12 Best Probiotics For Kids

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Probiotics can be one of the most natural, effective, and safest ways to boost your family’s digestive health and immunity. But how do you find the best probiotic for kids? In this helpful guide, you’ll find out what to look for (and what to avoid) when choosing a probiotic for your child. We’ll review the 12 best probiotics for kids, infants and even teenagers, in addition to answering all of your questions about probiotics, things to consider, where probiotics can naturally be found, and why your kids might benefit from them.

If you’re like most parents, the word “bacteria” might send you into a panic. Even a little infection can have huge consequences for your kids. So anything you can do to keep your kids healthy will probably be high on your list of priorities.

But it’s important to remember that not all bacteria are bad. In fact, we need certain types of good bacteria in our bodies in order to function at our best.

Research shows that having the right type of gut bacteria can improve digestive function, reduce gastrointestinal issues, and boost immunity (for both adults and kids!) A healthy gut flora may also promote weight loss, enhance skin health, and reduce the risk of numerous diseases in adults.

If you (or your kids) don’t have enough of this gut friendly bacteria, your whole system might be out-of-whack. For kids and infants especially who struggle with digestive issues or need an immune boost, supplementing with probiotics can alleviate some of those concerns.

So if you’re wondering “what is the best children’s probiotic?” this guide is for you!

What Are Probiotics?

Very simply put, probiotics are the good bacteria that live in your digestive tract (in your gut). You always have good and bad bacteria in your body, but the beneficial bacteria typically outnumbers the harmful bacteria. When you get sick, there’s more bad bacteria which makes your system imbalanced.

One job of the probiotics in your gut is to help eliminate the extra bad bacteria, keeping your immunity up and your digestive system healthy. When you hear about the “gut microbiome,” that just means the mix of and balance between the good and bad bacteria in your digestive system.

What Are The Benefits Of Probiotics?

Probiotics are living organisms (which can be bacteria or yeast) that can benefit your body in a number of ways. Here are some of the health benefits of probiotics:

• Create vitamins for the body
• Improve metabolic function
• Strengthen the immune system
• Boost your digestive system (especially after a round of antibiotics or after an illness like food poisoning).
• Reduce the severity of certain allergies or eczema
• Reduce symptoms of certain digestive conditions – e.g. inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).

Are Probiotics For Kids Safe?

Yes, overall, probiotics for kids are considered safe. However, some children should not take probiotics, and those include kids with a compromised immune system or serious illnesses (like cancer), or premature infants.

When it comes to choosing the best probiotic for your child, you need to speak with their pediatrician first to determine what the best option might be depending on their needs. Once your pediatrician gives you the green light to choose any probiotic for your child, this guide will help you choose between the 12 best pediatric probiotics brands!

How Can Children Benefit From Probiotics?

Keep in mind that while probiotics will often provide different advantages for adults, children can still benefit from incorporating this healthy bacteria into their regular wellness routine.

Children who need immune support or are more susceptible to stomach bugs, digestive problems, and other illnesses may find some relief with probiotics. In cases involving children with acute gastroenteritis, for example, certain probiotics were found to reduce the duration of a stomach bug.

In addition, children who need to take an antibiotic for recurring ear infections, dental illnesses, or other issues may experience side effects – and probiotics can help to counteract (or even prevent) those symptoms.

Other reviews suggest that probiotics may prevent respiratory tract infections, which may be helpful for families who rely on daycare or preschool. Children with gastrointestinal disorders, like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), may experience improved symptoms after incorporating different strains of probiotics into their routines, too.

While many parents might dismiss the idea of probiotics for children, preliminary research suggests that these helpful bacteria can make a positive difference for many kids.

Note: If you’re looking to really support your child’s immune system, you can pair probiotics with some of these additional options from our best immune boosters for kids guide.

And if you have a teenagers in your family, check out my 2023 guide about best vitamins for teens.

Summary: The Best Probiotics For Kids

You can find a much more detailed view of all of the best kids probiotics below in this guide, which includes information about price, ingredients, and pros & cons for each!

• Best overall probiotics for kids: Hiya Probiotics
• Best refrigerated probiotic for kids: Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Kids
• Best shelf stable probiotic for kids: Hiya Probiotics
• Best organic probiotic for kids: Mary Ruth’s Liquid Probiotic
• Best chewable probiotic for kids: Hiya Probiotics
• Best probiotic gummies for kids: Llama Naturals Gummies
• Best probiotic powder for kids: LoveBug Probiotics
• Best probiotic supplements for infants: Bobbie Probiotic Drops
• Best probiotics for toddlers: Hiya Probiotics
• Best probiotic for teenagers: Truvani

What Should You Look For In The Best Children’s Probiotic?

• Type of Probiotics: Probiotics come in numerous types such as tablets, capsules, drops and powders. Choose a type that is best suited for your child, that you will easily be able to incorporate into your daily routine.
• No Added Fillers or Stabilizers: You don’t want added fillers or stabilizers in your probiotics that are unnatural. The best probiotics for children will avoid these added fillers and stabilizers.
• No Added Sugar: Some probiotics add sugars to make their supplements taste sweeter. Avoid these if possible.
• Suitable Age and Dosage: Choose a probiotic that is suitable for the age of your child. Some probiotics are only safe for children 12 and older, while others are only suitable for infants. Some probiotics are suitable for all ages but then you must be careful to administer the appropriate dosage.
• Purity and Potency: You want to make sure your probiotic is tested by a 3rd party for purity and potency. Purity means that your supplement is not contaminated with heavy metals, potency means that the probiotics included are live bacteria (not dead or inactive).
• CFUs: Look for probiotic brands with at least 2-5 billion CFUs at a minimum.
• Strains: Look for a probiotic with multiple strains. Different probiotic strains produce different results for your child’s digestive and immune health.
• Expiration: When purchasing a probiotic be sure to check the expiration date. Choose one that gives you plenty of time to use before it expires.

What Should You Avoid In Probiotics For Your Kids?

There are so many probiotic companies today, and the probiotics for kids are usually filled with artificial colors, sweeteners/added sugars, and may have less beneficial / cheaper strains of probiotics! When you’re looking for the best probiotic for your child, here are the ingredients to avoid:

• Heavy metals
• Artificial sweeteners (including stevia)
• Added sugars
• Artificial colors
• Artificial flavors
• Preservatives or stabilizers (like carrageenan, gums, etc.)

Note: Before starting any probiotic, make sure to consult with your child’s pediatrician first.

Are Some Strains Of Probiotics For Kids Better Than Others?

Yes! Not all probiotics are the same. Every person’s gut flora – the community of microorganisms within your gut – has a different array of bacteria.

This means that different strains of probiotics will prove more beneficial for some people than others. Some strains have also been shown to be more effective in treating specific conditions. The probiotic you choose (either for yourself or your child) will be unique.

However, there are some probiotic strains that are known to be among the most beneficial, and most of the best children’s probiotic brands will include at least one of these (if not more). They include:

• L. Plantarum: This probiotic can boost iron absorption, fight off pollutants, neutralize harmful intestinal bacteria, ease bloating, and speed up the digestive process.
• L. Acidophilus: As one of the most well-known strains of probiotics on the market, this option can prevent or reduce diarrhea, improve IBS symptoms, reduce symptoms associated with colds and allergies, and more.
• L. Brevis: This lactic acid bacteria can treat bacteria in children. However, those who are lactose intolerant may find that other strains of probiotics reduce the onset of unwanted side effects.
• B. Lactis: Another probiotic option you might see is B.Lactis, which has been found to improve immunity and digestion while lowering cholesterol, decreasing lactose intolerance, treating constipation and diarrhea, and even fighting tumors. Probiotics for toddlers constipation will typically include b. lactis.
• B. Longum: Like other probiotic supplements, this can be a good option for those who want to boost their immunity, reduce infection frequency and severity, and improve symptoms associated with gastrointestinal conditions. In addition to improving overall gut health and IBS symptoms, some studies have found B.Longum could have positive effects for those with untreated Celiac disease.
• S. Boulardii: This is actually a yeast, rather than a bacteria. However, this probiotic can help to protect the gut lining.

Can Kid Probiotics Help With Constipation Or Colic?

Yes they can! A study published in JAMA found that probiotics can help reduce spit up, reduce reflux, improve constipation and decrease colic episodes.

The 12 Best Probiotics For Kids

Whether you are looking for a probiotic for your infant, toddler, or older child, these 12 probiotics are the healthiest, cleanest options I’ve found on the market today! Here are my top ten choices for the best probiotics for kids.

Runners Up:

• SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Immunity Gummies: While these probiotics for kids aged 3+ are shelf stable, contain 4 billion CFUs, and contain both prebiotics plus two strains of probiotics, they have added sugar and some reviews state that kids don’t love the taste.
• Olly Kids Multivitamin: While this might seem appealing because it’s a probiotic + multivitamin in one, it contains some added sugar, has far less probiotics than the other supplements on this list (only 500 million CFUs), and it contains gelatin which makes it not vegetarian or vegan friendly.
• Culturelle Kids Powdered Probiotic: These children probiotics can be used for kids aged 1+ and it’s powdered, which makes it easy to mix into food, it contains only 1 strain of probiotics so it’s not as comprehensive as the other options on this list.

What Is The Difference Between Probiotics And Prebiotics?

Basically, the way to think about it is this: Probiotics are the good bacteria that live in your git. PREbiotics is the food that PRObiotics eat! Probiotics can come in the form of food (e.g. yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, etc) or supplements; and prebiotics are the same – they can come in the form of food (any high fiber foods), or specific fiber supplements. High prebiotic foods for kids include whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans and artichokes. (Learn More: Prebiotics For Kids).

What Is The Best Prebiotics Supplement For Kids?

There is only one prebiotic I’ve found that’s safe for toddlers and kids, and has super high quality ingredients and no stabilizers or artificial flavors/colors added.

I recommend BeginHealth if you are looking to supplement with a prebiotic for your child. It contains only three ingredients: 2’FL HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide) – with a Molecular structure identical to the one found in breast milk, Oligofructose (Chicory root fiber), and avocado oil. It’s super clean and really effective! (Learn More: Begin Health Review).

Probiotics For Kids FAQs

Can You Buy Probiotics For Kids Online?

Absolutely! All of the probiotics for kids outlined in this guide are either shelf stable (so they don’t need to be refrigerated), or they are shipped cold, so you can be assured that the probiotics that arrive at your door are high quality.

I hope this guide helped you to find the best probiotic for your child! With this information in mind, you should be in a great position to make the right choice for your family.

Note: Before using any of these products for your child(ren), please consult with your pediatrician on the proper dosing and to make sure they approve of the probiotic you have chosen. I’m not a doctor and this post is not meant as medical advice.

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