Baby Probiotics Guide 2026: Best Probiotics for Infants
Everything you need to know about probiotics for babies: safety, benefits, and top products.
Top Baby Probiotic Picks
Best Overall: BioGaia Protectis Drops — L. reuteri, most studied for colic
Best Budget: Gerber Soothe Probiotic Drops — affordable, effective
Best in Formula: Gerber Good Start SoothePro — probiotics built in
When to use: Colic, gas, after antibiotics, digestive issues
What Are Baby Probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. In babies, they can help with:
- Digestive issues: Gas, constipation, diarrhea
- Colic: May reduce crying time
- Immune support: 70% of immune system is in the gut
- After antibiotics: Restore healthy gut bacteria
How Babies Get Probiotics Naturally
- Vaginal birth: Exposed to mother's bacteria during delivery
- Breast milk: Contains prebiotics (HMOs) and some probiotics
- Environment: Skin-to-skin contact, family members
C-section babies and formula-fed babies may have different gut bacteria, which is why some parents consider probiotic supplements.
Best Baby Probiotics (2026)
1. BioGaia Protectis Baby Drops — Best Overall
| Strain | Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 |
| CFU | 100 million per 5 drops |
| Price | ~$35 for 25ml (50 servings) |
| Form | Drops |
| Age | Birth and up |
Why it's #1: L. reuteri is the most studied probiotic strain for infant colic. Clinical trials show it can reduce crying time by up to 50% in colicky babies. Trusted by pediatricians worldwide.
2. Gerber Soothe Probiotic Drops — Best Value
| Strain | Lactobacillus reuteri |
| CFU | 100 million per 5 drops |
| Price | ~$25 for 25ml |
| Form | Drops |
| Age | Birth and up |
Why we love it: Same effective L. reuteri strain at lower cost than BioGaia. Trusted Gerber brand, widely available.
3. Culturelle Baby Grow + Thrive — Best for Immune Support
| Strain | Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG |
| CFU | 5 billion per packet |
| Price | ~$20 for 30 packets |
| Form | Powder packets |
| Age | 12 months and up |
Why we love it: LGG strain is well-studied for immune support and preventing diarrhea. Higher CFU count. Contains vitamin D.
4. Mommy's Bliss Baby Probiotic Drops
| Strain | Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG |
| CFU | 1 billion per serving |
| Price | ~$15 |
| Form | Drops |
Why we love it: Affordable option, organic carrier oil, easy to use.
5. Evivo Baby Probiotic — Best for Gut Colonization
| Strain | Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis |
| Focus | Establishing healthy gut microbiome |
| Price | ~$80 for 4-week supply |
Why it's unique: B. infantis is specifically designed to colonize infant guts and use HMOs from breast milk. More expensive but research-backed for long-term gut health.
Formulas with Built-in Probiotics
If you prefer not to use separate drops, these formulas contain probiotics:
| Formula | Probiotic Strain | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gerber Good Start SoothePro | L. reuteri | Colic, fussiness |
| Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease | Varies | Gentle digestion |
| Nutramigen with LGG | L. rhamnosus GG | Milk allergy |
| HiPP Organic | Varies by version | Organic preference |
When to Give Baby Probiotics
May Help With
- Colic: L. reuteri has clinical evidence for reducing crying
- Gas and fussiness: Supports healthy digestion
- After antibiotics: Helps restore gut bacteria
- Constipation or diarrhea: Regulates bowel movements
- Eczema prevention: Some evidence for reducing risk
- C-section or formula-fed babies: May help establish gut bacteria
Limited Evidence For
- Preventing allergies (mixed results)
- Treating severe reflux
- Curing existing eczema
Are Probiotics Safe for Babies?
Generally Safe For
- Healthy full-term babies
- Infants from birth (strain-dependent)
- Breastfed and formula-fed babies
Use With Caution
- Premature babies: Consult pediatrician first
- Immunocompromised infants: Medical supervision needed
- Babies with central lines: Higher infection risk
Possible Side Effects
Most babies tolerate probiotics well. Rare side effects:
- Temporary increase in gas (usually resolves)
- Loose stools initially
- Very rare: infections in immunocompromised babies
How to Give Baby Probiotics
Drops
- Shake well before use
- Give 5 drops (or as directed) once daily
- Can put on nipple before feeding, in bottle, or on spoon
- Don't add to hot liquid (kills bacteria)
Powder
- Mix packet into room temperature or cool liquid/food
- Give immediately after mixing
- Can mix with breast milk, formula, or puree
Storage
- Check label — some need refrigeration
- BioGaia and most drops: Room temperature OK
- Check expiration date
Probiotic Strains Explained
| Strain | Best For | Found In |
|---|---|---|
| L. reuteri | Colic, gas, fussiness | BioGaia, Gerber Soothe |
| L. rhamnosus GG (LGG) | Immune support, diarrhea prevention | Culturelle, Nutramigen |
| B. infantis | Gut colonization, HMO utilization | Evivo |
| B. lactis | General gut health | Various formulas |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my newborn probiotics?
Yes, many probiotic drops like BioGaia and Gerber Soothe are safe from birth for healthy full-term babies. Always check the product label for age recommendations.
How long until probiotics work?
For colic, studies show improvement may take 1-3 weeks of consistent use. Some parents notice changes within days; others take longer.
Can I give too much probiotic?
Stick to recommended doses. While probiotics are generally safe, more isn't necessarily better and can cause temporary digestive upset.
Do breastfed babies need probiotics?
Breastfed babies get prebiotics (HMOs) from breast milk, but adding probiotics may still help with colic or after antibiotics. It's optional for healthy babies.