Should I Give My Baby Probiotics?
Read time: 3 minutes
Why is gut health important for my baby?
The first 1000 days are a critical window for developing baby’s gut microbiome (the trillions of microorganisms living inside our intestinal tract).3
The development of the gut microbiome plays an important role in helping shape the immune system and has been linked to long-term health benefits.11 On the flip side, disruptions to the gut microbiota during this time may have lasting effects.3, 4
How do newborns develop their microbiome?
The primary colonization of an infant’s gut occurs at delivery when baby is exposed to mom’s vaginal microbiome.3 Babies born via C-section may have a different profile of their gut microbiome since they were not exposed to the vaginal canal.10
After delivery, other factors that contribute to the development of the gut microbiome include:
- Feeding methods such as breastfeeding or formula with probiotics
- Exposure to antibiotics
- Starting solid foods.3
Do you have questions about breastfeeding, formula feeding, or introducing solids? Our team of registered dietitian nutritionists, fellow moms, and lactation specialists are available from Monday – Friday 8 am – 6 pm (ET) on our free live chat to help figure out what may be going on. Chat now!
What are probiotics, and how can they benefit my baby?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide benefits.5
While research on probiotics in infants continues to evolve, existing evidence indicates that certain strains can support immune system development, digestive health, and the establishment of a healthy microbiome.
Sources of probiotics for babies include:
- Infant formulas fortified with probiotics
- Supplements like probiotic drops (always ask your pediatrician before starting)
- Yogurts that have added probiotics(6+ months)
Breastmilk contains live microorganisms that can affect the composition of baby’s intestinal microbiota, helping to form baby’s microbiome.7, 8, 9
When, and for how long, should I give my baby probiotics?
If you are considering giving your baby a probiotic supplement, always consult the pediatrician before starting. Discuss how to start, reasons for use, what strains might be helpful, how often and how much to give, potential side effects, and how long to give them for.
While we know the impact gut health can have on baby’s long-term health, the decision and reasons to give your baby probiotics are personal and not a one-size-fits-all. It’s important to seek professional medical advice from your baby’s doctor before starting any new regimen or supplement.
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For more on this topic, check out the following articles:
- Aziz T, Hussain N, Hameed Z, Lin L. Elucidating the role of diet in maintaining gut health to reduce the risk of obesity, cardiovascular and other age-related inflammatory diseases: recent challenges and future recommendations. Gut Microbes. 2024;16(1):2297864. doi:10.1080/19490976.2023.2297864. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2023.2297864
- Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F, Torreggiani E, Rotondo JC. Probiotics Mechanism of Action on Immune Cells and Beneficial Effects on Human Health. Cells. 2023;12(1):184. Published 2023 Jan 2. doi:10.3390/cells12010184. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12010184
- Pantazi AC, Balasa AL, Mihai CM, et al. Development of Gut Microbiota in the First 1000 Days after Birth and Potential Interventions. Nutrients. 2023;15(16):3647. Published 2023 Aug 20. doi:10.3390/nu15163647. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163647
- Gaufin T, Tobin NH, Aldrovandi GM. The importance of the microbiome in pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2018;30(1):117-124. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000000576. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOP.0000000000000576
- International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics. Isappsicence.org. Probiotics. Accessed 29 September 2025.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics. Healthychildren.org. Probiotics in Infant Formula. Accessed 30 September 2025.
- Notarbartolo V, Giuffrè M, Montante C, Corsello G, Carta M. Composition of Human Breast Milk Microbiota and Its Role in Children's Health. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2022;25(3):194-210. doi:10.5223/pghn.2022.25.3.194. https://doi.org/10.5223/pghn.2022.25.3.194
- Moossavi S, Miliku K, Sepehri S, Khafipour E, Azad MB. The Prebiotic and Probiotic Properties of Human Milk: Implications for Infant Immune Development and Pediatric Asthma. Front Pediatr. 2018;6:197. Published 2018 Jul 24. doi:10.3389/fped.2018.00197. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2018.00197
- Cheng J, Cho JH, Suh JW. Characterization of Human Breast Milk-Derived Limosilactobacillus reuteri MBHC 10138 with Respect to Purine Degradation, Anti-Biofilm, and Anti-Lipid Accumulation Activities. Antibiotics (Basel). 2024;13(10):964. Published 2024 Oct 12. doi:10.3390/antibiotics13100964. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13100964
- Inchingolo F, Inchingolo AD, Palumbo I, et al. The Impact of Cesarean Section Delivery on Intestinal Microbiota: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Perspectives-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(2):1055. Published 2024 Jan 15. doi:10.3390/ijms25021055. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021055
- Jarman JB, Torres PJ, Stromberg S, et al. Bifidobacterium deficit in United States infants drives prevalent gut dysbiosis. Commun Biol. 2025;8(1):867. Published 2025 Jun 24. doi:10.1038/s42003-025-08274-7 https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-08274-7
