Baby probiotics can replenish healthy flora in the digestive tract, boost immune function, and prevent problems like constipation, gas, and diarrhea. They are not necessary for breastfed infants and can be expensive and hard to find. Most formulas contain prebiotics.
Baby probiotics are beneficial for many babies, especially those who are fed infant formula. They replenish healthy flora in the digestive tract that can help boost immune function and prevent problems like constipation, gas, and diarrhea when used correctly. Most brands are also convenient to use and can be mixed right into baby formula or food. Despite these benefits, baby probiotics are not right for everyone. They can be expensive and hard to find, and they don’t benefit all babies equally.
One of the main advantages of baby probiotics is that they help maintain the baby’s natural intestinal flora. When a baby consumes cow’s milk or soy-based formula, new bacteria can be introduced into the stomach. This can affect the function of the immune system, since much of the baby’s immunities are in the digestive tract, as well as cause conditions such as constipation. Giving daily doses of beneficial bacteria helps keep pathogens in check.
Breastfed infants generally do not benefit from infant probiotic supplements. Plain human milk contains antibodies and beneficial bacteria from the mother’s own body to keep harmful bacteria at bay. There is also less risk of spreading pathogens because nothing artificial is added to the baby’s diet while exclusively breastfed. Probiotics can be beneficial if formulas or solids are added or once the child is weaned.
Most baby probiotics are easy to use and are sometimes found pre-mixed with infant formula. When added separately, they usually come in powdered form and can be added to a bottle or baby food when the child is older. In many cases, the doses are already in small packets or capsules that can be opened and mixed with food without measuring. Dosage instructions are on the packaging.
Not all parents can afford the added expense of baby probiotics. Formulas containing them are also often more expensive than generic brands. Sometimes government assistance may be available to help cover the cost of infant feeding. Most formulas sold now, including many generic brands, contain substances called prebiotics, which are sugars or carbohydrates that help maintain a child’s natural digestive flora.
Individually sold baby probiotics can be hard for some parents to find. They are often not found in many mainstream grocery stores, and not everyone has easy access to a health food store. Most varieties can be ordered online, but this usually adds the additional cost of shipping.
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