A Mom’s Guide to Probiotics for Infants & Toddlers: What You NEED to Know

Probiotics are one of the most talked-about topics in the parenting world—infant drops, toddler powders, fermented foods, and even microbiome testing kits like Tiny Health. But do all kids actually need them? How do different strains affect gut health? And what about popular brands like Mommy’s Bliss, Culturelle, Smidge, or Klaire Labs—are they really helpful or just marketing hype?

Let’s cut through the confusion and break down everything you need to know about probiotics for babies and toddlers, so you can make the best decision for your little one’s gut health.

Why Do We Give Probiotics to Babies and Toddlers?

A healthy gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immunity, brain development, and even mood. Babies are born with a developing gut, and the first few years of life play a critical role in shaping their long-term health.

How Probiotics Support Gut & Overall Health:

• Aid digestion – Helps break down food, reduces gas, reflux, and colic.

• Boost immunity – 70% of the immune system is in the gut.

• Reduce inflammation – Supports skin health (eczema), allergies, and gut healing.

• Regulate stools – Helps with both constipation and diarrhea.

• Replenish bacteria after antibiotics – Restores good microbes lost during antibiotic use.

However, not all probiotics are beneficial for all children, and giving the wrong strains can create imbalances instead of improving gut health.

Does Every Baby Need Probiotics?

Not necessarily. Some children already have a well-balanced gut microbiome, and adding unnecessary probiotics can lead to an overgrowth of certain bacteria or push out other important microbes.

💡 This is where microbiome testing (like Tiny Health) is a game-changer! Instead of guessing, you can see exactly what strains your child needs—or if they even need probiotics at all. You can get $40 off a kit with code REF-BIANCA0755

Example Scenarios:

• Too much Bifidobacterium can cause overgrowth, leading to gut imbalances.

• Some "bad" bacteria are actually necessary for immune training—wiping them out can weaken immunity.

• Some probiotics can cause bloating or discomfort if the wrong strains are given.

This is why testing before supplementing is the best approach!

Breaking Down Popular Infant & Toddler Probiotics

Many probiotics for babies and toddlers are marketed as "must-have" essentials, but their effectiveness depends on the strains they contain and whether your child actually needs them. Let’s break down some of the most popular brands:

1️⃣ Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops

⭐ Main Strain: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
🔹 Used for: Colic, gas, diarrhea, and immune support. 🔹 Potential Issues: Only one strain, and it’s in sunflower oil (which may be inflammatory for some kids).

2️⃣ Culturelle Baby Probiotic

⭐ Main Strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG & Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis
🔹 Used for: Immune and digestive support. 🔹 Potential Issues: Limited strain diversity, but helpful after antibiotics.

3️⃣ BioGaia Protectis Drops

⭐ Main Strain: Lactobacillus reuteri
🔹 Used for: Colic relief (clinically studied to reduce crying & reflux in newborns). 🔹 Potential Issues: Only one strain, which may not provide enough diversity for long-term gut health.

4️⃣ Klaire Labs Infant Ther-Biotic

⭐ Main Strains: Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri
🔹 Used for: Comprehensive gut support in infants. 🔹 Benefits: Great multi-strain option, no fillers or inflammatory oils.

5️⃣ Smidge Infant Probiotic

⭐ Main Strains: Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus gasseri
🔹 Used for: Babies needing gut healing from birth interventions (C-section, antibiotics, formula feeding). 🔹 Benefits: Free of common allergens and unnecessary fillers.

Breaking Down Probiotic Strains & What They Do

Not all probiotic strains do the same thing! Here’s a breakdown of the most important ones found in baby probiotics:

Bifidobacterium Strains (Bifo) – The Gut Guardians

✔ B. infantis – Found in breastfed babies, helps digest milk sugars & supports immunity.

✔ B. breve – Reduces gut inflammation & supports digestion.

✔ B. bifidum – Helps break down carbs & improves nutrient absorption.

⚠ Too much Bifidobacterium can lead to overcrowding, reducing gut diversity.

Lactobacillus Strains – The Digestive Helpers

✔ L. rhamnosus GG – Supports immunity, gut lining, and helps with diarrhea.

✔ L. reuteri – Studied for reducing colic and reflux in infants.

✔ L. gasseri – Supports digestion and metabolism.

Saccharomyces boulardii (Beneficial Yeast) – The Gut Cleanser

✔ S. boulardii – Helps clear harmful bacteria & is great post-antibiotic.

Spore-Based Probiotics (Bacillus Strains) – The Survivors

✔ Bacillus coagulans & Bacillus subtilis – Hardy strains that survive stomach acid & balance the gut.

Fermented Foods vs. Probiotic Supplements

While supplements can help target specific issues, fermented foods provide a wider range of beneficial bacteria and naturally occurring enzymes.

Best Fermented Foods for Babies & Toddlers

✔ Homemade Yogurt – Higher probiotic content than store-bought, contains Lactobacillus strains.

✔ Milk Kefir – 30+ strains of bacteria & yeast, amazing for gut diversity.

✔ Water Kefir – Easier on digestion, contains Lactobacillus and yeast strains.

✔ Sauerkraut Brine – Rich in Lactobacillus, supports digestion and immunity.

✔ Kimchi (mild versions for toddlers) – Extra postbiotics & additional probiotic strains.

How They Compare to Probiotic Supplements

✔ Fermented foods = More strain diversity & enzymes.

✔ Supplements (like Smidge & Klaire Labs) = Targeted gut healing.

✔ Probiotic drops (like Mommy’s Bliss) = May not be diverse enough for long-term gut health.

Key Takeaways

✅ Not all kids need probiotics – Test first if possible! Get $40 off your Tiny Health microbiome test with code REF-BIANCA0755

✅ Too much of one strain can cause gut imbalances – Diversity is key.

✅ Fermented foods are a natural way to support gut health – More strains, no fillers!

✅ Choose probiotic supplements wisely – Avoid unnecessary additives & seed oils.

✅ Microbiome testing (Tiny Health) is the best way to personalize probiotic use.