Generic selectors
    Exact matches only
    Search in title
    Search in content
    Search in posts
    Search in pages

Love & Zest

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • About
  • Recipes
    • breakfast
      • bakery
      • eggs
      • pancakes & waffles
      • smoothies & drinks
    • lunch
      • salad
      • sandwiches
      • soup
    • dinner
      • meat
      • pizza & pasta
      • poultry
      • seafood
      • vegetarian
      • weeknight
    • sides
      • appetizer
      • grains
      • vegetables
    • sweets
      • chocolate
      • cookies
      • ice cream
      • muffins
      • snacks
  • Nutrition
    • Nutrition Philosophy
    • How To Become an RD
    • Nutrition Resources
  • Contact
    • Let’s Work Together
  • Shop

NEW recipes to your inbox + our BONUS weeknight dinner guide for stress free meal planning.

Home » Probiotics for Kids and Babies

Probiotics for Kids and Babies

By Kristina LaRue, RDN 9 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
This post is sponsored by GoodBelly Probiotics.

Why probiotics for kids and babies + how to get kids to take probiotics with this Strawberry Ginger Probiotic Smoothie recipe.

probiotics for kids and babies, strawberry ginger probiotic smoothie

Probiotics for Kids and Babies

As a dietitian and mama, gut health is super important to me and my family of 4, especially with two germy little ones. #momlife right? So today I’m sharing all about probiotics from the best probiotics for kids and babies to why probiotics are good for you and how to improve your gut health naturally + a new recipe for Strawberry Ginger Probiotic Smoothie to help get your kids to take their probiotics. 

probiotics for kids and babies, strawberry ginger probiotic smoothie

Why are probiotics good for you?

Probiotics are living microorganisms that can provide health benefits to the gut, which makes up 70% of your immune system! Here’s why probiotics are good for you.

  • Creates a balanced digestive environment

  • Assists in protecting the body from pathogens by restoring the gut’s protective barrier

  • Probiotics feed off of the same nutrients as unfavored bacteria which can starve the bad bacteria

  • Helps lower the gut’s pH allowing for better absorption of nutrients and minerals and decreasing the likelihood of bad bacteria surviving in a low pH environment

So you know, live and active cultures aren’t always probiotics. And not all probiotics are created equal as different strains of probiotics possess different effects, so it’s important to know the type of strain you’re taking as well as its potential benefits.

probiotics for kids and babies, strawberry ginger probiotic smoothie

Should your baby or toddler take probiotics?

A few studies have examined the health benefits of probiotics for kids and babies. One study found probiotics to be an effective method in preventing the likelihood of childhood eczema. Another recent study showed that probiotics can reduce crying in breastfed babies with colic.

We started probiotics right away with both of my boys and continued through the first year and beyond. Of course, it’s always important to talk with your child’s pediatrician before implementing a new routine or trying probiotics for kids and babies.

probiotics for kids and babies, strawberry ginger probiotic smoothie

What causes bad bacteria in the gut?

If you’re struggling with stomach pain, digestive issues, cramping constipation, bloating, gas, or feeling run down, a disturbance in your intestinal microbiota may be to blame. If harmful bacteria take over, it throws your gut microbiome off balance.

These are the different factors that contribute to a healthy gut; balancing out these areas can help to improve gut health naturally. 

  • Exercise
  • Diet
  • Stress
  • Medication
  • Lifestyle
  • Age

probiotics for kids and babies, strawberry ginger probiotic smoothie

Can I take probiotics with antibiotics?

Yes! Anytime you’re on antibiotics, it wipes out the bad bacteria making you sick but also clears out the good guys living in your gut too. So flooding your body with probiotics is a strategy most doctors recommend when they prescribe antibiotics to replenish your gut flora.

It’s important to remember to take probiotics either two hours before or after your antibiotics (otherwise the antibiotic will kill them).

probiotics for kids and babies, strawberry ginger probiotic smoothie

When is the best time to take probiotics?

Whenever you can remember! Unless you’re on antibiotics (*see note above). Probiotics can be taken any time of the day – morning, afternoon or night and before or after food. Try testing out different routines to decide what works best for you.

I keep my probiotic drinks conveniently located in the front of the fridge so that I remember to take them first thing in the morning.

probiotics for kids and babies, strawberry ginger probiotic smoothie

Good Belly Probiotic Drinks

I’m partnering with GoodBelly Probiotics for a 12 Day Gut Reboot with the entire fam – yep, the 3 year old and soon to be 1 year old are doing this reboot with me and the hubs!

GoodBelly is all about the science behind probiotics and the specific strains that have been well-documented and researched.

Their probiotic drinks contain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, also known as LP299V, which has been backed by more than 20 years of research.

Here’s what you need to know about Lactobacillus plantarum:

  • Naturally occurring in the gastrointestinal tract of humans
  • Thrives in acidic environments such as our stomachs and juice drinks
  • Has been shown effective in supporting healthy digestion by adhering to and colonizing in the gastrointestinal tract

 

Probiotic strains and numbers important.

You can count on GoodBelly to tell you exactly how many you are getting in each of their products! Numbers are conveniently listed on the front of their beverage products. Each one contains 20 billion – 50 billion probiotics per serving depending on the beverage!

GoodBelly Probiotics offers a variety of probiotic products including juice drinks, shots, protein shakes, and infused beverages.

My all time favorite are the GoodBelly Probiotic Shots. These non-GMO, vegan, soy & dairy-free drinks also come in two varieties of shots – plus and straight. They also have some gluten-free options! Good Belly shots not only contain essential vitamins, they’re also a source of 20 billion digestive balancing probiotics!

probiotics for kids and babies, strawberry ginger probiotic smoothie

Forget to take your vitamins? Good Belly shots are a convenient and incredibly tasty way to get your probiotics.

How to get kids to take probiotics.

 

So you know the benefits of probiotics for kids and babies, but may be wondering how I get probiotics into my little ones. And while my toddler loves the smiley face on the GoodBelly Shots, my tried and true way of getting the best bugs into their tummies is by blending up this Strawberry Ginger Probiotic Smoothie.

If you want to get started take the 12 day reboot with us, jump on over to GoodBelly’s website for a sweet coupon to get you started.

Print

Strawberry Ginger Probiotic Smoothie


★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Kristina LaRue, RD, CSSD
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

  • 2 cups frozen strawberries
  • 1 large banana
  • 2 medium carrots, large chopped (or 1 cup baby carrots)
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • ½ cup 100% orange juice
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled
  • 1 lemon drop GoodBelly Shot
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric

Ingredients

  1. Add all ingredients into the blender and process until smooth and creamy.

  • Category: Smoothie
  • Method: Blender
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 recipe

Keywords: strawberry, ginger, probiotic, smoothie, breakfast

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @loveandzest on Instagram and hashtag it #loveandzest

If you like this article Best Probiotics for Kids and Babies or try this recipe or any of our recipes, please leave a comment and rate the recipe. We love hearing from you! You can also tag #loveandzest on social media. To stay up-to-date, FOLLOW US on Instagram @LoveandZest, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Kristina LaRue, RDN

Hi I’m Kristina LaRue, RD (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. On Love & Zest, you’ll find healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I’m all about veggie-filled breakfast, meal prep recipes, healthier sweets, and easy weeknight dinners made in the Instant Pot or sheet pan.

Did you make one of my recipes?? Leave a review in the comments and tag @loveandzest #loveandzest on Instagram!

If you’re a modern mama– I’d love for you to join my Facebook group A Modern Motherhood Collective!

www.loveandzest.com

Sharing is caring!

1.7Kshares
  • Share1
  • Tweet
  • Pin1.7K

Filed Under: a modern motherhood Tagged With: nutrition

Join Our Private Facebook Community for young mamas

A modern motherhood collective facebook group.

« High Protein Breakfast: Turmeric Oats with Cottage Cheese
Sheet Pan Breakfast Bowls »

Comments

  1. Katherine says

    October 7, 2019 at 11:38 am

    Should the carrots be raw or steamed? 🙂

    Reply
  2. Desi says

    February 1, 2019 at 1:09 am

    i really like this and very healthful i will make this thank you for sharing and health is well you try this

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says

    January 17, 2019 at 7:08 pm

    I have been hearing so much about probiotics and our gut flora and how important it is to have good bacteria. I am so excited to try this for my kids. I have a probiotic I love but I haven’t given any to my kids yet. Thanks for the helpful tips!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  4. Ilona says

    January 17, 2019 at 7:03 pm

    It is so important to take probiotics. Love that they produce for kids. Maybe I should get it for my boys!

    Reply
  5. Noelle says

    January 17, 2019 at 6:16 pm

    My kids love this!

    Reply
  6. Noelle says

    January 17, 2019 at 6:14 pm

    Love this, will be making for the entire family!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  7. Alyssa says

    January 17, 2019 at 6:10 pm

    I’d never heard of probiotic “shots” before, but that’s definitely something I want to try. I’ve been really into making smoothies lately, so I love this idea!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  8. Alina | Cooking Journey Blog says

    January 17, 2019 at 5:50 pm

    Great post! I thought that probiotics are for those that have gut problems. But I started to notice how many brands offer probiotic or add them to their products like yogurts or even teas. Do you think it is ok to take probiotic if you maintain a more or less healthy lifestyle?

    ★★★★★

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The Early Riser: Beet, Pineapple, Carrot, and Lemon Juice says:
    May 22, 2019 at 11:21 am

    […] Strawberry Ginger Probiotic Smoothie  […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

sidebar
Thanks for stopping by Love & Zest. I’m Kristina LaRue, RDN (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. Here on L&Z, I share healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I'm a fan of adding veggies to everything and recipes that make mom life easier.
ABOUT KRISTINA

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in posts
Search in pages

Privacy Policy

JOIN 11,000 OTHERS AND GET ACCESS TO MY FREE LIBRARY OF RESOURCES: Our latest Weeknight Dinner Guide to make getting dinner on the table easier is now available!

Copyright © 2023 · Pink theme by Restored 316

Privacy Policy