Do Babies Need Probiotics in 2025?

By Priya Elkins, Early Years Contributor | Baby & Toddler Column | Childcare Standards Council

As more parents become aware of gut health and its role in overall wellbeing, a growing question in 2025 is whether babies should be taking probiotics. From powders and drops to baby formulas “fortified with friendly bacteria,” probiotic products are everywhere, but are they necessary for healthy infants?

In this post, we’ll explore what probiotics are, how they might benefit babies, what’s changed in recent guidance, and what parents should know before giving them to their little one.

As always, our aim is to provide clear, evidence informed, and kind support as you make choices about your child’s health.

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What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually specific strains of bacteria, that can support a healthy balance in the gut microbiome. These so called “good bacteria” are similar to those naturally found in our digestive systems.

When taken in adequate amounts, probiotics may help maintain digestive health, support the immune system, and restore gut balance after disturbances like antibiotic use.

For adults, probiotics are often taken as supplements or consumed through foods like yoghurt, kefir, or fermented vegetables. But for babies, the conversation is a little more nuanced.

Why Are Probiotics Considered for Babies?

A baby’s gut is colonised by bacteria from birth. Factors like the mode of delivery (vaginal vs. caesarean), whether they’re breastfed or formula fed, antibiotic use, and even environmental exposure can influence how their gut microbiome develops.

Some parents and professionals believe that introducing probiotics early could:

• Support digestion and reduce colic or wind

• Help with symptoms of reflux

• Lower the risk of certain allergies or eczema

• Reduce antibiotic associated diarrhoea

• Improve immunity during nursery or illness season

While these potential benefits sound promising, it’s important to understand what the evidence says, and where expert guidance currently stands in the UK.

What’s Changed in 2025?

In 2025, the conversation around infant probiotics continues to grow, with more high quality studies and expert reviews emerging. Here’s what’s new:

1. Strain Specific Research

We now know that not all probiotics are created equal. The effects depend on the strain of bacteria used, and many supplements or fortified products don’t clearly state which strains are included.

In babies, the most researched strains include:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

• Bifidobacterium infantis

• Lactobacillus reuteri (notably used in colic studies)

Some new research in 2024 and 2025 suggests these strains may offer modest benefits in certain cases, but they are not considered essential for every baby.

2. Updated Guidance from Health Professionals

NHS guidelines have not changed significantly as of 2025. Probiotics are not routinely recommended for healthy, full term babies without specific medical concerns.

However, GPs or paediatricians may advise probiotics in cases where:

• A baby has been prescribed antibiotics and is experiencing diarrhoea

• A premature baby is under hospital care and needs support for gut health

• A baby is showing signs of excessive colic and other causes have been ruled out

Always seek personalised advice before starting supplements.

3. Regulation and Labelling Improvements

Probiotic supplements and formula milks are now more tightly regulated in the UK and EU. In 2025, parents can expect clearer labelling, improved strain identification, and more transparency around dosages, making it easier to make informed choices.

Are There Risks to Giving Babies Probiotics?

For most healthy babies, probiotics are considered low risk when given in appropriate doses from reputable brands. However:

• They’re not suitable for all infants. Babies with immune system issues, serious illness, or those born prematurely may be advised against probiotics unless medically supervised.

• Some babies may experience mild side effects, such as bloating or gas when starting probiotics, though this usually settles.

• Quality matters. Not all probiotic products are equally safe or effective. Stick to brands with clear labelling, evidence based strains, and products specifically designed for babies.

Never add probiotics to your baby’s routine without checking with your GP, health visitor, or pharmacist first, especially if your baby has underlying health conditions.

Probiotics and Breastfed vs. Formula Fed Babies

Breast milk naturally contains prebiotics (like human milk oligosaccharides) that feed beneficial bacteria in your baby’s gut. It also contains live bacteria, which helps establish a healthy microbiome. In many cases, breastfed babies do not need additional probiotics unless medically advised.

Some infant formulas now come with added probiotics or prebiotics. If you’re using formula, there’s no need to switch brands solely for added probiotics unless your baby has a specific need and your healthcare provider recommends it.

Can Probiotics Help with Colic?

One of the most commonly marketed reasons for giving babies probiotics is to ease colic, those long bouts of unexplained crying that affect many babies in the first few months.

Some studies have shown that Lactobacillus reuteri may reduce crying time in breastfed babies with colic. However, evidence remains mixed, and benefits are usually modest. Probiotics are not a guaranteed fix, and they don’t work for every baby.

If you suspect colic, it’s always best to rule out other causes (like reflux or allergies) with your GP before turning to supplements.

Should You Give Your Baby Probiotics in 2025?

Here’s a helpful summary to guide your decision:

Probiotics may be helpful if:

• Your baby has been prescribed antibiotics and is experiencing loose stools

• Your healthcare provider recommends a specific strain for digestive discomfort

• Your baby was born prematurely and probiotics are advised under medical care

Probiotics are not routinely needed if:

• Your baby is full term, healthy, and thriving

• There are no signs of digestive upset or other concerns

• You’re giving probiotics “just in case” or based on marketing claims

Always check with your GP or health visitor before giving any supplements to your baby.

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Baby’s Natural Development

In 2025, we know more than ever about the importance of the gut microbiome, but that doesn’t mean all babies need probiotic supplements. For most infants, a healthy diet (including breast milk or infant formula), good hygiene, and regular care are enough to support their gut health naturally.

If your baby has specific needs, probiotic supplements may be helpful, but they are best used with personalised guidance, not as a blanket solution.

Above all, trust your instincts, ask questions, and know that you're doing a wonderful job caring for your little one’s health.