top-notch. Plus, it’s flavorless and contains 30 servings.
Unique Benefits: Mommy’s Bliss Baby Probiotic Drops Everyday contains only two ingredients: LGG and non-GMO corn oil. It’s ideal for parents who are concerned about additives, chemicals, and preservatives.
3. Mama’s Select Infant Probiotics for Colic and Gas
Price: $22.90
Infant Probiotics for Colic and Gas is a probiotic-rich mixture prepared in powder form. So, all you have to do is mix it with food or milk. Each container contains a full 60 servings and combines five probiotic strains.
It’s not recommended for babies under six months of age, but it’s suitable for older infants.
Unique Benefits: This product contains four billion probiotic cultures per serving, putting it well above the concentration of typical probiotic products. For comparison, the Mommy’s Bliss product contains just one billion cultures per serving.
4. Gerber Soothe Baby Probiotic Colic Drops
Price: $27.99
This product only contains one probiotic, Lactobacillus reuteri, but it’s formulated to help specifically with colic. While this product may not be the best solution for digestive issues, it has demonstrated particular effectiveness for frequent crying and spitting up.
These drops can be mixed with formula or breast milk. Plus, a vitamin-D-enriched version is also available.
Unique Benefits: In clinical trials, the active probiotic has been shown to reduce crying by up to 50 percent. For colic, this may be one of the better solutions available.
5. BabyBiotics Topical Probiotic Body Care
Price: $24.95
This hospital-tested topical spray is designed to treat the kinds of conditions not addressed by most probiotic preparations. It’s suitable for diaper rash, eczema, sores, cuts, rosacea, and other irritations.
The spray is applied directly to the skin and is especially recommended for C-section babies who failed to receive the beneficial flora from the birth canal.
Unique Benefits: The product is applied directly to the skin, cleaning beneath the surface and removing the bacteria that cause skin irritations.
6. BioGaia Probiotics Drops
Price: $19.99
BioGaia Probiotics Drops contain the patented lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri, which has been shown in clinical trials to support gut balance. It’s a safe, pediatrician-recommended product that contains 100 million live cultures.
Though this number is lower than average, it’s worth noting that the product is suitable for babies in all stages of development, including newborns.
Unique Benefits: While some probiotic drops can be messy to deal with, these drops are incredibly easy to dispense. Rather than using a dropper, you apply the solution to a spoon and mix it easily into food or milk.
7. ProBiota Infant Powder
Price: $29.95
ProBiota Infant Powder contains five Bifidobacterium species to support immunity, gastrointestinal health, and nutrient absorption. All you need to do is mix a scoop of powder into your baby’s formula or breast milk.
With 120 servings, this product is sure to give you the most bang for your buck. Each serving packs five billion probiotic cultures and the product is safe for babies under two years of age.
Unique Benefits: Due to its unique combination of probiotic strains, ProBiota may promote healthy skin in addition to aiding immunity and gut health.
8. Evivo Baby Probiotics Starter Kit
Price: $80
With a retail price of $80, Evivo’s Baby Probiotics Starter Kit is definitely the priciest product on the list. However, the effects are second to none. The active ingredient is B. infantis, the primary good bacteria that babies need in their first six months.
The kit includes 28 sachets with the primary ingredient, a mixing bowl, a syringe, and instructions. It may look intimidating at first, but the powder is easy to mix. Just add it to breast milk or formula and administer once per day.
Unique Benefits: The active strain, B. infantis, isn’t found in many probiotic products. It can potentially reduce the presence of harmful bacteria by as much as 80 percent.
Start Your Search Today
A quality probiotic product can give your baby a healthy foundation. By promoting healthy gut bacteria and potentially preventing conditions like colic and digestive issues, the right probiotics can ensure a happy baby and happy parents alike. These are just a few great examples to consider but there are many others. Fortunately, you can learn more with a quick search online.