Did you know that over 2000 years ago Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine) hypothesized that all human diseases originate in the gut?
While we have since proved that not all disease originates from the gut, evidence shows that the majority of chronic metabolic diseases do.
The same goes for your kids. When babies are born they have a sterile digestive system. When breastmilk or formula is introduced, so too are probiotic bacteria and the exposures of these throughout your child’s life will dictate their digestive health.
That is why it is important to help your child balance their gut by introducing children's probiotics, so read on for all you need to know.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested in adequate numbers, confer a health benefit on the host. The term probiotic is currently used to name ingested microorganisms associated with beneficial properties and it is usually used to describe products containing lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.
Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are two of the most important groups of probiotic bacteria found in the human intestine. They are Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that can form lactic acid and acetic acid, which give fermented foods their sour taste. Lactic acid is also a preservative. These probiotic bacteria help to maintain gut health by keeping harmful bacteria at bay and by producing vitamins (B1, B2, B6, and K) and enzymes.
What to look for when shopping for probiotics for kids
When buying probiotics for kids, there are two important things to look out for- how many different types of bacteria can be found in the supplement and what count as an adequate amount. For example one product may have six strain while another only has 2 or four Colony Forming Units (CFUs).
You should also check to see if the probiotic you choose has any added vitamins. The NHS recommends babies and children take a Vitamin D supplement as well as Vitamin A and Vitamin C so these are sometimes added so that you can kill two birds with one swallow! If you would like more information on Vitamins for kids you can check out my blog on The Best Vitamins for Babies and Kids here.
How I Choose – Best probiotics for kids
Whenever we put something directly into our kid’s bodies, we first want to be sure it is totally safe and free from nasties and so I have read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings and spoken to toes of Mums to find the best products out there.
As well as recommendations from other parents, I cross check facts with medical advice including the NHS so that my recommendations are safe for baby to use and medically recommended.
So lets look at which probiotic is best for babies and kids;
Optibac Probiotics Family Bundle
Why Parents Love It
Parents love that this probiotic is great for the entire family, helping to keep digestive health issues at bay and the whole family healthy. They say kids have no problem taking it as it can be easily mixed in with other foods or formula due to its mild banana flavour.
Parents love that this daily probiotic supplement also contains Vitamin D which is a recommended supplement all kids should take.
Optibac Probiotics are scientifically proven to reach your gut alive and complement your natural gut flora as well as giving you a dose of FOS fibres to increase natural gut bacteria.
What You Need to Know
Suitable for babies from birth to age 12 years
Contains 30 sachets
Flavour: banana
Includes 3 billion live bacterial cultures, 0.5g FOS fibres & Vitamin D3 in every sachet to support immune health
Optibac Probiotics is vegetarian, gluten free & free from added sugar, artificial flavourings or colourings.
Garden of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+
Best probiotic for older kids
Garden of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+
Why Parents Love It
Parents say these probiotics work great for babies and kids that are prone to getting wind and irritable tummies. They say kids like the flavour and the fact they present like chewy sweets – a healthy treat!
The Garden of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics also have Vitamin C and Vitamin D as well as prebiotic fiber
What You Need to Know
Suitable from 4 years of age
Contains 30 chewable tablets
Flavour: cherry and berry
Includes probiotics + vitamins C & D 5 billion guaranteed 14 probiotic strains promotes immune system and digestive health.
Organic matters grown without toxic pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and no genetic engineering. Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free.
Raw Probiotics Kids Digestive Powder
Best probiotic with added fruit & vegetables for fussy eaters
Raw Probiotics Kids Digestive Powder
Why Parents Love It
Parents have said this probiotic has done wonders for their kids with one parent saying it cleared up her daughters eczema, another saying it has treated her child’s irritable bowel syndrome and yet another saying it cured their child’s constipation.
Raw Probiotics Kids Digestive Powder does need to be kept refrigerated, unlike the other probiotics on this list.
As well as probiotics this prebiotic has 23 Raw and organic fruits and vegetables, plus Raw inulin
What You Need to Know
Suitable for babies 3 months and older
Contains 60 days supply of powder
Flavour: banana
Includes over 5 billion live probiotic cells per daily serving and 23 raw and organic fruits and vegetables such as Red Bell Peppers, Green Peas, Plums and Cherries and Celery with studied probiotic strains and protein-digesting enzymes
Certified USDA Organic
Lovebug Award Winning Probiotic for Toddlers & Kids
Best Award Winning Probiotic
Lovebug Award Winning Probiotic for Toddlers & Kids
Why Parents Love It
Parents who tried the Lovebug Award Winning Probiotic said it works fast on their kids stomach issues, hardening stools and decreasing toilet trips. Parents of kids with autism who don’t like chewy gummies said this is their kid’s preferred probiotic.
The almost-flavourless powder mixes well with liquids so kids can take without being any the wiser to help with Colic, diarrhoea, eczema, constipation, digestive upset and weakened immune systems
Suitable for kids age 1-4 (other options are available covering newborn to older kids)
What You Need to Know
Contains 30 sachets.
Flavour: unflavoured
Includes 15 Billion CFUs
Lovebug Toddler Probiotics is the proud recipient of the Gold Medal Mom's Choice Award, the Eco-Excellence Award, and various widely recognized "Product of the Year" accolades.
USDA Organic certified.
Gluten free, sugar free
FAQs
Knowing what is best for baby when it comes to giving them supplements can be tough as there are a lot of options available so I have compiled some of the top questions around baby carries here for you to review.
Do pediatricians recommend probiotics?
Some pediatricians do recommend probiotics for kids. The general consensus is that probiotics are beneficial for kids, but the dosage and type of probiotic supplement vary depending on the child's age and health condition.
Probiotics have various health benefits because they help support the gut microbiota, which is important for digestion and overall health. They can also help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Probiotics can be especially helpful for kids who suffer from digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation, and those who are prone to getting sick often.
When should I give my child a probiotic?
Probiotics should be given when a child is first born, and continued throughout their life.
A baby's gut is sterile at birth, but quickly becomes populated with bacteria. The makeup of these bacteria is very important, as it will determine how well the baby can digest food and absorb nutrients. The good news is that probiotics can help to populate the gut with beneficial bacteria, which can improve digestion and overall health.
Probiotics should be given to children starting at birth, and continued throughout their life. Some good sources of probiotics, other than supplements, include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and tempeh.
Should kids take probiotics daily?
Yes, probiotics are a great way to help support your child's immune system. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your gut. They occur naturally in some foods, such as yogurt and kefir, and can also be taken as a supplement.
Probiotics help to keep the gut healthy by restoring the balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria. They can also help to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. children who take probiotics on a regular basis are less likely to get sick and have fewer digestive problems.
What probiotic do most doctors recommend?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some doctors may recommend a probiotic supplement, while others may recommend consuming probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut.
It's important to choose a probiotic that is appropriate for your needs. Not all probiotics are created equal. Some strains of bacteria are better at treating specific conditions than others. So it's important to do your research and find a probiotic that is right for you.
Which yogurt has the best probiotics kids?
The best yogurt for kids will vary depending on the child's individual needs and preferences. However, some general guidelines that parents can follow when choosing a yogurt for their children include looking for yogurts that are low in added sugar and high in protein, calcium, and probiotics.
Who should not use probiotics?
Probiotics should not be used by people with compromised immune systems, such as those who are immunocompromised due to AIDS, cancer or diabetes.
People with a history of antibiotic-associated diarrhea should also avoid probiotic supplements. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their health care provider before taking probiotics. Finally, people who are allergic to yeast should not take probiotics.
How can I improve my child's gut health?
There are a few things you can do to improve your child's gut health:
1. Eat plenty of probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
2. Encourage your child to eat plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
3. Avoid processed foods and sugary snacks.
4. Make sure your child gets enough sleep.
5. Reduce stress levels.
6. Supplement with a quality probiotic supplement if necessary.
How long does it take for probiotics to work in kids?
The time it takes for probiotics to work will vary from child to child. However, in general, probiotics tend to be most effective when taken regularly over an extended period of time. So if you're looking for probiotics to help your child with a specific health issue, you may need to give them a supplement for several weeks or even months before you start seeing results.
That said, there are some general things to keep in mind when it comes to giving kids probiotics. For example, it's important that the probiotics are age appropriate – meaning that the dosage and strain of bacteria are suited for children's smaller bodies.
How much probiotics should a kid take?
There is no set amount of probiotics that a kid should take, but it's generally recommended that they get a variety of different probiotics strains from food and supplements. Probiotics are beneficial for gut health, and can help with everything from digestion to boosting the immune system.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all probiotics are created equal. So it's important to choose a quality probiotic supplement that has been tested and proven to be effective. And always consult with a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if there are any preexisting health conditions.
How can I add probiotics to my kids diet?
Probiotics can be found in many different foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
What foods are rich in probiotics?
Probiotics are bacteria that are beneficial to the human body, and they can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and natto.
Do probiotics help you poop?
Yes, probiotics help you poop by restoring the balance of healthy gut bacteria. When probiotics are ingested, they colonize the intestines and release beneficial enzymes that break down food and assist in the absorption of nutrients. They also compete with harmful bacteria for space and resources, which helps to keep bad bacteria in check and optimize gastrointestinal function. By restoring balance to the gut microbiome, probiotics can help to improve digestive health, resolve constipation, and boost overall immunity.
Do kids need different probiotics than adults?
There is some evidence that kids may need different probiotics than adults, since their gut flora (the microorganisms that live in the gut) is still developing. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help to maintain a healthy gut flora, and they come in both pill and liquid form.
Some probiotics that are especially good for kids include Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis BB12, and Saccharomyces boulardii. It's best to speak with a pediatrician before giving your child any probiotics, as they may not be appropriate for all kids.
Do probiotics help kids grow?
Probiotics do help kids grow and are beneficial for gut health.
A healthy gut is important for overall health, and probiotics (good bacteria) can help to keep the gut healthy. Some probiotics are specifically designed for kids, and they can be found in yogurt, supplements, and other foods.
What are the signs you need probiotics?
There are a few signs that you may need probiotics in your life. If you experience any of the following, supplementation (or even better, incorporation of probiotic-rich foods into your diet) may be a good idea for you:
· Digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation
· Frequent colds or sinus infections
· Allergies or asthma
· Skin problems such as acne, rosacea, or eczema
· Vaginal yeast infections or recurrent urinary tract infections
· Joint pain or inflammation
What are the signs that probiotics are working?
Probiotics work by restoring the natural balance of gut bacteria. So the signs that they are working will vary depending on what was causing the imbalance in the first place.
For example, if diarrhea is the issue, then probiotics will work to restore regularity. If constipation is the issue, then probiotics will work to make stool softer and easier to pass. In cases of food allergies or intolerances, probiotics can help to digest those foods better. And in cases of autoimmune diseases, probiotics can help to modulate the immune system.
So, which probiotic is best for your child?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best probiotic for a child will vary depending on that child's individual gut flora. However, some general guidelines can be provided:
1) Look for a probiotic that contains multiple strains of bacteria. This will give your child the best chance of finding a probiotic that will be effective in restoring balance to their gut flora.
2) Avoid probiotics with added sugars or artificial sweeteners. These additives can actually do more harm than good by contributing to gut dysbiosis (imbalance in the gut flora).
3) Choose a probiotic that is dairy-free and gluten-free, if possible. Many children are intolerant.
You are now armed with the knowledge of what the best baby vitamins are for your specific needs are so that you can make an informed decision.
All of the probiotics above are available on Amazon so click ‘Check price on Amazon’ to see which probiotics work best for you and your child so you can shop today!
Thanks for reading!
