Best Probiotics For Kids (2026 Guide)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.I’ve known about the benefits of probiotics for adults for some time, but only started considering them for my kids after they started preschool and came home sick all the time! I was skeptical at first, but after hours of research and trying over 20 different supplements, I realized that high quality probiotics with the right strains actually made a difference in both of my kids’ gut health.
Probiotics aren’t necessary for every kid, but they can make a real difference for children who struggle with digestive issues, need immune support, or are taking antibiotics. The challenge? Finding a high-quality probiotic without added sugar, artificial colors, or cheap strains that don’t actually work.
After testing dozens of options with my own kids and spending over 50 hours researching strains, CFUs, and ingredient quality, I’ve narrowed it down to the 9 best probiotics for kids available today.
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Top Picks: Best Probiotics For Kids
Here’s my at-a-glance view of the best kids probiotic brands for different needs:
- Best Overall: Hiya Probiotics
- Best for Infants: Bobbie Organic Probiotic Drops
- Best Powder: LoveBug Probiotics (note: LoveBug also has a chewable)
- Best Refrigerated: Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Kids
- Best Gummies: Llama Naturals Pre & Probiotic Gummies
- Best Budget: NOW BerryDophilus Kids
- Best Organic Liquid: Mary Ruth’s Kids Liquid Probiotic
- Best for Teens: Truvani Probiotics
- Best for Toddlers: Hiya Probiotics
Disclaimer & Methodology
I’m a board-certified health coach and nutritionist, but I’m not a medical doctor. This post is based on 50+ hours of research, consultations with pediatric experts, going through peer-reviewed studies, and personal experience with my own children, but it’s for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace advice from your pediatrician.
Every child is different. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, especially if your child has allergies, digestive issues, or special medical needs.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve researched, evaluated, and would feel comfortable giving to my own children.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms (good bacteria and yeast) that live in your digestive tract and support gut health. You always have both good and bad bacteria in your body, but when the balance tips toward bad bacteria (from illness, antibiotics, or poor diet), your immune system and digestion can suffer.
Probiotics help restore that balance by:
- Supporting healthy digestion
- Strengthening the immune system
- Reducing inflammation
- Producing vitamins for the body
- Protecting against harmful bacteria
The collection of bacteria in your gut is called your “microbiome,” and keeping it balanced is essential for overall health.
Do Kids Actually Need Probiotics?
Not every child needs a probiotic supplement. Most healthy kids who eat a balanced diet with probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods) don’t need additional supplementation.
Your child might benefit from probiotics if they:
- Are taking antibiotics (or recently finished a course)
- Struggle with constipation, diarrhea, or digestive issues
- Have frequent stomach bugs or get sick often
- Suffer from eczema or food sensitivities
- Have IBS or other chronic digestive conditions
- Are picky eaters with limited diets
- Attend daycare or preschool (higher exposure to illness)
When both of my kids were under the age of 4, I only gave them probiotics when they were on antibiotics. But as they got older, went to school, and ended up getting sick more often, I switched to giving them probiotics daily – and over time I can say they’ve made a noticeable difference.
Are Probiotics Safe For Kids?
Yes, probiotics are generally safe for healthy children. Research shows they’re well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
Who should NOT take probiotics:
- Immunocompromised children
- Children with serious illnesses (like cancer)
- Premature infants (without doctor approval)
Possible mild side effects include: Gas, bloating, or mild digestive changes (usually temporary). These side effects typically resolve within a few days as your child’s body adjusts. My kids didn’t have any side effects when they started probiotics.
What To Look For
Through my research, I came up with this guide for how to choose a probiotic for your child. Here’s my list of what matters most:
- CFU count: Look for at least 2-5 billion CFUs minimum. Higher CFU counts (10-15 billion) can be beneficial but aren’t always necessary.
- Multiple strains: Different probiotic strains do different things. I like to look for products with 2-10+ strains for comprehensive benefits.
- Third-party testing: I recommend choosing brands tested for purity and potency by independent labs. This ensures what’s on the label is actually in the bottle.
- Age-appropriate: Check the recommended age range. Some probiotics are designed for infants (0-12 months), toddlers (1-3 years), or older kids (4+).
- Form factor: Choose a form your child will actually take – chewables, gummies, powder, or liquid drops. I like chewables the best because they’re easy to travel with and also won’t stick to my kids’ teeth.
- Clean ingredients: Avoid added sugar, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and unnecessary fillers or stabilizers.
- Storage requirements: Some probiotics need refrigeration, others are shelf-stable. Choose what works for your lifestyle. Shelf-stable is what I typically go for!
What To Avoid In Kids’ Probiotics
While no supplement is perfect, the 9 probiotics I’ve chosen in this guide come pretty close. And when choosing them, this was my list of non-negotiables:
🚫 Added sugar (many gummies are loaded with it)
🚫 Artificial sweeteners
🚫 Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, etc.)
🚫 Artificial flavors
🚫 Preservatives and stabilizers (carrageenan, gums)
🚫 Cheap or ineffective strains
🚫 Products without third-party testing
Best Probiotic Strains For Kids
I learned that not all probiotic strains are equal. Different strains target different health concerns:
- L. rhamnosus GG: The most researched strain for kids. Reduces antibiotic-associated diarrhea, supports immunity, may help with eczema.
- L. acidophilus: Prevents and reduces diarrhea, improves IBS symptoms, supports immune function.
- B. lactis: Improves immunity and digestion, helps with constipation and diarrhea, reduces lactose intolerance symptoms.
- B. longum: Boosts immunity, reduces infection severity, supports gut health and IBS symptoms.
- L. reuteri: Helps with colic in infants, reduces crying episodes, supports digestive comfort.
- S. boulardii: A beneficial yeast (not bacteria) that protects the gut lining and prevents diarrhea.
- L. plantarum: Fights harmful intestinal bacteria, eases bloating, supports iron absorption.
The best probiotics for kids contain multiple strains to address various aspects of gut and immune health.
The 9 Best Probiotics For Kids
I’ve tested these with my own kids and evaluated them based on ingredient quality, strain diversity, CFU count, third-party testing, and value. Here are my top picks:
1. Hiya Probiotics
Why I Love It: Hiya is formulated by pediatricians with 10 billion CFUs and 3 carefully selected strains for childhood immunity and gut health. They arrive fresh each month in a reusable glass bottle that kids can decorate. My kids loved decorating their bottles! No sugar, shelf-stable, and optimized specifically for kids ages 2+. This is my top pick for toddlers and kids age 2-12, but honestly I’ve recommended this to teens too and have heard good feedback!
Form: Chewable tablets (on Hiya’s website) or a powder (on Amazon)
Price: $30 for 30-day supply
Age: 2 years and up
CFUs: 10 billion
Strains: 3
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 10 billion CFUs (one of the highest for kids) | No major cons, just keep in mind Hiya is not for infants – is meant for kids age 2+ |
| Contains prebiotic fiber | |
| Zero added sugar | |
| Shelf-stable | |
| Non-GMO, dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free | |
| Clean Label Project Certified | |
| Reusable glass bottle (sustainable) | |
| Can be found via subscription (on Hiya’s website) or on Amazon |
2. Bobbie Organic Probiotic Drops
Why I Love It: Bobbie is one of my favorite brands because they are committed to creating super clean products for infants aged 0-12 months and their probiotic drops are no exception! These USDA organic drops are designed specifically for infants 0-12 months to support colic, gut health, and immune development. Bobbie includes 2 pediatrician-recommended strains clinically shown to reduce crying time and fussiness in these drops. They are Clean Label Project certified with no added ingredients, and are virtually tasteless so can be mixed into breast milk, formula, or baby food. If my kids were babies – I would absolutely be using these right now!
Form: Liquid drops
Price: $26 for 30-day supply
Age: 0-12 months (can be used for older kids with pediatrician guidance)
CFUs: 1 billion (5 drops)
Strains: 2
Also Good: Mary Ruth’s Infant Liquid Probiotic ($24.99 for 1-month supply) – Another excellent option for infants 0-12 months. Contains 2 strains (Pediococcus pentosaceus and Bifidobacterium longum) with 1 billion CFU per serving. USDA organic, vegan, allergen-free, and incredibly affordable. Unflavored drops can be mixed into bottles or food.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA organic | Need to switch to different product after 12 months |
| Designed for infants from birth | Only available online |
| No fillers, colors, flavors, or preservatives | |
| Clinically studied strains for colic | |
| Clean Label certified | |
| Free of top 8 allergens |
3. LoveBug Probiotics
Why I Love It: LoveBug makes excellent probiotics for different age groups. They have two great options for kids:
- Powder (Ages 12 months – 4 years): This USDA organic powder contains 15 billion CFUs and 8 strains, one of the most comprehensive options for toddlers. It’s sugar-free, tasteless, and easy to mix into any food or drink. Award-winning formula with Gold Medal Mom’s Choice Award.
- Chewable Tablets (Ages 4+): These berry-flavored chewables contain 10 billion CFUs and 6 strains, including clinically studied L. rhamnosus GG. Sweetened with xylitol (tooth-friendly), they’re organic, sugar-free, and kids love the taste. Great for kids who can chew tablets but aren’t ready for capsules.
Form: Powder or chewable tablets
Price: $24.99 for powder (30-day supply), $23.49 for chewables (30-day supply)
Age: 12 months+ (powder), 4 years+ (chewables)
CFUs: 15 billion (powder), 10 billion (chewables)
Strains: 8 strains (powder), 6 strains (chewables)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powder has 15 billion CFUs and 8 diverse strains | Chewables only for ages 4+ |
| Chewables have 10 billion CFUs and 6 strains including L. rhamnosus GG | Powder must be mixed into foods/drinks |
| Both are USDA organic and sugar-free | |
| Powder is tasteless and easy to mix | |
| Chewables are naturally berry-flavored and kid-friendly | |
| Non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free, allergen-free | |
| Age-specific options available | |
| More affordable than some other options on this list |
4. Garden Of Life RAW Probiotics Kids
Why I Love It: This powder contains 23 raw organic fruits and vegetables plus 5 probiotic strains. Before I found Hiya, I was using this for my kids. The mild banana flavor makes it easy to blend into smoothies, oatmeal, or breast milk/formula. It’s suitable for ages 3 months through teenagers (just adjust dosing). Certified organic, gluten-free, and free of sugar, soy, and fillers. Excellent value at $22 for a 2-month supply.
Form: Powder
Price: $23.09 for 2-month supply
Age: 3 months and up
CFUs: 5 billion
Strains: 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains 23 raw organic fruits and vegetables | Some kids don’t like banana flavor |
| Certified organic | Requires refrigeration |
| Very affordable | |
| Wide age range (3 months to teens) | |
| Can be mixed into food or drinks | |
| No sugar, soy, or fillers |
5. Llama Naturals Kids Pre & Probiotic Gummies
Why I Love It: One of the few gummy probiotics that’s actually healthy! Made with real fruit, 100% organic, no added sugar or sweeteners, and includes both prebiotics and probiotics. My kids love the taste and it’s one of the most affordable options at $22 for 30-60 days.
Form: Gummies
Price: $16.99 for 30-60 day supply
Age: 2 years and up
CFUs: 2 billion
Strains: 2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Organic, non-GMO, vegan | Lower CFU count than some options (2 billion) |
| No artificial colors or flavors | Gummies still stick to teeth (make sure your kids brush after!) |
| Includes prebiotics + probiotics | |
| Kids love the taste | |
| Very affordable | |
| Shelf-stable |
6. NOW BerryDophilus Kids
Why I Love It: This budget-friendly option contains 10 probiotic strains, includes 1 prebiotic, and is sweetened with xylitol (won’t harm teeth). It’s GMP certified and has no artificial ingredients. At $10.40 for 60 days, it’s the most affordable option on this list while still maintaining quality.
Form: Chewable tablets
Price: $10.40 for 60-day supply
Age: 2 years and up
CFUs: 2 billion
Strains: 10
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 10 probiotic strains | Lower CFU count (2 billion) |
| Very affordable | |
| Sweetened with xylitol (tooth-friendly) | |
| GMP Quality Assured | |
| Shelf-stable | |
| Includes prebiotics (FOS) |
7. Mary Ruth’s Kids Liquid Probiotic
Why I Love It: This 100% organic liquid probiotic is designed for kids ages 1+ with 13 strains selected for digestion and immune support. It’s unflavored, making it easy to add to any drink or food without kids noticing. The MCT oil base improves stability, so no refrigeration needed. I appreciate that this probiotic is actually created for the whole family – just adjust the dose and it’ll work for any age!
Form: Liquid drops
Price: $23.96 for 40-160 servings (depending on age)
Age: 1 year and up
CFUs: 2 billion per 2mL serving
Strains: 13
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Organic and non-GMO | Lower CFU count (2 billion) |
| Vegan and gluten-free | |
| Unflavored and easy to add to food/drinks | |
| Very affordable | |
| MCT oil base for stability (no refrigeration) | |
| 13 strains | |
| Formulated for the whole family |
8. Truvani Probiotics
Why I Love It: This is my top pick for teenagers (and adults can take it too!) It contains 15 billion CFUs and 15 probiotic strains, the most comprehensive formula on this list. It comes in capsules that are easy to swallow (but can be opened and mixed into food if needed). It’s also non-GMO with no artificial ingredients and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Form: Capsules
Price: $29.99 for 30-day supply
Age: 12 years and up
CFUs: 15 billion
Strains: 15
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 15 billion CFUs and 15 strains (most comprehensive) | Only in capsule form |
| Vegan, non-GMO | Not for young children |
| No artificial ingredients | Higher price point |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | |
| Capsules can be opened to mix into food |
9. Renew Life Kids Ultimate Flora Probiotic
Why I Love It: These berry-flavored chewables taste great and help with digestive balance and immunity. They are sugar-free, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free with no artificial flavors or preservatives, and are tested multiple times for purity. They’re also a good option for kids with constipation since it includes B. lactis.
Form: Chewable tablets
Price: $29.99 for 2-month supply
Age: 2 years and up
CFUs: 3 billion
Strains: 6
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Shelf-stable | Lower CFU count than some options |
| Affordable | |
| 60-day money-back guarantee | |
| Gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, soy-free | |
| Allergen-friendly |
Probiotics vs. Prebiotics: What’s the Difference?
While both can come from either food or supplements, there’s one major difference:
- Probiotics are the good bacteria that live in your gut. They’re found in foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, pickles, tempeh.
- Prebiotics are the food that probiotics eat (fiber). They’re found in foods like whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans, artichokes.
Many high-quality supplements include both prebiotics and probiotics for maximum benefit.
When To Give Probiotics To Kids
I always give my kids their probiotics in the morning, with their breakfast. But really, anytime you can remember to give it to your kids is a good time to do it! The main thing to keep in mind is consistency: daily use is most effective. Probiotics work best when taken consistently over time.
One tip: If your child is taking antibiotics, give probiotics at least 2 hours apart from the antibiotic dose.
Probiotic-Rich Foods For Kids
I try to give my kids probiotic-rich foods daily, so if we forget their supplement here or there, it doesn’t matter! You really can’t have too many probiotic rich foods in your child’s diet anyway! Some of my favorite go-to options include:
- Plain yogurt with live active cultures (no added sugar). I mix plain Greek yogurt with berries for my kids and they don’t even realize they’re getting probiotics!
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi (mild versions for kids)
- Miso
- Pickles (fermented, not just vinegar-brined)
- Sourdough bread
- Tempeh
- Certain cheeses (with live cultures)
FAQs
Do kids need probiotics daily?
Not every child needs daily probiotics, talk to your pediatrician about what might be best for your child. Focus on probiotic-rich foods first. Supplements are helpful for picky eaters, kids on antibiotics, or children with digestive issues.
Are gummy probiotics good for kids?
It depends. Many gummy probiotics are loaded with sugar and have low CFU counts. However, high-quality options like Llama Naturals (no added sugar, organic ingredients) can be just as effective as other forms.
How do I give probiotics to toddlers?
For toddlers who can’t swallow pills, use powder or liquid probiotics mixed into food or drinks. You can also use chewable tablets (not hard gummies) that are easy for them to chew.
Can Probiotics Help With Constipation or Colic?
Yes! Research shows probiotics can help with both:
For constipation: Look for strains containing B. lactis or L. reuteri. These have been shown to improve regularity and reduce constipation in children.
For colic: L. reuteri DSM 17938 has been clinically shown to reduce crying time and colic episodes in infants. A JAMA study found probiotics help reduce spit-up, reflux, constipation, and colic.
Is it safe to buy probiotics online?
Yes! All the probiotics in this guide are either shelf-stable or shipped cold to maintain quality.
Final Thoughts
Probiotics can be a helpful tool for supporting your child’s digestive and immune health, especially during illness, after antibiotics, or for kids with ongoing digestive issues. The key is choosing a high-quality product with researched strains, adequate CFUs, and clean ingredients.
My top overall pick is Hiya Probiotics for kids ages 2+ because of the high CFU count, clean ingredients, and kid-friendly chewable format. For infants, I recommend Bobbie Organic Probiotic Drops for their clean formula and clinically-studied strains.
I hope this guide has helped you to find the best probiotics for your kids! And if you have any questions, leave a comment below because I respond to every single question I get!
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How about Hyperbiotics Pro-Kids?
Hi Ashlee! Hyperbiotics Pro-Kids is good, but it only contains 3 billion CFUs, so that’s why I recommend one of the other probiotics on this list instead. Hope that helps!
My family uses LoveBug Probiotics and they have been amazing for our son that had colic. As he’s gotten older we have continued to use their probiotics. Should be on the list with their clean ingredients. They have probiotics from infants to adults.
Thanks so much for the tip Miranda – LoveBug looks great and I have added them to this list!
DO YOU RECOMMEND MOMMY’S BLISS PROBIOTICS OR BIOGAIA PROBITOICS? I’M LOOKING FOR ONES TO GIVE MY 5 WEEK OLD AND THESE CAN BE GIVEN TO THIS AGE RANGE.
Hi Erica! Yes for babies that young, either Mommy’s Bliss or BioGaia would work! For older kids I recommend one of the probiotics on my list since there is only one strain of probiotics included in both Mommy’s Bliss and BioGaia which wouldn’t be enough for a toddler or older child. Hope that helps!