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You might want to take a look at these kid-friendly probiotics if you want to strengthen your immune system or increase the good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are often said to be good for adults, but research has also shown that they might be good for kids.
Probiotics may support a child’s digestive and immune health, just as they do in adults, or address specific issues like acid reflux and constipation. However, the best probiotic for kids will largely depend on their requirements.
In the event that you’re thinking about probiotics for your children, it’s vital to talk with their pediatrician first. Consider these seven alternatives once you and your child have decided that probiotics are appropriate for them.
What Are Probiotics & Why Do You Need Them?
Probiotics, often nicknamed “good bacteria,” are supplements that aim to support digestive health and a healthy gastrointestinal microflora or microbiome in individuals of all ages. A microbiome is a colony of bacteria that lives within your body. It’s made up of both beneficial and harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
These good bacterias are present in your gastrointestinal tract and urogenital tract as well as in your saliva and skin.
But what is the need for probiotics for kids?
Probiotics are fed to newborns during their first three months of life to reduce digestive disorders,
- Acid reflux
- Colic
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Apart from digestive issues, gut-healthy bacteria may also help to avoid allergies and treat skin conditions like eczema. Good bacterias aid digestion, nutrition absorption, and the fight against infections that make your toddler ill. Intaking probiotics has been lowering frequent respiratory tract illnesses in youngsters as well.
Probiotic Food Vs. Probiotic Supplements
Certain foods, such as cultured cottage cheese and yogurt, contain probiotics. Fermented foods including sauerkraut, kefir as well as buttermilk contain these naturally. Another option is raw cheese prepared from unpasteurized milk.
Although some experts believe that raw milk and products made out of it have health benefits, they should not be offered to kids and toddlers. Raw milk may include germs that are harmful to your health. It has the potential to induce life-threatening diseases.
Probiotics are also available in the form of supplements as well. Naturally, the next important question you might have in mind can be can you replace probiotic foods with probiotic supplements?
Well, the answer to this question isn’t very simple. The greatest way to get nutrients is to eat complete meals. However, your toddler may not be able to acquire enough probiotics from diet alone. In that case, you have to get your hands on the best probiotics for toddlers available in the market.
When you buy probiotic pills, you should check if it contains exactly what they claim. It is best to consult a pediatrician to inquire about the best probiotics for toddlers.
How To Choose The Best Probiotic For Kids?
Now that we know what probiotics are and why your toddler needs them, we must learn about a few essential parameters to consider when buying the best probiotic for kids:
Strain And Count
When selecting a probiotic supplement, it is critical to evaluate the strain as well as the amount of CFU (colony-forming units). Certain bacterial strains may be advantageous for various health conditions. Consult your child’s pediatrician to determine the strain and number of CFUs are acceptable at your child’s age.
Formulation
Probiotic supplements are available in a number of formulations, such as chewable pills, powders, flavored gummies, and liquids. Consider getting a liquid or powder supplement if your kid does not want to chew probiotic tablets or pills.
Chewable pills and gummies could be more suited to older youngsters.
Safety
Probiotics are categorized as dietary supplements in the United States. Look for products that have been approved by ConsumerLab, US Pharmacopeia, or NSF International, to assure safety. Always consult with your doctor to confirm which probiotics are suitable for their specific requirements.
We have listed the top 11 safest and best probiotics for toddlers.
11 Best Probiotics For Kids
Worrying about your fussy toddler? Well, there’s a probiotic supplement for every taste and preference, whether your little one loves chewable, gummies, liquids, or powders.
Let’s take a look at the 11 best probiotics for kids.
- Biocodex Floraster Kids
- Culturelle Kids Daily Probiotic Packets
- Everidis Health Sciences BioGaia Protectis Probiotic Drops
- Garden of Life Organic Kids+ Probiotic
- Lovebug Probiotics Toddler Probiotics Packets
- Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops
- Nordic Naturals Kids Nordic Flora Probiotic Gummies
- Now Foods BerryDophilus Kids
- Pedia-Lax Probiotic Yums
- Renew Life Ultimate Flora Kids Probiotics
- SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Immunity Formula
Now that we have the list of the best probiotics for kids, let’s take a closer look at each of these probiotics for kids, what they contain, and how to use them.
1. Biocodex Florastor Kids
Biocodex Florastor Kids is a probiotic for toddlers in powder form, which is organically enriched with tutti-frutti flavored, thus keeping your toddler’s gut as well as taste buds happy.
- Support good digestion in children aged 2 months and above by ensuring a balance in the natural flora in their digestive tract
- Helps with the absorption of water and other nutrients
- No gluten, not genetically modified
How To Use?
You can simply mix the contents of the Biocodex Florastor Kids powder in a tumbler of cool water or other beverage.
Amazon Reviews
I brought this after my daughter got sick for a month with a bacterial respiratory infection. She had two antibiotics prescribed, so after finishing the treatment she was having upset stomach (stomache, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss). Typically after taking so much medicine the stomach flora is affected. After giving her these probiotics not only diarrhea went away the same day we started it but she has an appetite. Usually, we struggle with food because she doesn’t seem to want to eat much but now she is eating a lot and gaining weight. It has no flavor, so it is easy to put it in her juice or milk. I will order again.
As a physician I truly recommend this product and I will recommend it to my patients too.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
2. Culturelle Kids Daily Probiotic Packets
Culturelle makes the best probiotics for toddlers as well as adults (separate variants, of course!) These probiotics are available in the form of gummies as well as powder and are packed with an amazing berry flavor that your toddler is sure to love.
- Best suited for kids above 3 years of age; can consume 1 gummy daily
- Helps keep tummy troubles at bay
- Vegan, not genetically modified; also does not contain caffeine or other stimulants
- Available in two variants: gummies and powder
How To Use?
You can simply mix the contents of the Culturelle Kids Daily Probiotic Packet’s powder in a tumbler of cool water or other beverage.
Amazon Reviews
I use these for when my toddler’s stool are hard and pellet like. Usually within the same day or next latest his stools come out mushy. I use them about every other day or two and put them in his juice/milk/water. It is tasteless so they’ll never know!
Within two weeks of consistent use, we noticed her having less difficulty with bowel movements, so this product did just the trick.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
3. Everidis Health Sciences BioGaia Protectis Probiotic Drops
Is your newborn suffering from stomach pain? The Everidis Health Sciences BioGaia Protectis Probiotic Drops can easily relieve your baby from colic or other digestive discomforts.
- Safe for newborns
- Help to minimize screaming and fussing, lessen vomiting, and encourage regular passing of stool
- Available in a handy squeeze container
How To Use?
Combine five drops of the probiotic with breast milk, room temperature food, or even formula.
Amazon Reviews
I don’t write reviews – but these drops are worth it. It is heartbreaking watching a baby struggle to poop. He would be uncomfortable all day, didn’t want to eat, couldn’t sleep well from stomach pain – mama felt helpless and was slowly losing her mind. My little guy is just shy of 4 months, I give him 5 drops every morning with his first bottle and he has a nice poop by 1pm. One day I forgot and guess what? No poop all day! fussy, stomach pain, wouldn’t eat. I ended up giving it to him around 5:30pm when we got home and BOOM – pooped by 7:30. So incredibly happy with this purchase.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
4. Garden of Life Organic Kids+ Probiotic
No sugar, no sweetener, fortified with vitamins. The Garden of Life Organic Kids+ Probiotic ticks off all the criteria of good probiotics for kids.
- Safe for four-year-old kids and older
- Boosts your toddler’s immunity and gut health (thanks to added prebiotic fibers)
- Available in the form of chewable
- Fortified with vitamin C and D
How To Use?
The Garden of Life Organic Kids+ Probiotic can easily be chewed by kids aged four or above.
Amazon Reviews
There are times in our lives when we just feel lost. We experienced that recently when our son was having major issues staying focused and it was becoming a major issue at school.
We met with the school, which suggested that our son may be ADHD. I, being a naturalist, loathed even the thought of my son being medicated at the ripe, young age of 5 years old.
We did meet with a physician, and she did diagnose our boy as having ADHD. We came together to pray about what other options we may have, other than going the traditional route.
We found ourselves learning that there is a major connection between ADHD & good gut flora. We saw studies that showed 85% of kids who were on a good probiotic, they showed less signs of ADHD.
We decided to give it a shot and ended up purchasing this Garden of Life brand & the rest is history, folks.
The school our son attends does a behavioral sheet. The sheet has a color code, which tells you to what degree your child behaved or misbehaved. Prior to starting our son on these probiotics, he had a very long streak of not so good behaviors, regularly getting the orange, red colors, indicating that he wasn’t well behaved.
I am please to say that since started him on these, there has been 1 day that he hasn’t received a good behavioral color, and ironically, not coincidentally, it was the only day that I forgot to give him the probiotic that morning before school.
These are a Godsend to our lives. They work. They are very tasty, a cherry 🍒/berry flavor & our boy takes them with ease.
Absolutely 💯 % a 5 star 🌟 purchase that I would recommend for anyone attempting to help get their child’s digestive system on track.
To help with his gut health, we started him on these. This was especially timely since he also was on antibiotics for strep, so we were looking for a good probiotic to protect his good bacteria.
Anyhow, it seems like when he is using these that his stomach is less sensitive and doesn’t react to as many things. Of course, it could be imagined as all of our evidence is anecdotal, but the potential reward is worth the small investment.
These seem to taste just fine and are easy to swallow. So if your kids have sensitive stomachs as well, or have a need to use antibiotics, then this is a great option for continued health.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
5. Lovebug Probiotics Toddler Probiotics Packets
Does your little one refuse to take chewable or gummy? The Lovebug Probiotics Toddler Probiotics Packets is one of the best probiotics for kids who have fussy eating habits.
Each single-serve container of Lovebug Probiotics Toddler Probiotics has fifteen billion live cultures.
- Contains eight types of bacteria, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidum lactis, and Lactobacillus reuteri, which are not found in many probiotic powders
- Ideal for children 12 months to 4 years
- Available in powder form
How To Use?
You can simply mix the contents of the Lovebug Probiotics Toddler Probiotics Packet’s powder in a tumbler of cool water or other beverage.
Amazon Reviews
My son is 2yo and has been suffering from constipation for some time now. He would literally cry while trying to go which of course would make me cry. It was awful. And the stool softener we tried would work but then we’d be dealing with diarrhea, so couldn’t really be used as a daily remedy. Found out he was on the spectrum and this is a common thing for kids on the spectrum to struggle with. I ended up coming across the lovebug probiotic and decided to give it a try. So glad we did. I mix it in his morning almond milk and within the first week it was smooth moovin. He has stayed regular ever since. I will continue to use these products.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
6. Mommy's Bliss Probiotic Drops
A happy tummy starts with a healthy gut, and Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drop does exactly that by supporting your child’s digestive system as it digests food and absorbs vitamins.
- Helps relieve gas and colic by boosting digestive health and providing immune support
- No added flavors or colors, no alcohol, no artificial sugar, and free of the top 8 allergens
How To Use?
It can be spoon-fed, blended with breast milk or formula, or administered directly to the breast while breastfeeding. Pediatricians suggest using 5 drops daily.
Amazon Reviews
Started giving this to baby after 5 or 6 weeks when he was suffering from gas and he hasn’t had a gas problem since. Can’t guarantee that this cures gas but it sure seemed that way.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
7. Nordic Naturals Kids Nordic Flora Probiotic Gummies
What’s better than gummies? Gummies with the goodness of probiotics and prebiotic fiber! The Nordic Flora Probiotic Gummies by Nordic Naturals are trusted by millions of mothers for it has the perfect amount of “good” bacteria (over a billion CFU per serving) for your little’s one tummy.
- Safe for 2 to 4 years
- Berry flavored gummies
- Not genetically modified, and no gluten, vegan
- Does not contain artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors
How To Use?
Use one gummy each day for two to three years. Two gummies per day for the past four years. Take one capsule just before a meal, ideally breakfast, or as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Please make sure your little ones chew each gummy completely.
Amazon Reviews
Since I started giving this to my daughter, we have been able to take her off the miralax. She has thanked me for getting this. She’s had bathroom issues for a long time now, and I think we may have just solved them with these gummies. Time will tell. So far, so good.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
8. Now Foods BerryDophilus Kids
Your toddlers will love the animal-shaped berry-flavored gummies. And you’re gonna love the fact that they’re supporting your child’s gastrointestinal health and providing a healthy immune system functioning.
- 2 billion CFU from a blend of 10 clinically identified probiotic bacterial strains
- Will not harm teeth
- Available in the form of chewable, liquids as well as gummies
How To Use?
Chewables and gummies can be consumed directly. Liquids can be taken either directly or by mixing with water, formula, or other beverage.
Amazon Reviews
We have tried many different ones for my daughter and so far these are the best ones. They are also the cheapest price wise, taste great and work really well.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
9. Pedia-Lax Probiotic Yums
As many living cultures as a cup of yogurt are packed into these strawberry chewable. Pedia-Lax Probiotic Yums maintain a healthy digestive balance by promoting beneficial bacteria. Its most unique feature is that it claims to relieve constipation in 30 minutes to 6 hours time.
- Ideal for kids from 2 to 11 years of age
- Free of gluten, colors, soy, sugar, preservatives among others
- Available in the form of chewable tablets
How To Use?
Kids can directly chew the tablets.
Amazon Reviews
I love this product. My mom has had two strokes ( One on each side!) she is not able to move anymore like she once could. She ended up with fecal impaction and back in the hospital. This product keeps her OUT of the hospital and keeps GI tract moving.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
10. Renew Life Ultimate Flora Toddler Probiotics
With three billion active cultures and six probiotic strains, the Renew Life Ultimate Flora Kids Probiotics is one of the best probiotics for kids.
- Ideal for children aged 2 years or older
- Free of soy, gluten, and dairy
- Relieves stomach ache and maintains digestive balance
- Available in the form of berry-flavored tablets
How To Use?
The Renew Life Ultimate Flora Kids Probiotics can easily be chewed by kids aged two or above.
Amazon Reviews
This probiotic has helped my 8 year old’s stomach/gut issues. He no longer gets stomach aches and enjoys the flavor. It’s also a chewable so it acts as a “candy” and is kid friendly that way. It has become part of our daily ritual in the morning!
For more product reviews visit Amazon
11. SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Immunity Formula
Gummies are a tasty, fun, and simple method for kids to get their probiotics in if they are fussy about chewable pills, liquid, or powder. The Non-GMO Project Verified gummies are made with just high-quality ingredients and have low sugar content.
- Ideal for kids aged 3 years and above
- Contains four billion CFU of probiotics
- Promotes your child’s digestive and immunological health
- Does not contain the eight food allergens, including eggs, fish, milk, peanut, wheat, and others
- Available in the form of gummies
How To Use?
Kids can consume the gummies directly.
Amazon Reviews
Choose this one based on reviews from MANY parents of kids with ADHD. My 8yr old son was just diagnosed. He has trouble staying on task, getting easily distracted, quick to anger or easily irritated. He’s been taking them for about 3 weeks and WOW!!! The biggest difference I’ve noticed is he’s not easily irritated or brought to tears from frustration. He doesn’t fight me on things like asking to unload the dishwasher or doing a page in his writing book. His teacher and tutor both told me he’s more inclined to do his work and can concentrate better. Needless to say I put this on auto order. I wish I would have found these a long time ago! The only negative is he’s not a huge fan of the taste but takes them without complaint now.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
12. OLLY Kids Multi + Probiotic
Suitable for kids aged 2 years and above, each gummy contains 500 million CFUs. The main active ingredient is Bacillus coagulans. These gummies taste like berries and are an easy and effective way to help increase the good bacteria and important vitamins and minerals for your little one.
These OLLY Kids Multi + Probiotic gummies are free from gluten, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. They’re designed to help balance digestion naturally by increasing helpful bacteria in children aged 2 and older. OLLY provides a document called a certificate of analysis that shows detailed test results for all its products. This supplement is also tested by an independent third party to make sure it’s safe and high quality.
How to Use?
Children can chew 1 or 2 gummies without mixing food or water.
1. Taste That Kids Love: These berry-flavored gummies are an absolute hit with my kids. They eagerly look forward to taking them each day, which is a welcome change from the usual vitamin battles we used to have. The delightful taste ensures that they never forget their daily dose of essential vitamins and probiotics.
2. Comprehensive Nutrient Support: OLLY has done a fantastic job in formulating these gummies with a wide range of essential vitamins, including A, D, C, E, B, and zinc. This comprehensive nutrient support is vital for my kids’ overall health, immune system, and growth. It gives me peace of mind knowing they’re getting the nutrients they need.
3. Probiotic Bonus: The addition of probiotics is a game-changer. These gummies not only support my kids’ digestive health but also bolster their immune system. It’s a win-win, especially during flu season and when tummy troubles strike.
4. Chewable Convenience: The chewable format makes it incredibly easy for kids to take these gummies without any fuss. No need for water or swallowing pills—just a delicious chew, and they’re good to go.
5. 50-Day Supply: This one bottle provides a 50-day supply, making it a convenient and cost-effective option. It’s nice not having to constantly replenish our supply, and it gives me peace of mind that my kids are covered for an extended period.
Overall, the OLLY Kids Multivitamin + Probiotic Gummy has made a positive impact on my kids’ health and our daily routine. I’ve noticed improved energy levels, fewer sick days, and better overall well-being in my little ones. As a parent, there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing you’re giving your children the best, and OLLY has certainly delivered on that front. I wholeheartedly recommend these gummies to any parent looking for an effective and delicious way to support their kids’ health. A 5-star product all the way!
For more product reviews visit Amazon
13. up4 Kids Probiotic Gummies
Appropriate for kids aged 3 and older, these yummy gummies, flavored like berries, have good bacteria called Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans mixed together. Altogether, they have 1 billion CFU (which stands for Colony Forming Units). They also have vitamin C, which is good for boosting the immune system, and prebiotic inulin, which can be helpful for keeping our tummies healthy. These gummies are great for vegans and don’t have gluten, dairy, soy, fake flavors, fake preservatives, or GMOs.
How to Use?
The dosage for children aged 3 years and up is one gummy which means the whole bottle will last for a month (30/month).
We used other brands and they were gunnies coated with extra sugar to make them sweet. These are sweet enough on their own and they are not huge. Just a slight but bigger than a fruit snack. Definitely would recommend.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
14. Dannon Activia Yogurt
You’ll get 4 pots of these yogurts. Take one pot every day. They’re good for kids aged 1 year and older. These yogurts have helpful L. bulgaricus, L. lactis, S. thermophilus probiotics, plus vitamin D3 and calcium. With no fake sugars or flavors, you can pick from strawberry, mango, blueberry, and vanilla flavors. Good things: lots of flavors to choose from, easy to eat, okay for kosher diets. Not so good: each cup has 8 grams of extra sugar and 5% saturated fat, and the exact CFU amount isn’t mentioned.
How to Use?
The recommended amount is one pot per day.
1. It is a healthy meal substitute.
2. It helps make you and your stomach healthier.
3. It helps you poop after about 4-7 days of eating one a day, which is why we all buy this, let’s be honest. Whose gastroenterologist doesn’t recommend this?
4. It doesn’t taste bad at all, though could do with a slightly larger portion.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
15. Stonyfield Organic Kids Yogurt
You’ll receive 4 pouches of this yogurt, and you should have one pouch every day. It’s designed for kids aged 1 year and older. The yogurt has helpful bacteria like S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus, L. paracasei, and L. rhamnosus, which can assist your immune and digestive systems, according to a reliable source.
It’s easy to carry around in pouches, making it great for lunches and picnics, and you can drink it. The yogurt is certified organic by the USDA and is kosher. It doesn’t have gluten, fructose, corn syrup, artificial flavors, or sweeteners. The good things are: it’s in a handy pouch, meant for one serving, and easy to drink; it comes in various flavors.
The not-so-good things are: it’s a bit pricier than other choices; some people who reviewed it wanted less sugar (each serving has 4g of added sugar). The quantity of CFUs (colony-forming units) isn’t mentioned.
How to Use?
One pouch daily will give your kids that much-needed gut health.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
16. Renzo’s Yummy Tummy Probiotic
This bottle has 60 tablets. For kids aged 2 and above, take one tablet daily from 2 to 3 years, and two tablets daily if 4 years or older. These tablets contain helpful bacteria like Bacillus subtilis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bacillus coagulans, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, along with added magnesium. They’re good for vegans, free from gluten, GMOs, sugar, fake flavors, and colors.
These tablets are made to dissolve in your mouth without chewing or liquid, but you can also chew them or dissolve them in liquid if you prefer. They’re a budget-friendly choice and might be good for fussy eaters or kids who don’t like chewing or drinking probiotics. Just remember, the guaranteed number of helpful bacteria is only certain up until the manufacturing date, not the expiration date.
How to Use?
Take one tablet daily for 2 to 3 years, then increase to two daily for children aged 4 years and older.
For more product reviews visit Amazon
Possible Dangers and Adverse Effects of Giving Kids Probiotics
Probiotics are generally considered safe for children if used as instructed. However, probiotics might not be appropriate for every child, including preterm babies and kids who have weakened immune systems or are seriously unwell. In some instances, probiotics could also trigger or worsen tummy problems like feeling bloated and having gas. Moreover, particular types of probiotics might impact health differently, and no two children have exactly the same requirements. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a discussion with your child’s doctor to figure out if probiotics could be helpful for your child and which particular types might be the most suitable.
A Final Word: Are Probiotics Good For Toddlers?
The long-term effects of probiotics on children are yet to be fully proven. It is thus best to include probiotic items in your child’s diet to help them maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Make sure the probiotic-rich food item you buy, such as yogurt, for example, has “live and active cultures” on the label.
However, before adding probiotics to your child’s diet, check with their doctors to see whether they’re a good fit for them. Use this list of seven probiotics for kids as a starting point after you’ve received permission.
