Why you can trust Nutri Advanced  Every article on our site is researched thoroughly by our team of highly qualified nutritionists. Find out more about our editorial process.

All babies are born with a sterile gut. Bacteria are then naturally introduced to a baby’s gut via the birth method (vaginal birth or Caesarean section), through breastmilk or formula and later through the food they eat.  

Nurturing a healthy balance of bacteria from a young age is incredibly important. These bacteria support good digestion, immune function, help with nutrient extraction from food and manufacture essential nutrients too. Current research is starting to link the gut bacteria to wider aspects of health including IBS, bowel cancer risk, obesity and even how you think and feel. It’s crucial therefore to nurture a healthy balance right from birth.

The composition of bacteria changes as we grow. A very young baby’s gut is predominantly made up of Bifidobacterium species of bacteria, and supplementation should therefore reflect this.  As a baby gorws up and weaning onto solid food begins, the composition of bacteria in the gut changes to include a wider variety of species and strains. At this point, a multi strain probiotic supplement including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus acidophilus species can be used to support a healthy balance of gut microflora.

Do babies need probiotics?

Current research suggests that probiotics may help with the management of allergies and relieve eczema symptoms. Supplementation with probiotics may also help to reduce the frequency and duration of diarrhea. Probiotic supplementation is particularly useful following antibiotic therapy in babies. In theory, probiotics are beneficial for infant colic, but evidence is currently limited in this area.

Probiotics are regarded as safe and well tolerated in normal, healthy infants and children. Good tolerance has also been observed in premature infants and very low birth weight babies.

Which baby probiotics should I use?

From 4 weeks onwards – Supplement with a dairy free powder formula containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 as this reflects the natural composition of bacteria in a newborn baby’s gut.

Once weaning starts – Supplement with a powder formula containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 & Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM as this is more reflective of the bacterial composition found in the gut once a baby is exposed to solid food.

How long do I need to give my baby probiotics?

The duration of baby probiotics supplementation can vary depending on individual needs and the specific health goals you are targeting. Generally, it is beneficial to continue supplementation during the early years of a child's development to support a healthy gut microbiome, particularly during and after events such as antibiotic treatments or digestive disturbances.

How long do baby probiotics take to work?

The effectiveness of baby probiotics can be influenced by several factors including the specific strains used and the individual baby's health condition. Some parents may notice improvements in their baby's digestive health and overall well-being within a few days to a couple of weeks of starting probiotics. However, for certain conditions, it might take longer to observe significant changes. Consistent use is key to achieving and maintaining the desired health benefits.

By nurturing a healthy balance of gut bacteria right from birth, you are laying the foundation for your baby’s overall health and well-being. Trust our science-backed, award-winning baby probiotics to support your baby's journey to optimal health.

This website and its content is copyright of Nutri Advanced ©. All rights reserved. See our terms & conditions for more detail.

Nutri Advanced has a thorough research process and for any references included, each source is scrutinised beforehand. We aim to use the highest value source where possible, referencing peer-reviewed journals and official guidelines in the first instance before alternatives. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate at time of publication on our editorial policy.