best probiotic for infants and babies

# Best Probiotics for Infants and Babies Based on current research and expert recommendations, here are the top options: ## Most Studied Strains **Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938** is the gold standard for infant probiotics. This strain has the strongest evidence for: - [motherbabywellness.co](https://www.motherbabywellness.co/blog/best-baby-probiotics-top-picks-reviewed-by-a-perinatal-chiropractor-midwife) notes it's the most studied for colic, reflux, and spit-ups - Multiple randomized controlled trials show meaningful reductions in daily crying time - Recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics as promising for breastfed infants with colic ## Top Product Recommendations ### **Best Overall: BioGaia Baby Probiotic Drops** [biogaia.com](https://www.biogaia.com/products/protectis-baby-drops) offers drops containing L. reuteri DSM 17938, with: - Decades of clinical trial data - Dairy-free and gluten-free - Available with added Vitamin D - One drop per day, directly or mixed into milk ### **Best After Antibiotics: Culturelle Baby Calm & Comfort** [thebump.com](https://www.thebump.com/a/probiotics-during-infancy) highlights that **Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG** has the strongest evidence for reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhea—preventing one case for every nine children treated with antibiotics. ### **Best for Microbiome Building: Evivo Infant Probiotic** Contains **Bifidobacterium infantis EVC001**, the dominant bacterium in breastfed infants' guts. Backed by compelling microbiome research showing it: - Reduces gut inflammation - Shifts microbiome toward healthy breastfed patterns - Especially beneficial for C-section babies ### **Best Multi-Strain: Lovebug Infant Probiotic Drops** [lovebug.com](https://lovebug.com/products/baby-probiotic-drops-a-b) combines L. rhamnosus GG and B. lactis with: - 5 billion CFU per serving - USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, sugar-free - Good for formula-fed and bottle-fed babies ## Safety Considerations **Important warnings from [thebump.com](https://www.thebump.com/a/probiotics-during-infancy):** - **For preterm infants**: The FDA warned in October 2023 about potential risks. Consult your pediatrician first. - **For full-term infants**: Generally safe, but verify quality—buy from reputable brands with verified sourcing - Immunosuppressed infants should not take probiotics - Avoid online purchases from unverified sources ## When Probiotics Help Research shows benefits for: - **Colic**: L. reuteri reduces crying time by about 50% - **Antibiotic-associated diarrhea**: L. rhamnosus GG most effective - **Rotavirus diarrhea**: L. rhamnosus may reduce duration by up to 24 hours - **Allergy/eczema prevention**: B. infantis shows promise Always consult your pediatrician before starting any probiotic supplement for your infant.

# Best Probiotics for Infants and Babies Based on current research and expert recommendations, here are the top options for baby probiotics: ## Top Picks by Use ### Best Overall: BioGaia Baby Probiotic Drops [biogaia.com](https://www.biogaia.com/products/protectis-baby-drops) offers the gold standard for infant probiotics. The key benefits include: - **Strain**: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (also called Limosilactobacillus reuteri) - **Best for**: Colic, reflux, and spit-ups - **Evidence**: Most studied probiotic strain for infant colic with multiple randomized controlled trials showing meaningful reductions in daily crying time - **Features**: Dairy-free, gluten-free, one drop per day, available with Vitamin D - **Age**: Newborn and up According to research, L. reuteri DSM 17938 results in approximately 45-56 minutes of daily crying time reduction in breastfed infants with colic. ### Best for Antibiotic Recovery: Culturelle Baby Calm & Comfort - **Strain**: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG - **Best for**: Reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in young children - **Evidence**: Strongest evidence base of any probiotic strain for this condition - **Additional benefits**: Reduces eczema risk, supports GI illness recovery - **Format**: Easy drop format - **Usage**: Start during or immediately after antibiotics for 2-4 weeks ### Best for Building Healthy Microbiome:

# Best Probiotics for Infants and Babies Based on current research and expert recommendations, here are the top-performing probiotic strains and products for babies: ## Most Effective Strains ### **Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938** (Most Studied) [motherbabywellness.co](https://www.motherbabywellness.co/blog/best-baby-probiotics-top-picks-reviewed-by-a-perinatal-chiropractor-midwife) identifies this as "the most studied probiotic strain for infant colic, reflux, and spit-ups." Key benefits include: - Multiple randomized controlled trials showing meaningful reductions in daily crying time - Used in neonatal intensive care units worldwide - Recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as a promising option for breastfed infants with colic According to [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8308463/), research shows L. reuteri DSM 17938 can achieve a **50% or greater reduction in crying time** in breastfed colicky infants. ### **Bifidobacterium infantis EVC001** Naturally the dominant bacterium in breastfed infant guts, this strain: - Digests HMOs from breastmilk - Supports gut barrier integrity and reduces inflammation - Associated with reduced eczema and allergic disease rates - Especially beneficial for C-section babies or those who've had antibiotics ### **Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG** - Strongest evidence for reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in young children - Reduces eczema risk - Supports recovery from GI illness ## Top Product Recommendations ### **Best Overall: BioGaia Baby Probiotic Drops** [

**There is no single "best" probiotic for all infants and babies**, as recommendations are highly strain-specific, depend on the baby's age, feeding method (breastfed vs. formula-fed), and specific issues (e.g., colic, diarrhea, or general gut support), and evidence varies. Always consult your pediatrician before starting any probiotic, as they can assess individual needs and safety.[[1]](https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/126/6/1217/65014/Probiotics-and-Prebiotics-in-Pediatrics) ### Key Evidence-Based Findings - **For infantile colic (most common use case)**: *Lactobacillus reuteri* DSM 17938 (found in BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotic Drops) has the strongest supporting evidence from a 2018 individual participant data meta-analysis. It significantly reduces crying/fussing time in **breastfed** infants (number needed to treat around 2.6 for treatment success at 21 days), but results are inconclusive or less effective in formula-fed infants.[[2]](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29279326/)[[3]](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8308463/) - **Other strains with evidence**: - *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* GG (LGG, in products like Culturelle): Helps prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea and may reduce eczema risk in some cases. It is one of the most studied strains overall.[[4]](https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0401/p849) - *Bifidobacterium infantis* (e.g., Evivo

**There is no single "best" probiotic for all infants and babies**, as recommendations depend on the specific issue (e.g., colic, antibiotic-associated diarrhea), the baby's health status (term vs. preterm, breastfed vs. formula-fed), and individual factors. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend routine use of probiotics for healthy term infants due to insufficient evidence of broad clinical benefits, though certain strains show promise for targeted conditions.[[1]](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Probiotics-in-Infant-Formula.aspx) ### Key AAP Stance and Evidence Overview - **Routine use discouraged**: Adding probiotics to infant formula has not been shown to be harmful for healthy term babies, but evidence of meaningful benefits is lacking, so they are not routinely advised.[[2]](https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0401/p849) - **Preterm infants**: Extra caution is advised; the AAP does not support routine probiotic use, especially in very low birth weight babies, due to conflicting safety and efficacy data.[[3]](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Caution-in-Use-of-Probiotics-in-Preterm-Infants.aspx) - **Safety**: Probiotics appear generally safe and well-tolerated in healthy infants, but they are not regulated like drugs. Always choose reputable, third-party tested products and consult a pediatrician first, particularly for newborns or babies with health conditions.[[4]](https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/126/6/1217/65014/Probiotics-and-Prebiotics-in-Pediatrics) Evidence is strongest for certain strains in specific scenarios (e.g., reducing crying time in colicky babies with *Lactobacillus reuteri*). Results vary across studies, and benefits are not guaranteed for every child. ### Commonly Recommended/Studied Options Popular, evidence-backed choices often highlighted in reviews include: - **

**There is no single “best” probiotic for infants and babies, as routine use is not strongly recommended by major pediatric organizations for healthy term infants, and evidence is condition-specific.** Always consult your pediatrician before giving any probiotic supplement, as products are dietary supplements (not strictly regulated like drugs), quality and strains vary, and safety data are limited—especially in vulnerable infants.[[1]](https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/126/6/1217/65014/Probiotics-and-Prebiotics-in-Pediatrics)[[2]](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Probiotics-in-Infant-Formula.aspx) ### Key Guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - The AAP’s 2010 clinical report (reaffirmed in 2021) notes modest evidence that certain probiotics can shorten acute viral gastroenteritis diarrhea by about 1 day in healthy children and may help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea.[[1]](https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/126/6/1217/65014/Probiotics-and-Prebiotics-in-Pediatrics)[[3]](https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0401/p849) - Human breast milk is the best source of beneficial bacteria and prebiotics (oligosaccharides) for infants; no strong evidence supports routinely adding probiotics to infant formula for healthy term babies.[[2]](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Probiotics-in-Infant-Formula.aspx) - For **preterm infants** (especially those <1,000 g birth weight), the AAP advises against routine probiotic use due to inconsistent efficacy data and rare but serious risks like probiotic-related sepsis.[[4]](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Caution-in-Use-of-Probiotics-in-Preterm-Infants.aspx) ### Evidence for Common Uses **Infantile colic (excessive crying/fussing):** Several meta-analyses and reviews support *Lactobacillus reuteri* DSM 17938 (e.g., in