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Top 8 Best Probiotics for Kids

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedSeptember 24, 2024

Probiotics are majorly aimed at enhancing health, particularly gut health, through the use of live bacteria and yeast. These are usually present in some types of foods and supplements, and they are known to enhance proper digestion, enhance the immune system, and avoid certain diseases. Just like in adults, probiotics are good for children, too, especially those with a problematic stomach or a weakened immune system. By the end of this article you will learn the best probiotics for children.

In the sections below, we will be elaborating on each of the best probiotics for kids in the next sections so that you can make the right choice for your little one.

Top 3 Best Probiotics for Kids

  1. Physician's CHOICE Probiotics for Kids
  2. Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids
  3. MaryRuth Organics Probiotics

Any responsible parent will do everything possible to ensure that his or her child is happy and healthy. One way to enhance their health is to provide them with probiotics that assist in enhancing their immunity and digestive systems. Selecting the right probiotic out of all the numerous brands on the market may be quite overwhelming. That is why, below, we have outlined the most popular and effective probiotics for children, according to experts and buyers.


Physician's CHOICE Probiotics for Kids

Editor's Choice

Physician's CHOICE Probiotics for Kids

Physician's CHOICE Probiotics for Kids is a top-tier solution, promoting digestive and immune health in children with 7 diverse strains, organic prebiotics, and immune-boosting vitamins. The natural berry flavor and allergen-free formula make it a safe, effective, and tasty choice for your child's well-being.

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Overall, our top pick goes to Physician’s CHOICE Probiotics for Kids for the following reasons: It contains 7 different strains, organic prebiotin, Vitamin & minerals, and clinically proven L Rhamnosus GG.

Pros

  • The chewable tablets have a natural berry flavor that kids love.
  • It contains no artificial dyes, sugar, or common allergens, making it safe for most kids.
  • The probiotics are approved by a pediatric gastroenterologist and are third-party tested for purity and potency.

Cons

  • Some kids may not like the texture of the chewable tablets, which can be a bit chalky.
  • The tablets are larger than expected, which may be difficult for some kids to swallow.
  • The product may take a few weeks to show noticeable improvements in digestive and immune health.

Physician’s CHOICE Probiotics for Kids is a complete product that ensures the proper functioning of the digestive system as well as the immune system in children. The combination of 7 different types of strains and organic prebiotics improve gut health of the consumer and vitamins and minerals enhance the immune system. The berries’ taste makes the chewable tablets enjoyable, and since it is devoid of substances that trigger allergic reactions in children most children will benefit from this product.

Therefore, regarding the selection of a safe, effective, and tasty probiotic supplement for the child, Physician’s CHOICE Probiotics for Kids will be a perfect choice.


Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids

Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids

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For a probiotic that can aid in boosting your kid’s immunity as well as enhancing his or her digestion, the Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+ is the best for the job.

Pros

  • Doctor-formulated immune support for kids with 5 billion CFU and 14 probiotic strains, prebiotics, and whole food vitamins C and D, all in one yummy chewable tablet that is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.
  • Gluten-free digestion support with Lactobacillus acidophilus, gasseri, paracasei, and plantarum, as well as Bifidobacterium (Bifidobacteria) lactis, breve, infantis, and bifidum for digestive health.
  • Whole food vitamins for kids with one-a-day tasty organic berry cherry flavor chewable probiotics that contain 30mg of whole food vitamin C from organic amla berry plus 400 IU of whole food vitamin D, for added immune support—with no added sugar.

Cons

  • Some kids might not like the taste of the chewable tablet.
  • The container does not have a child lock feature.
  • The chewable tablet is not easily breakable.

It has been a few months already that we are using Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+ for our kid and we can see so much change to their digestion and health. The chewable tablet has a berry cherry taste that goes well with our kid and does not have a hard texture to swallow. We also love that it is free from gluten, dairy, and soy, which is excellent for allergic kids or children with intolerances.

The now food brings probiotic supplement with 14 probiotic strains and 5 billion CFU, to support our kid’s immunity and gut health. It also has whole foods vitamin C and D that boosts immunity which is a feature that we truly appreciate.

One thing that has been realized for instance is that the chewable tablet can hardly be broken easily, which is a concern to many parents. However, the container does not come with a child lock button and therefore should be stored safely for instance out of a child’s reach.

In conclusion, we have great things to say about Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+ for those parents who are searching for an efficient probiotics for their children. It is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and contains NO artificial colors and flavors; it is formulated by a PhD and offers great immune and digestive health.


MaryRuth Organics Probiotics

MaryRuth Organics Probiotics

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MaryRuth Organics Probiotics can be used by the whole family; this is a vegan, USDA certified organic liquid probiotic.

Pros

  • This flavorless liquid probiotic is formulated with 12 unique probiotic strains.
  • It can be taken on an empty or full stomach.
  • MaryRuth's Liquid Probiotic is USDA Organic and Vegan.

Cons

  • It may take time to see results.
  • The taste may not be appealing to some individuals.
  • The price point may be higher than other probiotic options.

MaryRuth Organics Probiotics has been taken for a couple of weeks now and I find that there is a positive change in bowel movement. It is easier to take due to the liquid formulation; however, we love the fact that this supplement is vegan and USDA certified organic.

We really enjoy this probiotic because it contains 12 different probiotic strains; this means that it can positively influence gut health different ways. We also noted that it can be taken with or without food hence can be taken even when one is on the move.

However, one has to mention that it may take time for the patient to notice improvements, and everyone may not necessarily like the taste which the remedy produces. In addition, the cost could be relatively higher compared to other brands of probiotics available in the market.

In conclusion, MaryRuth Organics Probiotics is the perfect liquid probiotic and it is vegan as well as organic.


lovebug PROBIOTICS for Kids

lovebug PROBIOTICS for Kids

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If you want to try a natural probiotic of your child, there is a product called lovebug PROBIOTICS for Kids.

Pros

  • These chewable probiotic tablets have a fruity berry flavor that kids love.
  • The multi-strain support with added fiber promotes a balanced and healthy digestive system for your child.
  • This probiotic supports digestive and immune health, helping with gas, bloating, constipation, digestive upset, diarrhea, and immune support.

Cons

  • Some people may find the flavor too strong.
  • The tablets may be too hard for some children to chew.
  • The price may be a bit higher than other probiotics on the market.

For some weeks, we used lovebug PROBIOTICS for Kids and we can say that it works. Less gas and bloating and overall improvement in digestion was noted in the child. We also liked that the ingredients are natural and non-GMO; the product does not contain the 8 major allergens and sugar.

The tablets are very friendly to administer especially to children and I must say our child fancied the berry taste. We also appreciated that the fiber supplement nourishes the probiotics for increased functionality to the body. All and all, we would recommend lovebug PROBIOTICS for Kids for any parent who is in the market for a good quality probiotic for his or her child.


MaryRuth Organics Probiotic Gummies

MaryRuth Organics Probiotic Gummies

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If you are contemplating on which probiotc supplement to use for your kids, the MaryRuth Organics Probiotic Gummies will be a good choice.

Pros

  • These gummies are formulated with Bacillus subtilis, which may help maintain normal gut comfort and function, and support a healthy immune system.
  • The vegan formula is free of most common allergens, including dairy, nuts, and gluten, making it a great option for kids with dietary restrictions.
  • The gummies are easy to chew and have a delicious strawberry flavor that kids will love.

Cons

  • Some users have reported that the gummies are sticky and difficult to remove from the bottle.
  • The price point may be slightly higher than other probiotic supplements on the market.
  • The gummies may not be suitable for kids who are allergic to corn starch.

For the past few weeks now, we have been using the MaryRuth Organics Probiotic Gummies and we have observed some improvement in our child’s gut health. One can easily chew it and tastes like strawberry which is something that many customers like to have especially children. They are also vegan and the majority of them are not allergenic which provides comfort knowing that the child is taking a healthy supplement.

All in all, yes, we would highly suggest the MaryRuth Organics Probiotic Gummies to other parents in a blink of an eye and without any doubt.


SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Immunity Gummies

SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Immunity Gummies

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If you are looking for a probiotic that is safe and effective for your kids, SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Immunity Gummies might just be the one for you.

Pros

  • Boosts immunity and supports digestive health in one easy serving.
  • Non-GMO, vegan, and free of gluten, milk, eggs, soy, and other allergens.
  • 95% survivability rate ensures that 7 billion CFUs per serving reach the lower digestive tract alive.

Cons

  • May not be suitable for children under 3 years of age.
  • Some kids may not like the strawberry crème flavor.
  • Relatively expensive compared to other kids' probiotics.

Our kids have been taking SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Immunity Gummies for some time now and we are pleased with its outcome. They also enjoy both the taste of the gummies and its texture and that they are taking their probiotics and prebiotics in a yummy way.

Children and adults find it easy to chew and swallow this gummies and they do not need to be stored in a fridge, making it easy to carry around. They do not contain allergens and synthetic additives which relieves our stress as we are confident that the kids are consuming safe food.

In conclusion, SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Immunity Gummies are a great product which we can recommend to all parents who would like their children to take a good quality probiotics supplement.


Renew Life Kids Chewable Probiotic Tablets

Renew Life Kids Chewable Probiotic Tablets

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One of the best probiotics for children is Renew Life Kids Chewable Probiotic Tablets if you are searching for the right supplement for your child. It is an easy to swallow chewable tablet that one should take on a daily basis, so that you can supplement your stomach with good bacteria to help eliminate cases of bloating and other digestion and gut related issues.

Pros

  • The product contains six different strains of probiotics that are clinically tested and formulated by microbiologists and researchers to promote digestive and immune health.
  • With 3 billion cultures, these Renew Life probiotic tablets make it easy for you to support balance in your child's digestive tract.
  • The product is gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free, making it a great option for children with dietary restrictions.

Cons

  • The product is berry-flavored, so if your child doesn't like the taste, they may not take the chewable tablets.
  • Refrigeration is recommended, but not required, which may be an issue for some parents who prefer to store their child's supplements in the fridge.
  • The dosage is one tablet per day, which may not be enough for children with severe digestive issues.

We are currently using Renew Life Kids Chewable Probiotic Tablets for several weeks now, and we found a pleasant change in the bowel habits of our child. It is soft and does not take long to chew and the berries taste good to our child as he was happily chewing it. Of course, it is very useful that the product is gluten and dairy and soy free and this will helpful for children when they eat it.

It is necessary to mention that our product does not need to be refrigerated, however, we keep it in a fridge to maintain the viability of probiotics. The dosage is one tablet a day; therefore, its administration is quite convenient, though we would like to see other higher doses of the supplement for kids with more serious gastrointestinal conditions. In summary, we have a clear suggestion of Renew Life Kids Chewable Probiotic Tablets for parents who wish to buy a good probiotic for their child.


Culturelle Daily Probiotic for Kids + Veggie Fiber Gummies

Culturelle Daily Probiotic for Kids + Veggie Fiber Gummies

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For anyone seeking a simple and tasty probiotic for children, Culturelle Kids Daily Probiotic + Vegetable Fiber Gummies could be the perfect solution.

Pros

  • Contains 1 billion CFUs of high survivability good bacteria
  • Contains prebiotic veggie fiber for digestive health
  • Safe and easy to take

Cons

  • Some children may not like the berry flavor
  • May not work for all digestive issues
  • Only contains one probiotic strain

Culturelle Kids Daily Probiotic + Vegetable Fiber Gummies are worth a taste and we were very pleased with the outcome. It is soft and chewable, tastes like berry which most children would like to have. They have 1 billion CFUs of high survivability good bacteria, that is crucial for keeping the guts in good health.

The prebiotic vegetable fiber present in the gummies also supports digestive health which in turn is vital for the functioning of the body. We also like that the gummies are easy to consume and are healthy with no negative aspects that include sugar, gluten, or dairy components.

But we found that some children perhaps may not like the berry taste and it can be a while before you find the right probiotic for the child. Also, regarding the movement of digestion problems, perhaps the gummies would work because they did not for all. Last but not the least, its small number of probiotic strains may be a drawback for some of the users.

In conclusion we want to recommend Culturelle Kids Daily Probiotic + Vegetable Fiber Gummies to parents searching for a good and safe probiotic for children.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best probiotic for kids, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Strain Diversity

Probiotics are a combination of healthy bacteria; every group of bacteria in probiotics has its own health advantage. It is best to select a probiotic that contains a number of strains to offer your child with multiple possibilities of gaining benefit from the supplement. Ideally, a probiotic should have 3-5 strains at the very least.

CFU Count

CFU refers to colony-forming units which is the count of live bacteria in a probiotic. The effectiveness of the probiotic can therefore be intrinsically assumed to be high, when the count of CFU is high. The probiotic you choose should have a count of not less than 5 billion CFUs per serving.

Packaging

Probiotics are live, and that means that they are vulnerable to heat, moisture and light. This means that there should be a proper packaging method that enhances the protection of the live cultures of the probiotic. Bottles with dark glass and blister packs are suitable packaging mediums that can be used.

Dosage Form

Common forms are capsules, powders, and chewable tablets, but the choice depends on the specific probiotics’ kind. Dosage form depends on the age of your child and his/her personal preferences. There are capsules, and there are problems if the child cannot swallow them, or there are powders that can be dissolved in food or in tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should be considered when choosing a probiotic for children?

To choose the right probiotic for children, it is crucial to define which strains are incorporated in the supplement, the proper amount to be taken and the age of the child. The selection of probiotics should be made based on the strains that have been tested on children and that have proven to have a beneficial impact. Further, it is desirable to select the product that contains the dosage suitable for the child’s age and his or her weight.

How can probiotics benefit toddlers with diarrhea?

Clinical trials have indicated that probiotics used in children are helpful in shortening the duration and lessening the intensity of diarrhoeal episodes in toddlers. They work on the principle of replacing the good bacteria within the stomach, and on the premise that diarrhea indirectly elevates the levels of bad bacteria in this part of the body. Choose a probiotic to take by seeking for some strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG that has been proved to help in managing diarrhea in toddlers.

What are the recommended probiotic strains for managing constipation in toddlers?

It is also noted that the daily consumption of probiotics can also be useful in treating constipation in toddlers. Strains including Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 are likely to enhance the frequency and softness of stools in constipated children. Also, it is crucial to stress that probiotics should serve as an addition to other measures that need to be taken to address the constipation issue, namely, the consumption of fibrous foods and the beginning of regular physical activity.

Are there specific probiotic supplements suited for teenagers?

Indeed, probiotics suitable for teenagers have been developed in the market today. For children, try to find products with strains which have been tested in this population, this is Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis. These strains are effective in enhancing digestion as well as the immunity of teenagers.

Which foods are rich in probiotics suitable for children's consumption?

Probiotic foods that perhaps could be recommendable for children include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha. These are foods that are loaded with live working culture of bacteria that is good for the digestion. One should carefully select products, which contain as limited numbers of added sugars and other unhealthy, additional components as possible.

Is it safe for children to take probiotics designed for adults?

Some toddlers’ probiotics may include some of the adult probiotics, but it is always safer to go for a product which has been developed for children alone. Children possess a different mechanism of nutrition and digestion, and the/probiotics, developed for adults may harm them. As a rule, it is recommended to turn to a pediatrician and discuss the necessity of taking the selected probiotic supplement for a child.

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