Baby probiotics: should you give them?

Probiotic supplements have been increasingly popular for a few years now. But what about our babies? And what exactly are probiotics? We tell you everything you need to know without further ado. A closer look at baby probiotics.

Baby probiotics — what are they?

The term probiotic first appeared in the 1960s. It refers to living micro-organisms naturally present within the human gut flora. When enough of these organisms are present in the human body, they have a definite positive effect.

To be more precise, these living organisms are essentially what we call lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Their role is to colonise a baby's intestines and, in particular, to develop what we call the microbiome.

So what is the microbiome in babies?

We hear this term quite often, yet we don't really know what it encompasses. The importance of the baby's microbiome — or that of any human being in general — is essential for the human body. It is therefore worth knowing its precise role.

First of all, you should know that every individual has a unique microbiome. Without going into overly complicated explanations: the microbiome rests on the intestinal mucosa. Its role is to support the structure and barrier function. Its composition comprises 100,000 billion bacteria — yes, nothing less!

These bacteria are described as endogenous, which means that they form a complex ecosystem that houses the majority of immune cells.

We can therefore quickly understand that a baby's microbiome plays a genuinely key role in their immunity.

It blocks the establishment of potentially harmful bacteria in the intestines — bacteria that would otherwise be responsible for, amongst other things, digestive problems. Not fun when you're tiny! Especially when you have a little body that isn't quite fully formed yet.

Baby's little particularities

As you will have gathered, the microbiome develops in the body in a decidedly gradual way. And this continues during the first years of life. Shortly after birth — a matter of hours, to be precise — your little one's digestive system, which was entirely sterile until they arrived in the world, suddenly finds itself flooded by billions of bacteria.

These bacteria then line your baby's digestive tract. They multiply very quickly and, within a short space of time, form the child's microbiome.

This is truly a moment of communication between the various bacteria. The body discovers which bacteria to accommodate and which ones it must fight in particular. Ultimately, it then knows what immune responses it needs to mount.

And the beauty of nature is truly sublime. Because if baby is breastfed, mum's milk will exclusively nourish the infant's microbiome. And it will encourage the unrestricted growth of bacteria. And be reassured too if you are bottle-feeding your little one — formula milk has a fibre composition close to that of breast milk.

Thus, probiotic support for babies is quite well established. But what are their benefits?

The benefits of baby probiotics

Your paediatrician may well prescribe additional probiotics for your little one. Don't panic — it will simply be a little boost for their system.

Particularly in the case of the ailments we are about to mention specifically. Probiotics may first be prescribed to support better digestion and a smoother digestive transit for your little one.

But also to combat diarrhoea in newborns. In addition, baby probiotics, by stimulating the child's immune system, can help prevent infections that our babies so often encounter.

They can also help prevent allergic conditions or food hypersensitivity in your child. In short, baby probiotics offer numerous benefits. Don't hesitate to discuss them with your baby's doctor!