Probiotics have become more and more critical in recent years. Everyone, therefore, should be familiar with probiotics. When the baby has diarrhea, the doctor will also recommend the baby take probiotics. For instance, they’ll state how to choose probiotics and which one to buy. Additionally, how the baby should eat will be a concern.
Inarguably, you may need to familiarize yourself with a couple of things when dealing with probiotic supplements. In this article, we have highlighted key features that are of significance. Ideally, they should help you have an easier time in your selection.
1. What are Probiotics?
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization define probiotics as “a type of living microorganisms that are beneficial to the host’s health (human) when ingested in moderate amounts.” Simply put: a probiotic is a kind of fungus that is helpful to the human body. Generally, they induce the body’s immune response. Consequently, the body responds to disease-causing organisms and keeps them at bay.
Probiotics need to satisfy three conditions:
- Enough amount: Often, the intestine itself contains a vast number of bacteria. Therefore, a small number of probiotics can’t work at all.
- Able to reach the intestinal tract smoothly: Inarguably, a probiotic that smoothly passes through gastric juice, intestinal juice, and safely getting to the site of action is critical.
- Be able to adhere to the intestine: After reaching the intestine, bacteria should smoothly adhere and multiply—a notably important aspect of their functionality.
How do we choose probiotics for babies? How do we eat them? We will explore these issues together below.
2. The Most Beneficial Types of Probiotics for Babies
According to the Health Commission’s announcement, now, baby food can use seven kinds of probiotics. Notably, lactobacillus acidophilus is only suitable for babies over one year old.
Majorly, these are the probiotic strains we can choose for babies:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus,
- Bifidobacterium aninalis,
- Lactobacillus reuteri,
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus,
- Bifidobacterium lactis,
- Bifidobacterium breve, and
- Lactobacillus fermentum
(types of probiotic bacteria)
3. What are the Benefits of Probiotics for Babies?
Usually, babies are born with less complex systems of the body. Therefore, personal immune support group classification. It is because their bodies aren’t well built to fight off pathogens.
For a long time now, parents have used probiotics to supplement their babies’ nutrient intake due to the following reasons;
Immunity;
an immune system that isn’t functioning correctly often results from sub-optimal gut inhabitants functioning. In other words, about 80% of the immune system is dependent on the gut system. As a result, a baby will be down with a fever, colds, and other low immunity symptoms. Thus, taking probiotics boosts the gut. That, in turn, increases the immune system.
Digestion;
Unfortunately, digestion becomes impaired when the harmful ones weigh down the good microorganisms. In the end, there’s an imbalance that further causes colic, diarrhea, constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, among others, in babies. Luckily, probiotics curb the effect by ensuring there’s more than enough good gut flora.
Skincare:
there’s a correlation between a poorly performing gut system due to imbalanced gut flora and skin problems such as eczema in babies. In other words, when there’s isn’t sufficient digestion, the skin will be prone to inflammation and have reduced skin protective ability. Subsequently, babies may develop cradle caps, baby acne, or eczema.
Not only do probiotics restore the normal digestion process, but it also lowers the chances of an infant being affected by skin problems.
Controls weight;
Ordinarily speaking, the average healthy weight of an infant is every parent’s dream. Luckily, probiotics help them achieve this goal since it helps keep off harmful bacteria. Studies have revealed a relationship between weight gain and bad gut flora. They go hand in hand in that; the harmful bacteria can increase one’s appetite and eventually leading to an increase in weight.
Emotion control;
Normally, the two most essential hormones in pleasure-release, dopamine, and serotonin, are made in the gut. Therefore, probiotics’ excellent gut environment helps reduce anxiety and depression levels at a particular time. Often, it is through increasing the production of dopamine and serotonin. Eventually, the baby’s mood will improve.
(for the love of the digestive system via the good bacteria)
4. Are Probiotics Suitable for your Situation?
Below are the crucial situations in which a baby needs to take probiotics:
- Age limit; Undeniably, people of all ages are at liberty to take probiotic supplements. Since a baby’s gut isn’t fully developed, good bacteria improve profitable, healthy growth by adding to their gut system.
- Breastfeeding; Without a doubt, breast milk offers a natural form of probiotics. The milk has 700 types of bacteria, such as lactobacillus. They’re majorly passed on to the baby while breastfeeding. Mothers in the lactation period can also use dietary probiotic supplementations.
- Formula feeding; Most times, formula feeding often applies to babies who are intolerant to breast milk. The formula their guardians or parents give them contains probiotics. Fortunately, it maintains a balance of bacteria in their baby biome. Moreover, they reduce the levels of harmful bacteria that cause illnesses.
- Unhealthy symptoms: e.g., eczema, colic, etc.; most notably, probiotics have an advantage over the symptoms presented, such as eczema and colic. The beneficial bacteria function to treat the conditions; it also brings a state of equilibrium in the body.
(formula feeding)
5. How to Properly Consume Probiotics
5.1 We should pay attention to the following points before choosing probiotics;
- Commonly, there are two known types of baby probiotics: Powder and Liquid probiotic drops.
- With a clear understanding of the bacteria’s name, you can refer to the seven types of probiotics we introduced before.
- Further, see if any qualified products have been inspected and meet the Food and Drug Administration requirements.
- Then, check if the probiotic preparations contain milk, sugar, gluten, and other additives. Unfortunately, these substances may cause allergic reactions in babies with allergies.
- Lastly, understand the storage method of probiotics. For example, some probiotics need to be refrigerated. Often, improper storage causes probiotics to fail.
5.2 When we feed babies, we should pay attention to;
Water temperature; As a rule, the water temperature is 35-40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, do not use boiling water for brewing. Likewise, do not reheat it during the brewing process. It is because the heating will invalidate the probiotics.
2. Eating probiotics after heavy meals; (Best to eat 20 minutes after breakfast) Probiotics are afraid of acidic environments and decreased gastric acid concentration after meals. On the other hand, it is more conducive to the smooth lining. Therefore, reaching the intestines and stomach safely.
3. Taking it within half an hour after preparation; More often, if probiotics stay for too long without use, they will die.
4. Brewing immediately after opening; Probiotics are anaerobic bacteria. Hence, when exposed to oxygen for a long time, they will quickly become dead bacteria.
(a powdered probiotic)
6. Best Baby Probiotics Recommendation
Undoubtedly, a couple of baby probiotics in the market all promise the best benefits and cost-effectiveness. Below are the eight best baby probiotics we recommend you liaise with for more excellent services.
1.Culturelle’s Probiotics
Probiotic strains:
Products include;
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis.
Product efficacy:
- One, it promotes healthy growth.
- It also promotes good infant immunity.
- Furthermore, it contributes to healthy bone formation as a result of Vitamin D.
- Finally, it improves digestion.
Other additions：Vitamin D
Allergens and derivatives：
No artificial preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, gluten-free, dairy-free, yeast-free, and egg-free
Customer reviews：3.7 to 4.0 stars
2.Nature’s Way
Probiotic strains:
- Bifidobacterium animalis and L. acidophilus.
Product efficacy:
- First, it helps improve and boost the immune system.
- Then, it eases colic, gas, and constipation.
- Also, it helps in balancing the gut flora.
Other additions：No
Allergens and derivatives：Sugar-free, gluten-free, no artificial colors, flavors, or/ and preservatives.
Customer reviews：4.5 stars
3.Ultimate Flora
Probiotic strains:
- Five Bifidobacterium strains and lactobacillus.
Product efficacy:
- It promotes digestion.
- Besides, it improves immunity.
Other additions：Milk and soy
Allergens and derivatives：Gluten-free and no artificial ingredients
Customer reviews：4.5 to 5.0 stars
4. Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops
Probiotic strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
Product efficacy: Majorly, it helps in treating gas and colic syndromes.
Other additions：Corn oil
Allergens and derivatives：
Sugar-free, no artificial flavors or colors, and alcohol-free
Customer reviews：4.9 stars
5.Tiny Tummies Probiotic
Probiotic strains:
- Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and L. Plantarum.
Probiotic effects：It foster a good microbiome in infants. Additionally, it helps in developing good physical and mental well-being.
Other additives：Prebiotics.
Allergens and derivatives:
silica, Chicory Fructooligosaccharides, Sugar-free, and non-GMO.
Customer reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars.
6.Upspring Probiotic
Probiotic strains;
- Lactobacilillus
- Bifidobacterium probiotic
- B. lactis, B. longum
- Lactobacillus Blend 2 Billion
- L. rhamnosus, L
Probiotic effects;
- Providing immune support
- Again, it helps in reducing digestive issues such as diarrhea, hard stools, and bloating.
Other additives; Multiple prebiotics, Colostrum powder, Milk, Iron, Zinc
Allergens and derivatives; No artificial ingredients, all-natural, gluten-free, sugar-free, hormone-free.
Customer reviews; 4.0 out of 5.0
7.Bio Gaia Protectis Probiotics
Probiotic strains: 100 million live L. reuteri probiotics
Probiotic effects：
- It can cause newborns and Kids Colic, Spit-Up.
- Regrettably, it may cause constipation and Digestive Comfort
- On the other hand, clinical prove that it can reduce the baby’s crying.
Other additives：No
Allergens and derivatives:
Free from allergens such as eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and soy.
Customer reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars.
8.Enfamil Infant Probiotic
Probiotic strains:
- Bifidobacterium animalis lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Probiotic effects：
- It helps ease colic.
- Besides that, it supports the baby’s immune system
Other additives：Milk and Vitamin D.
Allergens and derivatives:
coconut, soy, potassium citrate, cupric sulfate, among others.
Customer reviews: 4.1 out of 5 stars
9.Bio-Kult Infantis
Probiotic strains:
- L. casei, L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, B. breve, Agaricus, and B. infantis.
Probiotic effects：
- It reduces colic and gas symptoms.
- However, it can cause abdominal pain and bloat.
Other additives：
Omega 3, prebiotics, and Vitamin D3.
Allergens and derivatives:
Contain fish oil (tuna), milk, and soy.
Customer reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Summary
Undeniably, probiotics benefit the little ones a great deal. Nevertheless, the supplement may stop working at certain times, for instance, when the side effects persist for more than a week. Additionally, there may not be a significant improvement in the infant’s digestive system. Under such circumstances, you may need to visit your doctor.
Our team is enthusiastic about seeing babies grow up healthy, happy, and world-ready. In case of inquiries or recommendations, do reach out to us. We’re always ready to discuss ways to improve your baby’s health.