The benefits of probiotics have been documented extensively. In addition to their ability to aid digestive function, they’re known to boost immune function, minimize allergic reactions, and reduce inflammation throughout the body. All of these advantages are part of the reason they’re such a popular supplement for adults, but few people know that kids probiotic drops can offer many of the same benefits to children. If you’re wondering whether probiotics are right for your toddler, consider the following five benefits.
Why Do Toddlers Need Probiotics?
1. A toddler’s digestive system is still maturing. Although a baby’s digestive system is fully formed by the time they’re six months old, it’s not quite as strong as a fully grown adult’s would be. It’s still maturing and adjusting to new foods. This means that toddlers may suffer from an upset tummy more easily, but supplements like an organic probiotic gripe water can help ease their discomfort. Gripe water can alleviate gassiness and support your toddler’s digestive health. It’s safe for newborns, toddlers, and kids of all ages, too.
2. Probiotics can help prevent infections. Most people know that probiotics can help a child’s digestive health, but did you know that they can help support your toddler’s immune system, too? Indeed, probiotics are a valuable tool in the fight against infections. Evidence suggests that they bolster the effect of some antibiotic medications and minimize many of the most common symptoms associated with certain infections, including diarrhea and digestive upset.
3. Probiotics help kids maintain a healthy weight. Some studies suggest that kids who regularly consume probiotics are more likely to have a healthy weight than those who do not. For toddlers who are growing and gaining weight, this can be a major benefit. Failure to gain weight at this age puts your toddler at risk of many serious issues, including low bone density, fatigue, and impaired liver function. It’s imperative that you support their health by ensuring they meet age-appropriate weight milestones.
Best Ways to Give Your Toddler Probiotics
4. Fortify their diet with probiotic-rich foods. One of the most effective ways to ensure that your toddler gets enough probiotics is to ensure that their diet includes plenty of probiotic-rich foods. Selections such as yogurt, cheese, and sourdough bread are toddler-friendly options. Other foods such as kimchi, kefir, kombucha, and pickles are also packed with probiotics — but your toddler might not be anxious to eat these foods. If you’re having trouble introducing foods that contain probiotics, don’t worry — there’s a solution.
5. Invest in a probiotic supplement to boost their intake. Many of the aforementioned probiotic-rich foods are difficult to integrate into a toddler’s diet. Luckily, you can invest in probiotic supplements to ensure that your toddler is getting the nutrients they need. You may also see prebiotic supplements and wonder — what is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? Both can be beneficial to your toddler, but prebiotics prompt the growth of gut bacteria whereas probiotics support the gut bacteria that already exist.