Is your little one experiencing tummy troubles? Maybe gassiness or fussy periods leave you wondering what you can do to help. In today’s world, we hear so much about probiotics, those helpful little bacteria that support a healthy gut. But when it comes to our tiniest family members, choosing the right probiotic can feel overwhelming. So many bottles, drops, and powders line the shelves, each promising different benefits for your infant.
It is easy to feel lost in the sea of choices, not knowing which strains are best or how much to give your baby. You want the best for your child’s developing system, and making the wrong choice feels stressful. This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore what probiotics are, why they matter for infants, and how to pick one confidently.
Keep reading to learn the simple steps to finding the perfect probiotic partner for your baby’s happy tummy. Let’s dive into making smart choices for your infant’s wellness journey today!
Top Probiotics For Infants Recommendations
- Baby Probiotic Drops: Easily give your infant these unflavored probiotic drops! Formulated with a proprietary blend of 5 probiotic strains, including Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2.
- Infant Probiotic: This USDA Certified Organic Infant Liquid Probiotic is formulated for the unique microbiome of an infant’s developing digestive system. Our proprietary blend includes Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Bifidobacterium bifidum.
- Baby Essentials: With 100 CFU per serving, you can support your baby with this easy-to-administer, unflavored liquid probiotic blend. This product is Clean Label Project Certified!
- Easy-to-Take Liquid: Once daily, dispense drops directly into mouth, or add to liquid beverage. Please avoid direct dropper contact to mouth in order to prevent product contamination. Start dosage with one drop daily, slowly increasing the dose over several weeks. Dosage not to exceed 5 drops.
- For Most Lifestyles: MaryRuth's Infant Probiotic Drops are Certified USDA Organic, Vegan, Non-GMO. Dairy Free, Nut Free, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Sugar Free. Made in a GMP Facility. Clean Label Project Certified. B Corp Certified.
- FROM THE #1 PEDIATRICIAN RECOMMENDED PROBIOTIC BRAND⟐: Build a strong foundation for infants with Culturelle Baby Digestive Calm + Comfort Drops.* Formulated with two of the most clinically studied probiotics in babies*
- GENTLE INGREDIENTS: Contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and other probiotics proven to help with occasional tummy troubles and help ease occasional infant colic.* Works naturally to reduce fussiness and crying due to occasional digestive upset*
- SAFE and EASY TO TAKE: Shake before use; dispense 5 drops once a day onto a spoon, into a bottle or directly into baby’s mouth while breastfeeding; replace cap with dropper; use within 60 days once opened, 1 month supply.
- Designed for babies aged 0-12 months - Culturelle Baby Digestive Calm and Comfort Probiotics Drops promote healthy development and help build a strong foundation of health for your baby.* Safe to use every day.
- DESIGNED FOR BABIES 0 12 MONTHS: Culturelle Baby Digestive Calm and Comfort Probiotics Drops helps your baby build a strong foundation of health and promotes healthy development All Mommy’s can rejoice, safe to use everyday
- Product Of Mommy's Bliss
- SOOTHES CRYING, FUSSING, COLIC & GAS: For over 20 years, BioGaia Baby has been soothing babies with colic & fussy tummies.* Trust BioGaia Baby, the most studied probiotic for colic in the world.
- SAFE FOR NEWBORNS: Simple & safe for babies from the first day of life. Great for breast-fed, bottle-fed, and mixed-fed infants.
- NATURALLY RELIEVES BABIES' DIGESTIVE DISCOMFORT: Works naturally in the digestive system to relieve colic, gas, spit-ups, and occasional constipation & diarrhea*
- NATURALLY FOUND IN BREAST MILK: Unlike drugs and gripe water, BioGaia Baby contains probiotics naturally found in breast milk that ease babies’ digestive discomfort and promote a happy tummy.*
- NO ALLERGENS, DAIRY, SOY, GLUTEN, SUGAR OR ARTIFICIAL COLORS & FLAVORS: We offer scientifically validated, clinically tested products. We only use safe, ethically sourced & sustainable ingredients. BioGaia always guarantees product quality & safety.
- PROBIOTICS FOR KIDS - Baby’s Nordic Flora Probiotic Powder contains 4 billion CFU of two widely researched probiotic strains that are shown to be safe and effective for developing babies and young children.
- DIGESTIVE HEALTH - This probiotic supplement combines the probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis to promote gastrointestinal health. It also helps balance the gut microbiome in babies and toddlers.
- IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT - Research suggests that the probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis may promote resistance to common infections and provide additional immune support for babies attending daycare.
- PERFECT FOR PICKY EATERS - Odorless, tasteless powder makes it virtually undetectable. Every Nordic Naturals product is non-GMO & third-party tested, surpassing the strictest international standards for purity & freshness.
- ETHICAL INNOVATION - Nordic Naturals has always been at the forefront of sustainable & ethical practices in the natural products industry. Through science & innovation, we are committed to delivering safe, effective nutrients for optimal wellness.
- SOOTHES CRYING, FUSSING, COLIC & GAS: For over 20 years, BioGaia Baby has been soothing babies with colic & fussy tummies.* Trust BioGaia Baby, the most studied probiotic for colic in the world.*
- SAFE FOR NEWBORNS: Simple & safe for babies from the first day of life. Great for breast-fed, bottle-fed, and mixed-fed infants.
- NATURALLY RELIEVES BABIES' DIGESTIVE DISCOMFORT: Works naturally in the digestive system to relieve colic, gas, spit-ups, and occasional constipation & diarrhea.*
- NATURALLY FOUND IN BREAST MILK: Unlike drugs and gripe water, BioGaia Baby with Vitamin D contains probiotics naturally found in breast milk that ease babies’ digestive discomfort and promote a happy tummy.*
- NO ALLERGENS, DAIRY, SOY, GLUTEN, SUGAR OR ARTIFICIAL COLORS & FLAVORS: We offer scientifically validated, clinically tested products.* We only use safe, ethically sourced & sustainable ingredients. BioGaia always guarantees product quality & safety.
- Promote Healthy Bone Development: Our Mommy's Bliss probiotic baby vitamin D drops contain 400 IU in each serving, the Pediatrician recommended amount for infants for healthy bone development.
- Support Immunity and Digestion: Mommy's Bliss Baby Baby Probiotic Drops with Vitamin D are purely crafted with 1 billion CFUs of the most researched probiotic strain in each daily dose to help support your baby's immune and digestive systems.
- Non-GMO Infant Vitamin D Drops with no added sugar, no alcohol, no artificial colors or flavors, & free of the top 8 allergens. We believe simpler is better; everything we make, we include only what you or your child needs and never anything they don't.
- FOR MOMS, BY MOMS: Mommy's Bliss is on a mission to bring bliss to parents everywhere; you and your little one will love the gentle relief and comfort our infant probiotics bring, from birth to childhood.
- Mom Designed Peace of Mind: Mommy's Bliss was founded by Roshan Kaderali, a mom and pediatric nurse, midwife and doula, on a mission to help moms bond with their babies with trusted probiotic vitamin D infant drops that incorporate wise ingredients.
- FROM THE PEDIATRICIAN RECOMMENDED PROBIOTIC BRAND⟐: Build a strong foundation for infants with Culturelle Baby Immune & Digestive Support Probiotic + Vitamin D Drops.* Formulated with two of the most clinically studied probiotics in babies*
- GENTLE INGREDIENTS: Contains 100% of the daily value of Vitamin D recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) along with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and other effective probiotics, proven to help with occasional tummy troubles*
- SAFE & EASY TO TAKE: Shake before use; dispense 5 drops once a day onto a spoon, into a bottle or directly into baby’s mouth while breastfeeding; replace cap with dropper; use within 60 days once opened, 1-month supply.
- INGREDIENTS YOU CAN FEEL GREAT ABOUT: Complement your baby’s healthy lifestyle with a safe, effective drug-free, peanut-free formula that is also sugar-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free, working naturally with your child’s body.
- DESIGNED FOR BABIES 0-12 MONTHS: Culturelle Baby Immune + Digestive Probiotic &Vitamin D Drops helps your baby build a strong foundation of health & promotes healthy development* All Mommy’s can rejoice, safe to use everyday.
Choosing the Right Probiotics for Your Little One: A Buying Guide
Giving your baby probiotics can help support their tiny, developing digestive system. But with so many options available, how do you pick the best one? This guide breaks down what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for infant probiotics, focus on these important characteristics:
Strain Specificity and Clinically Studied Strains
- Look for specific strains: Not all probiotics are the same. Look for products listing specific bacterial strains, like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) or Bifidobacterium lactis (BB-12).
- Proven results: Choose strains that scientists have studied for use in infants. These studies show they actually help with common issues like colic or gas.
Guaranteed Potency (CFUs)
- Count matters: CFUs (Colony Forming Units) tell you how many live, active bacteria are in each dose. Aim for a product that guarantees the CFU count until the expiration date, not just at the time of manufacture.
- Appropriate dosage: Ensure the CFU count matches the recommended dosage for your baby’s age group. Too little won’t work; too much isn’t always better.
Delivery Method
- Drops vs. Powder: Drops are often easiest. You mix them directly into breast milk, formula, or a small amount of food. Powder packets must be completely dissolved.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What’s inside the bottle or packet is crucial for safety and effectiveness.
The Bacteria Itself
- Viable Cultures: The active cultures must be alive when your baby consumes them. Reputable brands test their products often.
- Prebiotics (Optional but helpful): Some formulas include prebiotics, which are fibers that act as food for the good bacteria, helping them grow stronger in the gut.
Excipients (Inactive Ingredients)
- Avoid unnecessary additives: Check the label for artificial colors, flavors, or excessive sugars. Infants need clean nutrition.
- Allergen Check: If your baby has known allergies, check for common allergens like dairy, soy, or gluten, even if the product claims to be “free” of them. Cross-contamination happens.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way a probiotic is stored and manufactured greatly affects its quality.
Quality Boosters
- Shelf Stability: Some probiotics require refrigeration to keep the bacteria alive. Others are shelf-stable. Choose what fits your lifestyle, but always follow the storage instructions on the label.
- Packaging Integrity: Look for dark glass bottles or sealed foil packets. Light and moisture kill probiotics.
Quality Reducers
- Improper Storage: If you buy a refrigerated product and it sits warm on the shelf too long, the quality drops instantly.
- Expired Product: Never use a probiotic past its expiration date, even if it looks fine. The active bacteria may be gone.
User Experience and Use Cases
How parents use these products reveals a lot about their real-world effectiveness.
Common Use Cases
- Colic and Fussiness: Many parents try probiotics to soothe frequent crying spells, often seeing results within a week or two if the strain is correct.
- Constipation or Diarrhea: These supplements can help balance the gut flora, leading to more regular and softer stools.
- After Antibiotics: Antibiotics kill both bad and good bacteria. Probiotics help quickly replenish the healthy bacteria population.
Ease of Use
The best probiotic is the one you remember to give every day. Drops that taste neutral and mix easily into a bottle are usually preferred by busy parents over messy powders.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Infant Probiotics
Q: When should I start giving my baby probiotics?
A: Many pediatricians suggest starting early, even in the first few weeks of life, especially if the baby is formula-fed or had a C-section birth. Always ask your doctor first.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: For digestive issues like gas, parents often notice small changes within three to seven days. Significant improvement might take a few weeks as the bacterial colonies establish themselves.
Q: Can I mix probiotics with hot milk or formula?
A: No. Heat kills the live bacteria. Mix the drops or powder into lukewarm or cool liquid only.
Q: Are infant probiotics safe if my baby is healthy?
A: Yes. They are generally considered safe supplements that support overall gut health, even in babies without specific problems.
Q: Do I need a prescription for infant probiotics?
A: Most infant probiotics are sold over the counter (OTC) as dietary supplements. Your doctor might recommend a specific prescription-strength product, though.
Q: What if my baby spits up the probiotic?
A: If the dose was small and mixed into a full feeding, it likely didn’t affect the outcome much. If it happens consistently, try giving the dose directly into the baby’s mouth right before feeding.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate liquid drops?
A: Check the label! Some strains require refrigeration to survive, while others are shelf-stable. If the label says refrigerate, you must refrigerate it.
Q: Can I use adult probiotics for my baby?
A: No. Adult probiotics often have strains or much higher doses not suitable for infant systems. Always use products specifically labeled for infants.
Q: What if my baby has a dairy allergy but the probiotic contains dairy derivatives?
A: Many probiotic cultures grow on dairy, but the final product may have trace amounts. If your baby has a severe allergy, look for “dairy-free” or “soy-free” certified products.
Q: What is the difference between a probiotic and a prebiotic?
A: Probiotics are the actual live, beneficial bacteria. Prebiotics are the non-digestible fibers that feed those bacteria, helping them thrive in the gut.