You may not know this, but gut health is one of the most important aspects of a baby’s life. In fact, gut health impacts everything from our mood to weight and immune system! So what can you do to support gut health in your little ones? Read on for 10 tips that will make a big difference in their gut.
Our gut health plays a vital role in numerous health functions. Most of the bacteria in our bodies settle in the large intestines and basically function as superheroes in the human body. They play an important role in the immune system, help with nutrient absorption, aid in digesting food, fight against disease-causing microorganisms, support detoxification, and produce crucial vitamins.
The immune system is actually regulated by good microflora.
And if that wasn’t impressive enough, the gut is considered to be our “second brain” because of the influence it has over the health and functions of the brain. And it’s also known as the “second liver” because gut bacteria help to maintain the intestinal barrier, which protects the body from ingested toxins.
Unfortunately, gut flora can easily be thrown off balance by taking antibiotics or even by something as simple as getting sick. An imbalance of intestinal bacteria, i.e., too many unhealthy bacteria, has been linked to certain symptoms and conditions such as:
- Bloating, gas, or constipation
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Eczema, psoriasis, or acne
- Depression, anxiety, or OCD
- Autoimmune disorders
- Vitamin deficiencies
When our gut flora is out of balance, our immune system can go into overdrive and generate a response that creates chronic internal inflammation. Conversely, when our gut flora is in balance, we may experience many health benefits such as improved digestion, lower risk of infection, better mental health, and a strengthened immune system.
Science is just beginning to discover the importance of the gut, but clearly its impact and influence in the human body are widespread and impressive.
In addition to giving baby probiotics, what are the ways in which you can help your baby have a healthy gut flora? Here are a few simple everyday tips on how to support the microbial diversity in your baby’s gut.
1. Breastfeed as much and for as long as possible.
Breastfeeding is the best way to keep your baby’s gut healthy. It gives a continuous healthy dose of natural probiotics and will help in sealing the gut lining. Consider taking a high-quality probiotic for postpartum as well to support your own gut health.
You don’t have to breastfeed exclusively, either. In fact, even minimal or occasional breastfeeding offers your baby numerous benefits, including exposure to healthy probiotics and safe sleep protective benefits.
And if you do use baby formula, choose the highest quality formula you can afford, preferably one without palm oil.
2. Don’t use medication or antibiotics casually.
Though they can be very effective and sometimes even life-saving, antibiotics kill both the good and bad bacteria in your body and repeated use causes harm to the gut over the long term. Medication can have its side-effects too, often altering the microbiome.
If your pediatrician prescribes antibiotics, talk to them about whether it makes sense to use natural remedies or treatments, and let antibiotics be your last resort whenever possible and reasonable. (Note: antibiotics can be necessary sometimes and we do not advocate ignoring your doctor’s advice or withholding treatment when it is needed. If you are ever in doubt, just get a second medical opinion!)
And for the times you do need to administer antibiotics to your baby or toddler, it would be smart to also give probiotics to help balance the negative effects of the antibiotics. It’s usually best practice to give infant probiotics about 2-3 hours after giving antibiotics, but you should work with your baby’s care providers to determine if this is a good option for you.
And if your child’s pediatrician likes to over-prescribe antibiotics, consider looking for a more natural-minded doctor, integrative pediatrician, or naturopath that you can go to when your baby isn’t feeling well. The best place to find a good pediatrician is through word of mouth. Ask other natural-minded mamas you know or post in a local Facebook group asking for recommendations.
Related: The Best Baby Probiotics
3. Don’t start your baby on solid foods before 6 months of age.
Don’t start solid foods before the gut has matured. This does not happen before the age of six months.
Many pediatricians still recommend starting solids at the age of 4 months, and this is frankly old advice that isn’t helping babies these days. Starting solid foods at 6 months or later is the new recommendation, and you must make sure that your baby is actually showing the signs of readiness for starting solid foods.
I started my second baby at 7.5 months and that was because he simply wasn’t ready before that. There’s no rush whatsoever to start solid foods.
4. Feed your baby a clean diet, including fiber-rich foods.
As your baby grows and begins taking solid foods, make sure to provide a fiber-rich diet consisting of mostly whole fruits, vegetables, and legumes to support the growth of the most beneficial intestinal flora. Add fermented foods to their diet, as well, such as yogurt, sauerkraut.
You can find a good list of foods to give to your baby on our guide to starting solids and our list of 40+ finger foods.
5. Limit your baby’s intake of sugar and processed food.
Consumption of excess sugar will cause fermentation in your baby’s gut. This, in turn, will promote more growth of the bad bacteria in their gut. The good news is that babies and young children aren’t naturally drawn to sweets unless you encourage them. So when it’s time to introduce solid foods to your baby, be sure to choose fresh, whole foods like grass-fed and pasture-raised meats, vegetables, and fruits.
6. Give your baby probiotics.
In addition to exposing your baby to a variety of foods and giving fiber-rich foods, you can also give your baby an infant probiotic. Prebiotic fiber and omega-rich oil supplements are both gut health boosters that will help your baby’s gut bacteria grow stronger. Just talk to your pediatrician before starting either of them for babies under six months old; based on your baby’s health history, they might recommend waiting until after their first birthday instead.
Biomeology Infant Probiotics
Buy on Amazon | Biomeology
7. Take your baby outdoors.
By providing exposure to the outside world, you allow your baby to develop a strong immune system. Letting your little ones play outdoors with other kids. Getting their hands dirty brings them into contact with different microbes that will help strengthen their gut and resistance to infection.
8. Optimize your maternal microbiome during and after pregnancy.
Your own gut microbiota will play a critical role in your baby’s gut flora. Try to eat fermented foods and take a high-quality prenatal probiotic before, during, and after pregnancy. Stay active during pregnancy and eat well. Eat a variety of healthy whole foods, cut out as much processed food as you can, do not drink alcohol or eat foods that upset your system.
Biomeology Prenatal Probiotics
Buy on Amazon | Biomeology
9. Don’t over-sanitize.
The immune system thrives on being challenged, so routine daily exposure to dirt will typically boost a child’s immune system. Don’t overly sanitize your home and avoid the use of hand sanitizer.
Even showering or bathing your baby too much can disrupt their skin’s microbiome.
10. Look out for constipation.
Watch out for constipation in your infant. If they seem to only go once every few days, it may mean that they need a little extra help, hydration, or support. Talk to your baby’s pediatrician about what they might need. I’ve always liked giving my baby a warm detox bath or Epsom salt bath to loosen the bowels and encourage pooping. And as he got older, a little lemon water or green juice also helped get him moving.
Sky Organics Epsom Salt
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11. Avoid pesticide exposure.
One of the most important ways to protect your baby’s gut health and overall wellness is to reduce and limit their exposure to pesticides. You can do this in many ways, including buying organic baby formula and produce and not spraying pesticides inside or outside of your home, and laying down a blanket at the park. For more info, check out these 10 steps to avoiding Glyphosate and other pesticides.
12. Do your best to avoid exposing your baby to harsh chemicals.
Chemical exposure during pregnancy or during infancy can have long-lasting effects on your baby’s health and wellness. Do your best to reduce toxins in the home, reduce your use of plastics, and avoid harsh ingredients in baby products.
Make sure to purify the air and water in your home and be sure to check out my master list of non-toxic products for household product recommendations ranging from toilet paper and vacuums to supplements and cleaning products, and more.
We also have an entire section on the site dedicated to helping you find non-toxic baby products, including:
- Best Non-Toxic Car Seats
- The Best Non-Toxic Baby Furniture Brands
- The Best Non-Toxic Bassinets and Co-Sleepers for Your Newborn
- Non-Toxic Baby Toys: A Guide to the Safest Toy Brands for Babies
- The 15 Best Certified Organic Crib Mattresses for Babies
- 20+ Certified Organic Baby and Toddler Clothing Brands
- The Best Baby Wipes: The Brands With The Safest Ingredients
- The Best Non-Toxic Disposable Diapers for Babies
Final Thoughts on Boosting Baby’s Gut Health
As a parent, you want to do everything you can for your baby. One of the most important things you can do is support their gut health. There are many different ways that gut health impacts an infant’s development and long-term health, so you are doing the right thing by supporting your baby’s gut health!
Isn’t it amazing how important our microbiome is, even during pregnancy and after your baby’s birth?
Looking for more gut health tips? Check out our other blog posts on the topic:
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