05/31/2026
Probiotics come up a lot in our world, and for good reason. But with so many options on the shelf it can be really hard to know what your baby actually needs, or if they need one at all!
The honest answer is that probiotics are most helpful when something has disrupted the gut. A C-section delivery, antibiotics, reflux medications or conditions such as colic, reflux, stooling issues, etc. For a full term healthy baby born vaginallly without any of those things going on, they are not always necessary. But they are also not harmful to start!
If you are shopping, look for a multi-strain formula with Bifidobacterium strains, a low CFU count to start, no artificial ingredients, no added sugar, and no fillers. Some strains require refrigeration to stay viable so always check the label. And when you finish a bottle, switch strains. Usually, different brands contain different strains and rotating over time gives baby broader exposure to beneficial bacteria.
Don’t forget about yourself either! A mom’s microbiome diversity, or lack of it, plays a direct role in what her baby is exposed to early on. The flora of your gut influences the bacterial colonization of your baby’s gut, particularly through breast milk. Certain strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have actually been found in breast milk after maternal supplementation, which means actively working on your own gut health is one of the most direct things you can do for your baby’s too. If you have a history of gut issues or have been on antibiotics, you should be on one.
Some of our favorites for infants are Mary Ruth’s liquid drops, Bio Giai, and Flourish, which is soil based, liquid, and can be given to both mom and baby.
Not sure what your baby actually needs? Our Registered Dietitians specialize in exactly this. Let us help you!
