Vitamin D Probiotic Drops

Vitamin D Probiotic Drops

The 7 Best Baby Probiotics of 2021, According to a Dietitian

Keep your infant's digestive health in check

Updated on November 17, 2021

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Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

Probiotics are talked about everywhere these days, and you may be wondering if your baby should be taking them. Simply put, probiotics may be beneficial for some babies and are likely safe for most. The research is not conclusive about the benefits of probiotic supplementation for children, as different children will respond differently, depending on their condition as well as individual variability.

Some research suggests probiotics may help treat pre-term infants or children suffering from stomach inflammation, colic, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis, and prevent diarrhea from antibiotic use. However, it is important to better understand when this would be an appropriate treatment and which bacteria strains would be most beneficial.

There are many different bacteria strains in probiotic supplements, and different strains may be useful for different conditions. For example, strains of lactobacillus may be useful when caring for children with asthma and infants with colic. It is important to note that probiotics might be dangerous in immunocompromised, chronically debilitated, and certain seriously ill children.

But—you may still be wondering—what exactly are probiotics? Probiotics are "good" bacteria that are commonly put into supplements or found in fermented foods like kombucha and kimchi. Since the types of bacteria that live in your gut are associated with your health status, the goal of using probiotics is to improve health by adding more "good" bacteria to your gut. While this logic makes sense, research has shown mixed results. Probiotics are likely safe for most people and beneficial in specific cases, but the jury is still out on the benefits of probiotics for the general population.

Ultimately, it's best to consult with your pediatric healthcare provider to determine whether a probiotic is right for your baby and if so, which type.

Here, the best probiotics for babies.

Our Top Picks

Free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and silicone dioxide, its unique probiotic blend may help ease colic and digestion.

A solid pick to boost baby gut bacteria, the drops are easy to dispense and work best with cold liquids.

Created with lactation expertise, it's designed to help with occasional diarrhea and constipation, and is suitable for newborns.

Perfect for breastfed babies, the 2-in-1 supplement can be combined with your baby's formula or inserted into their mouth.

Proven to reduce crying time from colic in infants, the drops are free of GMOs and are ideal for younger babies.

Made from vegan and organic ingredients, the multipurpose spray works to relieve eczema and even diaper rash and bug bites.

The powder supplement is easily dissolved into milk or formula at room temperature and contains three strains of bacteria.

Pros

• Contains bacteria BB-12 to ease colic

• Lacks artificial sweeteners, flavors, and silicone dioxide

• Can simply add to baby's bottle

Cons

• Might cause constipation in some babies

Enfamil, the trusted formula brand recommended by pediatricians, makes a dual probiotic supplement to help your little one's digestion. These top-quality drops have a unique probiotic blend, combining Bifidobacterium animalis lactis (BB-12) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) cultures to create a highly effective and safe supplement. Unlike other products on the market, Enfamil's Dual Probiotics are free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and silicone dioxide, ensuring that your baby is getting the beneficial bacteria without a ton of additives.

A clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that probiotics may help ease colic and digestion, improve Helicobacter pylori infections, and prevent atopic eczema in infants. Enfamil makes it easy to offer your baby these benefits, only requiring six drops per day, given by spoon or simply added to a baby's bottle. They're great for bottle or breast-fed babies and are recommended for babies from birth to 12 months.

Quantity: Pack of 3 | Daily Dosage: 6 drops | Type: Liquid | Age Rec: 0-12 months old

Pros

• No GMOs, artificial colors, dairy, or soy

• BPA-free packaging

• Restores infant digestive system

Cons

• Can contain trace amounts of dairy

• Might not be effective for some babies

BioGaia Probiotics drops are a family-favorite, especially amongst moms looking to boost their baby gut bacteria. Each serving of 5 drops contains 100 million CFU (colony forming units) of Lactobacillus reuteri, one of the most clinically studied probiotics for infants.

The drops are easy to dispense and come in a small, convenient container. Simply shake the bottle well for 10 seconds before each use, then give the drops by spoon. If you're looking for a combination vitamin D and probiotic supplement, BioGaia also offers the Protectis baby drops with vitamin D.

Quantity: 1 pack | Daily Dosage: 5 drops | Type: Liquid | Age Rec: 1 year old and up

Good to Know

Note that probiotics are live bacteria and may be sensitive to heat. To preserve the beneficial bacteria, avoid mixing heat-sensitive probiotics into a warm bottle of formula or breastmilk.

Pros

• Created with lactation expertise

• Contains LGG, one of the most clinically studied probiotics

• Free of artificial colors and flavors and harmful chemicals

• Unique microencapsulation process travels safely to gut

Cons

• Might not be effective for some babies

If you're looking for an affordable yet effective probiotic for babies, try these drops from Mommy's Bliss. Designed to help with occasional diarrhea, gas, and constipation, the formula contains LGG, one of the most clinically studied strains of probiotics. (However, studies on infant probiotic usage overall are limited.)

Each bottle contains 30 servings, which can be added to a bottle or given via the dropper. The gentle formula is appropriate for newborns and doesn't contain any artificial colors, flavors, or harmful chemicals.

Mommy's Bliss is known for producing high-quality, holistic, and family-friendly supplements. The family-run company was created by a mother of three children who worked as a midwife, nurse, and lactation consultant but wanted to share her passion for wellness with other families.

Quantity: 1 pack | Daily Dosage: 5 drops | Type: Liquid | Age Rec: Newborns and up

Pros

• Easy to use and dispense in mouths

• Contains LGG and BB-12 for acute diarrhea

• Has DHA for brain and eye development

Cons

• Slightly thick drops

• A bit more expensive

Perfect for breastfed babies, this probiotic is designed to supplement all that good nutrition and natural probiotics present in breast milk. Each serving contains 2.5 billion CFUs probiotics, plus 400 IU of vitamin D, which the AAP recommends for breastfed babies.

The 2-in-1 supplement is easy to use. Combine these drops with your baby's bottle, insert the dropper in the mouth, or place the drops on your nipple before you feed. They're designed for babies from birth to 12 months.

This product contains LGG and BB-12, two strains of bacteria that have been studied to treat acute diarrhea. A small study showed that Bifidobacterium lactis probiotics significantly decreased the frequency and duration of diarrhea for children hospitalized with acute diarrhea. In addition to diarrhea, the supplement may help to calm a variety of tummy troubles, including gas, bloating, and constipation.

Quantity: 1 pack | Daily Dosage: 5 drops | Type: Drops | Age Rec: 0-12 months old

Good to Know

It's important to note that formula-fed babies who are receiving 32 ounces per day of standard vitamin-D fortified formula do not generally need additional vitamin D. Speak with your pediatrician to decide whether a probiotic or probiotic plus vitamin D supplement may be more appropriate for your child. In general, the 2-in-1 vitamin D and probiotics supplements may be most beneficial for babies who are primarily breastfed or babies who are not consuming 32 ounces of fortified formula per day.

Pros

• Contains L. reuteri, research-proven to lower spit-ups

• No GMOs

• Reduces crying time up to 50 percent

Cons

• Doesn't contain vitamin D

• A bit more expensive

• Might not be ideal for older babies

Colic is generally defined as excessive crying in babies with no apparent cause, and while there's no cure, there are things that may help, like these probiotic colic drops from Gerber. The strain of bacteria used in the colic formula (L. reuteri) has been found in research studies to reduce crying time in infants with colic.

Colic generally begins during the second week of life, peaks at 6 weeks, and then resolves by approximately 3 months, so a supplement that soothes a baby by helping relieve gas and improve sleep may be priceless for many parents. If you're looking for a probiotic supplement with vitamin D or for older babies, Gerber makes a variety of products to meet your needs.

Quantity: 1 pack | Daily Dosage: 5 drops | Type: Drops | Age Rec: 0-12 months old

Pros

• Easy skin application for finicky babies

• Free of harmful chemicals

• Made from 100 percent vegan, organic ingredients

• For babies and children of all ages

Cons

• Might not be effective for some babies

While most probiotics for babies come in drops or powders formulated for ingestion, topical probiotic sprays such as this one from BabyBiotics may help provide relief from eczema and prevent it from recurring. Free of harmful chemicals, the multipurpose spray contains only purified water and probiotics. It's also made from 100% vegan and organic ingredients.

BabyBiotics Probiotics Spray is safe for children of all ages, starting from birth. To use, you simply spray it on the affected area and let it dry. It may improve other skin conditions too, including diaper rash, cradle cap, and bug bites.

While this probiotic spray may have beneficial effects, there is very limited research on the topical use of probiotics, especially in babies.

Quantity: 1 pack | Daily Dosage: 1-2 times or as needed | Type: Spray | Age Rec: All ages

Pros

• Easy-dissolving application into milk or formula

• Contains three strains of bacteria for effectiveness

• Vegan

• Free of the eight major allergens and GMOs

Cons

• Doesn't contain additional bacteria strains

A powder supplement is an easy way to add probiotics to your baby's diet with less mess than typical liquid products. LoveBug Tiny Tummies infant probiotics are formulated especially for babies from birth to six months.

The flavorless powder comes in convenient single-serve packets that are easy to dissolve into expressed milk or formula at room temperature. The proprietary probiotic blend contains three strains of bacteria, including Bifidum infantis, Bifidum lactis, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

LoveBug Probiotics also makes products for babies and toddlers that contain higher amounts of probiotics and additional strains of bacteria depending on the age of the child.

Quantity: 1 pack | Daily Dosage: 1 stick pack | Type: Stick | Age Rec: 0-6 months old

Final Verdict

If you're looking for an excellent all-around probiotic for your baby, try Enfamil's Infant Probiotics Dual Probiotics (view at Amazon) to support your baby's immune and digestive health.

What to Look for in Probiotics for Babies

In general:

It's important to note that studies of how probiotics affect specific markers of health, such as improved digestion and skin health in infants, are still being conducted, and despite positive anecdotal evidence and reports, there is very little definitive research supporting the use of probiotics in babies. As always, discuss probiotic supplementation with your child's pediatrician before adding a product to your routine. It's also important to choose a high-quality, trusted brand to ensure that you are giving your baby a safe and effective product.

Safety:

Before you buy probiotics, it's important to know that in the United States, probiotics are typically classified as dietary supplements, meaning they are not strictly regulated. To ensure safety, look for supplements that have been certified by an independent body like the U.S. Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab, or NSF International. Always speak with your child's healthcare provider to ensure that probiotics are appropriate for their individual needs.

Form:

Liquid is usually the easiest form to give to babies. Liquid probiotic supplements can mix easily into bottles, be given from the dropper, or put directly onto the nipple for breastfed babies. Powder is also an option, but be sure to mix the product thoroughly. Spray may be used topically, but there is limited evidence to support this form of probiotics.

FAQs

Which strain of probiotics and how many CFUs should the product contain?

It's important to consider the strain and CFU (colony forming units or number of probiotics) when choosing a probiotic supplement. Certain strains of bacteria may be beneficial for specific health concerns.

Three common strains used in baby probiotics include L. reuteri, B. infantis, and B. bifidum. L. reuteri is commonly found in probiotics for babies, as some studies have shown that it can improve colic and reflux. B. infantis may help reduce inflammation in the gut in breastfed babies. B. bifidum is one of the first strains of bacteria found in a baby's gut and may help build immunity. Consult with your child's healthcare practitioner to decide which strain and how many CFU is appropriate for their age and size.

What is the best time of day to give my baby probiotics?

Always speak with your infant's pediatrician about when—and if—it is appropriate to give your child probiotics. There is not one recommended time, but in general, the morning with the first bottle or feeding is best so that you can observe any potential adverse reactions throughout the day.

What the Experts Say

"Probiotics are essential to the development of healthy gut microbiota - and that starts at birth. Supplemental probiotics are not necessary for breastfed babies as breastmilk contains both pre and probiotics. However, if you are looking to increase your baby's probiotic intake and provide the 400 IU supplemental vitamin D recommended for breastfed babies, try Culturelle Baby Grow + Thrive Probiotics and Vitamin D drops.

If your baby is not breastfed, check your formula to see if it contains probiotics - if not, it may be beneficial to add one like Enfamil Infant Probiotics Dual Probiotics. As with any supplement, consult your pediatrician before adding a probiotic to your baby's diet." — Anne Cook Carroll, MS, RDN

Why Trust Verywell Family?

A personal note on my recommendations written above. As a dietitian, I am careful to recommend supplements, especially for babies. I spent time reviewing the most current research on probiotic supplementation for infants, and I looked at multiple brands and products. I believe the supplements in the round-up are made by trusted brands that are devoted to product purity and are composed of high-quality ingredients. —Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN

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Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-baby-probiotics-4586788