Thousands of years ago the great Greek physician Hippocrates stated that “all disease begins in the gut.” Today, we have countless studies to back his claims. There are connections between immune health (immunity being nearly synonymous with health) and our mind.
Gut health is the key to our physical and mental health. The areas of wellness, as we understand, are intimately connected. What then can be more disheartening than watching as your child suffers from gastrointestinal (GI) distress?
Today, the almost negligent use of antibiotics is a root cause of GI upset. Ear nose and throat (ENT) problems are very common issues that stem from poor gut flora at birth. This has happened with an increase in unnecessary cesarean births.
When a child does not pass through the birth canal of its mother, the infant actually misses the first dose of probiotics. From there, for a myriad of health reasons mothers are unable to breastfeed, meaning young infants often miss essential probiotics like B. infantis among others during a very crucial developmental stage.
During the early stages of life when a baby’s innate immune system is forming, children who start off with fewer probiotics are more prone to ENT infections which are commonly treated with antibiotics. Additionally, antibiotics are offered for ear infections, chest infections, and what eventually becomes Strep and even pneumonia.
The snowballing effect of GI upset triggers immune conditions that are far more serious than a sniffle. Autoimmune disease is on the rise as compromised gut lining begins to “leak” causing our bodies to recognize food as a threat. Along with autoimmune disease comes mood disorders, as toxic and inflamed bodies do not tend to be happy. If Hippocrates came back from the dead, he would probably say “I told you so.”
The good news is that Hippocrates is not coming back to haunt us, and we now, thousands of years later, have the resources to right what went wrong.
Top rated probiotics for kids can be life-changers for children and families. What’s more, children don’t often object to taking something that makes their body feel better and minimizes pain. Just to be sure however, when considering our ranking we took taste very seriously.
If a child won’t take their probiotic due to taste that defeats everything. Not only that, but young children don’t naturally know how to swallow pills. We looked into gummies, chewable tablets, and small pearl-shaped probiotics that made it easy for children to take their supplements. Most importantly, we wanted to know how well this product worked.
We combed through hundreds of kids probiotic reviews and only selected products where the parents gave 5-star reviews actually stating that their child in GI distress actually was relieved of their issues.*
*Before starting a probiotic supplement, speak with your doctor. GI upset can be complicated and it may be necessary to avoid certain beneficial bacterial strains.
Even the best probiotic for kids can cause adverse side effects that may warrant a doctor’s visit, especially when the dietary supplement wasn’t used properly. If your child exhibits these symptoms after taking probiotics, you may consider stopping the probiotic supplement program.
You must then observe if the symptoms continue or not, as well as to consult your child’s pediatrician about the matter.
- Digestive symptoms including bloating, gas and/or diarrhea
- Skin issues like itchiness or rashes although these are extremely rare. Check the label since there may be possible allergens in the ingredients list.
- Risk of allergy caused by intolerance for lactose, dairy, gluten or soy. Again, check the ingredients label or switch to allergen-free probiotics.
While probiotics are safe to use for the general population including children, there may be an increased risk for infection among people with compromised immune systems and severe illnesses. Probiotics use should then be avoided unless with a doctor’s approval.
Check out our “Things to Consider” Section
- SHOULD I SPEAK TO MY PEDIATRICIAN BEFORE GIVING MY CHILDREN PROBIOTICS?
- AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I BEGIN GIVING PROBIOTICS TO MY CHILD?
- ARE THERE BENEFITS TO GIVING MY KIDS PROBIOTICS?
- WHAT IS THE BEST PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT FOR INFANTS?
- WHAT IS THE BEST PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT FOR TODDLERS?
- WHAT IS THE BEST FOR TEENS?
- WHAT IF MY CHILD DOESN’T LIKE CHEWABLES? ARE THERE LIQUID DROPS OR SMALL SWALLOWABLE PILLS?
- CAN I GIVE MY ADULT BLEND PROBIOTICS TO MY KIDS?
That being said, we were thrilled to find a number of companies truly addressing the issues surrounding probiotics for kids, and here’s what we came up with of our choices for answering the question “What is the best probiotic for kids?” Here is our list of the top 10 probiotics for kids:
Ranking Methodology
FYI: We chose the probiotics on our 2021 list based on the criteria we used for choosing the best probiotics for toddlers 2019. Many of the probiotics here are perennial favorites, too.
- Administration: Ease of procurement of probiotics as well as a range of delivery methods and kid effective doses.
- Works: Whether the product works for a wide range of kids, as observed in reviews.
- Kids Like It: Whether or not kids like taking the probiotic (or at least don’t mind it).
1. Hyperbiotics Pro-Kids
*We selected Hyperbiotics Pro-Kids Probiotics because the company uses a slow-release delivery method meaning that the beneficial bacteria have a better chance of survival and can do their work where needed- in the gut! The beneficial bacteria are then slowly released over an 8-10 hour period. This product uses 4 strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families including B. infantis- the probiotic most famously found in infants who were breastfed for lengthy periods of time. Though Hyperbiotics may be chewed, this product works best when swallowed.
This may well be the best probiotic for teens because of the combination of probiotics and prebiotics, also known as synbiotics, which are thought to have a synergistic effect. Basically, these beneficial bacteria inhibit the growth and spread of pathogenic bacteria and improve the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Teens with their often-unhealthy food preferences will definitely benefit from the regular and proper intake of Hyperbiotics Prokids Probiotic supplement!
What We Love
- 4 Different Probiotic Strains (L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, B. infantis, and B. lactic)
- Easy to Swallow
- Can Be Chewed if Necessary (Though Works Best If Swallowed)
- Prebiotics Included
- Sugar Free, Non GMO, Lactose-Free, Gluten-Free
- Many Parents Have Reported That Their Children Focus Better
- Helps With Regularity
- Many Parents Have Raved About How These Probiotics Help With Immunity
- Parents With Children With Autism Have Seem GI Improvement and Reported Other Benefits
- Many Parents Report Improvements with Ear Nose and Throat Issues
Score:
- Administration- 98
- Works-100
- Kids Like It-98
- Total: 98.6
Ensure your child’s good health, use a Probiotic today… Can be chewed or swallowed!
2. CULTURELLE KIDS PROBIOTICS
*We selected Culturelle Kids Probiotics as it is a #1 Pediatrician recommended brand that works well for children ages 3 and up. This is the best children’s probiotic that is great for kids’ immune systems and contains Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG, a probiotic strain that is very helpful for stomach upsets.
The product does not contain gluten, sugar, lactose, dairy, preservatives, yeast, soy, or added colors – ingredients that can often trigger GI upsets. Just mix it in their cool water or food!
What We Love
- Users reported that these probiotics have helped solve some puzzling gut-related issues in their child
- Good for Children With Sensitivities and Food Allergies
- Helps With Both Constipation and Diarrhea
- A Lot of Parents Report that Their Kids Like the Flavor
- Helps Improve Mood
- Helps Boost Immune Response
- Helped With Chronic GI Issues
Score:
- Administration- 99
- Works-98
- Kids Like It-99
- Total: 98.6
This yummy gummy chewable is great tasting for the kiddos! Get it on Amazon!
3. NatureWise Chewable Probiotics for Kids and Infants
*NatureWise Strawberry Flavored Probiotics is a cleverly formulated tablet that contains some of the most heavily research beneficial bacteria- L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, B. Infantis, and B. Lactis.
This may be one of the best chewable probiotics for toddlers due to the chewable design of the capsule and the tasty strawberry flavor. This is a daily supplement designed to support overall health and digestive health in children.
Naturewise kids probiotics are the best chewable probiotic for kids, with 60 tablets included in every bottle.
What We Love
- 4 Excellent Strains of Beneficial Bacteria
- Naturewise Kids Probiotics Are Free of Most Common Allergens
- Time Release Capsule
- Small and Easy to Swallow
- May Be Chewed if Necessary
- Parents Report Helps With Child’s Immunity
- Parents Report Helps With Regularity
- A Lot of Kids Enjoy the Taste
- Made in A Nut-Free Facility
Score:
- Administration- 99
- Works-98
- Kids Like It-99
- Total: 98.6
Most every kid loves the flavor of strawberry! I know I do! Buy from Amazon.com!
4. Up4 Probiotics Kids Gummies
*Up4 Probiotics Kids Gummies makes some of the best probiotic gummies for kids anywhere. This formula also combines vitamin D and contains 1 billion CFUs. This is a delicious gummy that boosts immunity and helps to aid in digestive processes and it is shelf-stable.
There are two main strains of probiotics used: Lactobacillus Acidophilus DDS-1 and Bifidobacterium Lactis UABla-12 making this one of the best gummy probiotic for toddlers.
What We Love:
- Many Parents Report That Their Children Stop Getting Sick After Using These
- Contains Vitamin D
- Helps to Eliminate Gas
- Comes with 30 Gummies
- Great for Constipation and Diarrhea
- Great for Kids with Allergies
- Sugar-Free
- Great Taste – Even Picky Kids Tend to Like These
Score:
- Administration- 99
- Works-98
- Kids Like It-99
- Total: 98.6
Order from Amazon Prime to get within two days and receive free shipping!
5. Up4 Probiotics + Prebiotics Kids Gummies
*This is actually Up 4’s new product, Up4 Probiotics & Prebiotics, that is a fruit-flavored probiotic and prebiotic blend.
Prebiotics are just as they sound- they provide yummy nutrients to feed those helpful gut bugs. In addition to 1 Billion CFUs of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans and Inulin (from Chicory root) this product contains added vitamin C. This is a vegan product that does not contain food dye, GMOs, or gluten making it one of the best prebiotic gummies for toddlers, as well as older children.
Due to the absence of possible allergens, this is considered as the best probiotic for 4 year old children and older with hypersensitivity issues including allergies to gluten, food dye and other food ingredients.
What We Love
- Gluten-Free
- A Number of Parents Have Reported Their Children Enjoy the Taste
- Helps With Regularity
- Non-GMO
Score:
- Administration- 99
- Works-97
- Kids Like It-99
- Total: 98.3
Great for vegans… or those who appreciate gluten-free products!
6. Nordic Naturals Probiotic Gummies for Kids
*This children’s gummy probiotic from Nordic Natural is one of the best probiotic supplements for children that contains a prebiotic fiber (tapioca source) as well as 750 million CFUs of Bacillus coagulans (B. coagulans). Children’s systems simply do not do well with some of the 12-15 strain products you see for adults, so we really like that Nordic
Naturals has carefully selected a strain that is known to help with IBS and regularity, therefore, choosing this product as one of the best probiotics for a toddler’s immune system. Other reasons that it’s the best probiotic for toddlers are its safe ingredients, beneficial effects on tummy health and easy-to-chew, delicious gummy formulation.
What We Love:
- Free From Allergens and Artificial Dyes
- Works to Clear Up “Tummy Troubles”
- Supports the Immune System
- Tastes Great
- Some Parents Have Reported Improved Focus and Mood
- A Prebiotic and Probiotic Blend
Score:
- Administration- 99
- Works-98
- Kids Like It-97
- Total: 98
7. Intelligent Labs Probiotics and Prebiotics FOR KIDS
*Sometimes with a picky eater, it’s not enough to supplement with a probiotic particularly after a round of multiple rounds of antibiotics. You need the prebiotic too to aid in the growth of those good bugs.
This is why we chose this blend of Probiotics and Prebiotics from Intelligent Labs as one of the top probiotics for kids. These tablets are free of common allergens, and are also Kosher! The probiotics are a proprietary blend of B. lactis, and L. acidophilus.
The Intelligent Labs Probiotics and Prebiotics are a great choice for your family! Many an Intelligent Labs probiotics and prebiotics review also point out that it’s the best probiotic for teenager because of its right balance – it’s neither too weak that it’s suitable only for babies nor too strong that teenagers may experience side effects.
What We Love
- Third-Party Lab Tested
- Perfect for Infants, Toddlers, and Kids right up until they reach their teens.
- Parents Report Helps Children Repopulate Their Guts After Antibiotics
- Parents Report Helps to Enhance Mood
- Good Quality
- Many Boys and Girls Like the Taste No Matter How Old They Are!
- Contains a Prebiotic and Probiotic
- According to Intelligent labs, the supplements are “Non-GMO, Kosher, Non-Dairy, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Magnesium stearate free, Wheat free, Egg free, Yeast free, Sugar free, Salt free, Animal derivatives free, with no artificial flavors or Preservatives.”, making Intelligent Labs Probiotics and Prebiotics a great choice for kids.
- A Lot of Strains
Score:
- Administration- 99
- Works-97
- Kids Like It-97
- Total: 97.6
8. Olly Kids Multi + Probiotic
Yet another best probiotic for children is Olly, mainly because it’s specifically formulated to improve gut health in children instead of being suitable for teens and young adults, too. *Just like the name implies, Olly is a multivitamin combined with a probiotic strain.
In addition to vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, and B12, this multivitamin contains two minerals- zinc and iodine alone with Bacillus coagulans (B. coagulans). B. coagulans is a safe probiotic used famously for IBS, antibiotic-related diarrhea.
Its easy-to-chew, fruity formulation makes it a great probiotic gummies for 2 year old children – parents can say that it’s like a healthy candy to encourage their toddlers to take the gummies.
What We Love
- Tremendous Help with Chronic Tummy Problems
- Helps With Overall Immune Function
- Tastes Great
- Helps With Regularity
- The Combination of a MultiVitamin and Probiotic is an Overall Price-Saver
Score:
- Administration- 97
- Works-98
- Kids Like It-97
- Total: 97.3
Multivitamin plus probiotic? Ideal for promoting good health in your kids!
9. Ultimate Flora Kids Probiotics
*Ultimate Flora Kids Probiotic is a berry-flavored chewable tablet that has been formulated with 6 different strains of beneficial bacteria- Bacillus coaglans, L. acidophilus, B. lactis, B. breve, L. salivarius, and L. plantarum. The product is gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar-free.
This tablet is suitable for children over the age of 4, and it’s rightly considered as the best probiotic for toddlers because it boosts digestive health and reduces the effects of antibiotic use.
What We Love
- Great for Kids With Severely Compromised Gut Flora As This Product Has A Lot of Strains
- Parents Have Reported that this Product Firms Up Loose Stools
- Many Parents Report This Probiotic Helps Regulate Constipation
- Strengthens Gut to Strengthen Immune System Response
- A Good Pick if A Child Has Been on Many Antibiotics
- Great Flavor
Score:
- Administration- 97
- Works-97
- Kids Like It-97
- Total: 97
10. Replenish The Good Kid’s Probiotic
*Replenish the Good makes an easy to swallow probiotic pearl intended for daily use. This is also the best childrens probiotics in our opinion because it uses Bio-tract ® and Livbac ® technologies to ensure that this product makes it to the gut where all of the work needs to take place.
The Kids Probiotic is blended with 5 probiotic strains and vitamin C. The four strains are L. plantarum, B. lactis, B. infantis, L. acidophilus, and L. reuteri. Again, this alone makes this product one of the best probiotic supplement options for children.
What We Love
- Parents Love These Probiotics as They Help With Immune Support
- Good for Ear, Nose and Throat Issues
- Many Parents Report Easy to Swallow
- Helps With Regularity
- A High Number of Strains
Score:
- Administration- 98
- Works-97
- Kids Like It-96
- Total: 97
Get it at Amazon. Check it out… Click here!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Things to Consider
Should I speak to my pediatrician before giving my children probiotics?
Yes, absolutely. While kid’s probiotics have many helping aspects; they may not be right for your child. Since probiotics are not regulated by the FDA, consult your pediatrician or GI doctor about the dosage and possible side effects.
*Please note: BKS recommends that all products ingested by your child should be first and foremost approved by your pediatrician prior to purchasing and administering.
At what age should I begin giving probiotics to my child?
It is recommended that children over the age of one year old can take chewable or gummy probiotics. Infant probiotics are available in drop form; however, please consult your pediatrician for approval to use. You should also choose specifically formulated probiotics for one year old children just to be on the safe side.
Are there benefits to giving my kids probiotics?
There are several positive benefits for allowing your children to take probiotics, such as:
- Relieve constipation
- Helps with Infectious Diarrhea
- Assists with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Helps to reduce Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
What is the best probiotic supplement for infants?
Probiotics for infants are available in drop form. They are often used to relieve colic, constipation, and spitting up; should be used only from approval of your pediatrician. Here’s one to consider: Culturelle Baby Grow.
What is the best probiotic supplement for toddlers?
The top 10 probiotics for kids that we have listed above is a great beginning point to find probiotics for a toddler, such as a chewable, gummy, or powder packet to mix in a cold drink or food. For kiddos, check out our #3 selection from Naturewise, #2 from Culturelle, or our #4 choice from UP4.
What is the best for teens?
If you are searching for a probiotic for probiotics for 14 year olds and above, swallowable pills are available. For older kids, check out the #10 selection from Replenish for an easy to swallow probiotic pearl. Our list includes several options including all types of probiotics for kids for all ages.
What if my child doesn’t like chewables? Are there liquid drops or small swallowable pills?
If your child does not like the taste of chewable probiotics, rest assured, there are several other options. If they are able to swallow pills, especially small ones, such as listed in option #1 by Hyperbiotics, they offer a very tiny micro-pearl option.
Liquid drops are also available for smaller children or infants. These options are welcome because even the best prebiotics for kids will be useless if your children cannot consume them properly and regularly.
Can I give my adult blend probiotics to my kids?
No, adult blend probiotics are not appropriate to give to your children due to several reasons, such as:
- The potency for adult’s and kid’s probiotics are entirely different,
- The dosage is different,
- The way it is administered may be different,
- And finally, adults and children have different bacterial strains to treat.
Of course, the best children’s probiotic gummies should be considered as dietary supplements only! This means that you, the parent, should ensure that your children are also getting prebiotics and probiotics from whole foods. Their daily food consumption, as well as yours, should ideally contain these beneficial organisms.
The best sources are fermented foods like pickles and yogurt, buttermilk and sourdough bread, but be sure that they are old enough to enjoy these food items. Otherwise, you can use the abovementioned probiotics supplements.
