Probiotics for kids: Is it safe to give kids probiotics every day?
Last updated: January 2026
Quick Answer
Is it safe to give probiotics to kids daily? YES - probiotics are generally safe for most children and can be given daily to support digestive health.
Probiotics are "good bacteria" that help maintain a healthy gut. Whether your child has gas, loose motion, kabz (constipation), or has just finished antibiotics, probiotics can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in their tummy. The safest way is through natural food sources like dahi (curd) and buttermilk, but supplements are also available for when food sources aren't enough.
What Are Probiotics and Why Do Children Need Them?
Watch: Breast Milk vs. Formula: Why Breast Milk is Best for Your Baby! #breastfeedingbenefits #babyhealth
Understanding Probiotics:
Probiotics are live "friendly" bacteria that naturally live in our digestive system. Think of them as your child's internal army that:
Helps digest food properly
Fights harmful bacteria that cause infections
Reduces gas and bloating (pet phoolna)
Helps with loose motion and diarrhea
Prevents and treats kabz (constipation)
Supports immunity
When Are Probiotics Most Helpful?
Situation
How Probiotics Help
After antibiotics
Antibiotics kill good bacteria too; probiotics restore balance
Loose motion/Diarrhea
Speeds up recovery, prevents dehydration
Constipation (Kabz)
Softens stool, regulates bowel movements
Gas and bloating
Reduces discomfort and pet dard
Frequent infections
Strengthens immune system
Starting solids
Helps baby's gut adjust to new foods
Probiotics By Age: What's Safe?
For Babies 0-6 Months:
Best source: Breast milk contains natural probiotics!
Supplements: Generally not needed unless prescribed
Note: Consult pediatrician before giving any probiotic to newborns
For Babies 6-12 Months:
Natural sources:
Homemade dahi/curd (start with 1-2 teaspoons)
Curd rice (dahi chawal)
Supplements: Drops like Bifilac, Enterogermina (only if recommended by doctor)
For Toddlers 1-3 Years:
Natural sources:
Curd/Dahi (1/4 to 1/2 cup daily)
Buttermilk/Chaas
Lassi
Idli/Dosa (fermented)
Supplements: Can be given if needed
For Children 3+ Years:
Natural sources:
All of the above
Kanji (fermented carrot drink)
Pickles (traditional fermented)
Dhokla
Supplements: Sachets, capsules, or chewables as needed
Best Probiotic Sources for Indian Children
Natural Food Sources (Best Option):
Dahi/Curd (Homemade is Best)
Contains Lactobacillus
Give daily with lunch or dinner
Add with rice or as raita
Chaas/Buttermilk
Light and digestible
Great for summer
Add cumin (jeera), mint for taste
Lassi
Sweet or salty both work
Perfect mid-morning snack
Fresh homemade is best
Fermented Foods
Idli, Dosa batter (naturally fermented)
Dhokla
Traditional pickles (not commercial)
Kanji (North Indian fermented drink)
Probiotic Supplements Available in India:
Product
Form
Age
Notes
Bifilac
Sachets/Drops
0+
Common prescription
Enterogermina
Vials
0+
For diarrhea
Vizylac
Sachets
6m+
With prebiotics
Econorm
Sachets
0+
S. boulardii
Darolac
Sachets
0+
Multiple strains
Important: Always consult your pediatrician before starting probiotic supplements.
When to Worry (Red Flags)
Contact your pediatrician if you notice:
Severe bloating or pet dard after starting probiotics
Choose traditional fermented breakfast options (idli, dosa)
Limit sugary foods that feed bad bacteria
Ensure adequate fiber and water intake
During/After Antibiotics:
Give probiotics 2-3 hours after antibiotic dose
Continue for 1-2 weeks after antibiotic course ends
Include extra curd in diet
Consider probiotic supplement (ask doctor)
During Loose Motion:
Start probiotics immediately
Continue ORS as directed
Don't stop breastfeeding
Give light, easy-to-digest foods
For Gas/Bloating:
Add hing (asafoetida) to dal and food
Give ajwain water after meals
Include probiotics daily
Massage tummy clockwise
Traditional Indian Probiotic Remedies:
Dahi with salt and jeera - For digestion
Lassi after meals - Aids absorption
Chaas with hing and jeera - For gas relief
Curd rice (Dahi Chawal) - Cooling and digestive
Side Effects of Probiotics
Usually Mild and Temporary:
Slight increase in gas initially (goes away in few days)
Minor bloating
Mild change in stool consistency
Rare But Serious (Seek Doctor):
Allergic reactions
Severe abdominal pain
High fever
Worsening symptoms
What's Normal Poop With Probiotics?
When starting probiotics, you might notice:
Slightly softer stools (normal)
More regular potty (good sign!)
Less straining during bowel movement
May temporarily increase gas (settles in 2-3 days)
Expert Insight: Dr. Sumitra explains: 'Every baby's poop schedule is different. Some go 7 times a day, some once a week - both can be normal.'
FAQs
Q: Can I give dahi to my 6-month-old baby?
A: Yes! You can start small amounts (1-2 teaspoons) of homemade dahi from 6 months. It's one of the safest first foods and a natural probiotic. Start fresh, not cold from fridge.
Q: Should I give probiotics during loose motion?
A: Yes, probiotics are very helpful during diarrhea. They shorten the duration and severity. Give along with ORS, not instead of ORS. Products like Bifilac, Econorm are commonly prescribed.
Q: My baby has gas and bloating - will probiotics help?
A: Probiotics can help with gas and pet phoolna. Start with natural sources like dahi. Also add hing to food, give ajwain water, and do tummy massage. It may take a few days to see improvement.
Q: Can too many probiotics harm my child?
A: Probiotics from food are very safe and hard to overdose. With supplements, follow the prescribed dosage. Excess may cause temporary gas or loose stool, but serious harm is rare in healthy children.
Q: My baby is on antibiotics - when should I give probiotics?
A: Give probiotics 2-3 hours after the antibiotic dose, not together. Continue probiotics for 1-2 weeks after the antibiotic course ends to restore gut health. Your doctor may recommend a specific probiotic.
Q: Are probiotic supplements better than curd?
A: For daily gut health, natural sources like curd are excellent and often preferred. Supplements are useful in specific situations (antibiotics, illness, severe symptoms). Food-based probiotics also come with nutrients like protein and calcium.
Q: Which probiotic is best for my child's kabz (constipation)?
A: For constipation, probiotics with Bifidobacterium strains are often helpful. Natural sources: increase curd intake, add fiber-rich foods. Probiotic supplements may be recommended by your doctor along with dietary changes.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. For personalized advice about probiotics for your child, consult with Babynama's pediatric experts on WhatsApp.
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