Most people frown when they hear that probiotics for babiesboost bacteria in babies’ bodies. While the word bacteria scares a lot of people, there are good bacteria that our bodies need. Probiotics are good bacteria that offer a lot of benefits for both kids and adults. If you have bought into the benefits of taking probiotics daily, you are aware of the benefits they offer. But are they good for children? Do they have any negative effects that we need to be aware of?

Do probiotics pose any risk?

For a microorganism to be considered a probiotic, it must have a positive impact on the body. A lot of bacteria of this kind are present in the body naturally. When we talk about the potential negative effects of probiotics, it is essential to understand that the negative effects don’t come from good bacteria. Instead, the adverse reaction comes from inaccurate product labelling and poor control. Poorer quality probiotics may not indicate specific strains and this makes it unclear what you are getting from the probiotics.

Another important factor is potential allergens. For anyone who has a sensitivity to dairy, a probiotic that contains dairy will not be the right solution for them. It is, therefore, important to consume probiotics from a company that holds quality measures to ensure their bacteria strains are never tired, stressed or damaged.

Using probiotics when pregnant

Kids can start enjoying the benefits of probiotics right from when they are still in the womb.

Now that we have cleared up what could cause negative side effects when using probiotics, let us look at the potential effects in children and infants.

Do bacteria and pregnancy mix well together? There is nothing that indicates otherwise. According to research from studies conducted with expectant women in their third trimester, probiotic side effects didn’t increase both for the child and the mom.

At birth, the foetus’ intestine is still sterile. Newborns become inoculated with bacteria from the vaginal canal of the mother and intestinal flora. Keeping a healthy bacterial flora is essential throughout pregnancy. Probiotics are very effective in preserving this balance.

The negative side effects

Food intolerances and allergies are a real challenge for parents. The protein base in some probiotics can be a problem for kids who have allergies to milk or are lactose-intolerant. However, there is a way to fix this situation for even the pickiest eaters.

Although probiotics can benefit a lot of children, helping to keep their digestive systems healthy, parents of kids whose immune system has been weakened by the use of medicine or illnesses must take some precautions when taking probiotics. It is important to consult a doctor to determine how probiotics fulfil the needs of children.

This means that before choosing probiotics for babies, it is important to involve a health professional. It is also crucial to know whether your child has any allergies. There are always some products that will help your child and the best way is to do your research before giving anything to your child.