When it comes to our health, we definitely take it seriously. Doubly more so when it is our children’s health. We want to keep them in tip-top shape and as healthy as can possibly be. In addition to a multi-vitamin, probiotics can help to balance the “good” bacteria in the gut, which helps to maintain overall good health in general. Naturally occurring probiotics are found in such foods as sauerkraut and soybeans, artichokes and yogurt.
But we all know that our little ones can be a little fussy when it comes to foods. After all, they are still growing up and coming into their own. So, in order to supplement what they are missing out on in their foods, probiotics come in and help to improve the natural flora of the gut. We have reviewed dozens of probiotics for kids, in order to identify the best of the best. We considered various factors such as methods of taking them, ingredients and more. We found the top probiotics for kids. But as with anything, before starting anything new pertaining to your child’s health, always consult with a doctor.
When it comes to kid’s probiotics, Culturelle Kids Chewable Daily Probiotic is the clear front runner in the game. Coming in an easy chewable form, kids can easily take their probiotic in the morning after breakfast, so it is never forgotten. They have approximately 5 billion CFU’s (which stands for Colony Forming Units, which just mean the live and active cultures in the probiotic itself.)
For an everyday multivitamin for your children, you won’t want to miss The Best Multivitamins For Kids.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Probiotics for Kids
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Culturelle Kids Chewable Daily Probiotic | 4.5 |
| Runner Up | Renew Life Kids Probiotic | 4.3 |
| Best Budget Buy | NOW BerryDophilus™ | 4.5 |
| Best Chewable Probiotic | Naturo Sciences Children's Chewable Probiotic | 4.7 |
| Best Gummy Probiotic | Nordic Naturals Probiotic Gummies | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Culturelle Kids Chewable Daily Probiotic
Probiotics, especially for children can be a little tricky. You want to be able to find just the right one for your little one. With Culturelle Kids Chewable Daily Probiotic, you are getting one of the highest-rated children’s probiotics that you can find on Amazon! Not only is it the number 1 pediatrician recommended brand of probiotic for children, but it is also super-easy for your little one to take! It comes in an easy-to-chew, naturally berry-flavored tablet. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is the most important ingredient in this probiotic. It helps to reduce the number of stomach troubles that your child may run into, including stomach upset and diarrhea.
Not only that, but it also supports your child’s health by helping to balance the good bacteria in their little digestive tracks. That is, after all, where approximately 70% of their immune system essentially lives. That is why it is so important to keep it healthy and happy with a good probiotic. With this one, it has approximately 5 million CFUs (colony forming units), which refer to the live, active microorganisms that are within the probiotic. Help give your little one’s immune system a boost this year with this great probiotic!
Culturelle Kids Chewable Daily Probiotic Key Features:
- Powered by Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Natural berry flavor
- Easy-to-chew
- Helps boost children’s natural immune defenses
Our Runner Up Pick: Renew Life Kids Probiotic
With over 3 million active cultures, Renew Life Kids Probiotic also has a variety of 6 different specific strains, which are meant to ease the occasional tummy problems. They are also meant to support digestive regularity. This probiotic has a great shelf life, so it does not have to be refrigerated, that is totally up to you whether you want to stick it in the fridge or not. It has a wonderful “berry-licious” flavor that kids won’t mind taking every morning. A bonus is that the flavor is all-natural. It does not contain any artificial sweeteners, so you can feel secure that they are not getting any additional sugars. These are also dairy and soy-free, for those with sensitivities.
With its delayed release mechanism, the chewable form has a targeted delivery system to make certain that the probiotics actually reach your child’s intestinal tract, where they are needed the absolute most. These probiotics are of the highest quality, so you can be one-hundred percent certain that your children are receiving the absolute best that they can possibly get. In addition to a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and keeping them hydrated, this probiotic will help your child feel and be their best every single day.
Renew Life Kids Probiotic Key Features:
- Over 3 million active cultures
- Delayed-release mechanism
- Easy-to-chew
- Great fruit flavor
Best Budget Pick: NOW BerryDophilus
When it comes to probiotics, not all are created the same. There are things that you won’t find in NOW BerryDophilus’s product. These include artificial colors, glyphosate, unlabeled allergens, and hidden steroids. The company has been around since 1968, and are a leader in the field of natural products. The company is also GMP Quality Assured. This means that every aspect of their process of manufacturing has been examined carefully, right down to the most minute detail. This includes their laboratory and testing methods and more. They are a family-owned business and the probiotics are made right here in the U.S.A.
With 2 billion active cultures and 10 different probiotic strains, the chewable tablet has a pleasant berry flavor and will not harm teeth. It is sweetened with xylitol. Promoting healthy intestinal flora, the probiotic helps to create an ideal environment in the gut, so that the maximum amount of nutrients will be absorbed into your child’s system. They are round-shaped and chewable, making them easy to ingest. The really great thing about these specific probiotics is that they can be given to children, and used by adults, as well! No more having to buy separate probiotics for the family!
NOW BerryDophilus Key Features:
- 10 different probiotic strains
- Tasty berry flavor
- Helps bodies to absorb more nutrients
- For both children and adults
Best Chewable Probiotic: Naturo Sciences Children’s Chewable Probiotic
When things like infections pop up, and our little ones have to take an antibiotic in order to get rid of it, they can have some stomach issues with the said antibiotic. The tummy upset is typically a normal side effect of the antibiotics, but they are necessary in order to kill the infection. But they can be pretty uncomfortable, especially for little kids. Taking a probiotic can help with the stomach upset. Naturo Sciences Children’s Chewable Probiotic is a great chewable probiotic that helps to restore the natural balance of good bacteria in the gut.
This specific probiotic contains 8 specific probiotic strains especially formulated for children, in addition to approximately 5 billion active cultures. It is sugar-free and features a natural tangerine flavor, that kids won’t mind taking it. If your children do happen to not like taking their probiotic, this specific one, according to the company can easily be hidden in their snacks, or it can be crushed up with ease and mixed in with cold foods. These come in specialized dry nitrogen flushed blister packs, in order to keep the probiotic cultures alive and as effective as possible. With over 300 positive reviews from happy customers, these are definitely the best probiotic chewable.
Naturo Sciences Children’s Chewable Probiotic Key Features:
- 5 billion active cultures
- Can be crushed and placed in cold food
- Great tangerine flavor
- Sugar-free
Best Gummy Probiotic: Nordic Naturals Probiotic Gummies
With no artificial coloring and a yummy tart tangerine taste that children will not mind, Nordic Naturals Probiotic Gummies are a great choice if you are on the search for a great gummy probiotic. In addition to the 1.5 billion active cultures that are found in this formula, two gummies hold approximately 250 milligrams of Vitamin C. That is just another great way to boost your child’s immune system! This probiotic contains just the right amount of beneficial bacteria to keep your children’s tummies happy and healthy ones.
They are GMO-free, and third-party tested for purity. Not only that, but they are also gelatin-free, dairy-free and are certified vegetarian, so you can be certain that your child is getting the best possible probiotic to help their stomach. Plus, there are no artificial colors or preservatives. They are also GMP registered under dietary supplements. Many a customer has raved about these gummies, saying that they have helped their child with everything from focus to digestive issues and aches. Kids will enjoy the great taste of the probiotic, and we grown-ups will love what they do for our little ones, keeping them in optimal health to grow up big and strong!
Nordic Naturals Probiotic Gummies Key Features:
- 250 milligrams of vitamin C per 2 gummies
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Great taste
- 1.5 billion active cultures
Who Should Buy Probiotics for Kids
Your children do not need to have stomach issues in order to introduce probiotics into their daily diet. Probiotics are made to help balance out the natural intestinal flora, or “good bacteria,” in the gut. This is where 70% of their immune system lives. Really, anyone who is looking to boost their children’s immunity should look into purchasing a probiotic for their child. Of course, though, it is imperative to check with your child’s doctor before starting any supplement, including probiotics. You want to make sure that you purchase one that is appropriate for your child’s specific needs.
Not only are they good for building up immunity, but of course, probiotics help to regulate the stomach. If your child does suffer from occasional tummy troubles, a probiotic may just be the solution that you are looking for. It can help balance everything out and help to keep them regular, which may help to eliminate the tummy pain that they are experiencing. Probiotics are really a great idea all around.
Important Features to Consider
A probiotic for kids should help to balance out your child’s intestinal flora, give their immune systems a boost, and help to reduce digestive issues. Here is what to consider when selecting a probiotic for your child:
- Ingredients. This is most definitely the biggest thing to look at when you are selecting a probiotic for your child. It is always important to look at the ingredients list on any probiotic product that you are considering for your child. This rings especially true if your child has any type of food allergy or their body cannot handle certain colors or dyes. Luckily, though, most probiotic products for children that are out on the market today tend to be made with all-natural products, as well as colors coming from natural sources. If you are looking into purchasing a probiotic for your child, you could always begin by asking your child’s doctor or pharmacist what they believe would be the best option for your child.
- Immunity. Probiotics are amazing little things that can do wonders for an immune system. This is especially true when it comes to our kids. They are still growing, after all. A great probiotic product will have various probiotic strains, and millions or even billions of live and active cultures. Because approximately 70 percent of our children’s immune systems live in their gut, these live cultures go right to where they are needed the most. They help to build up what could have been lost during, for example, a round of antibiotics for an infection. They are also great at keeping the “good bacteria” at the level that they are supposed to normally be at.
- Digestive issues. Sometimes our little ones tend to have some tummy troubles. While the answer isn’t always so simple, it can be a matter of an imbalance of the intestinal flora in their digestive tract. Introducing a probiotic can help to restore it to where it belongs. Because they have the power to restore that balance, everything else will begin to balance out, too. Your little one’s tummy troubles may just go away for good if the right probiotic is introduced to them!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are probiotics for kids and how do they work?
Probiotics are technically live organisms that when ingested help to restore and replenish the intestinal flora that lives inside of your child’s digestive tract. They can keep it in balance, as well as build it back up after, say, a course of antibiotics, which may kill off some of the good bacteria in the gut. Not only that, probiotics have also been found, in addition to helping with occasional stomach issues, can actually help in various other areas of the body as well. These can include skin conditions like eczema, oral health, urinary health and even possibly preventing allergies and colds to occur.
How can probiotics help my child?
When someone hears the word “bacteria,” they automatically freeze. But not all bacteria are bad! There is actually such a thing known as “good bacteria,” and it can help balance out your immune system. Probiotics for kids contain this “good bacteria” that can help to keep the good bacterial flora in check in your child’s digestive system. They can contain up to millions and even billions of live and active cultures to help restore or maintain a good level of this bacteria. They also help to keep your child regular, as well as helping with occasional stomach troubles that your child may be experiencing.
Can I give probiotics to my toddler?
There are many different varieties of probiotics out there. This also includes probiotics that are formulated especially for toddlers, for their growth and development. It bears repeating that you should not give your child any kind of probiotic or supplement without first speaking with their healthcare provider or pharmacist first. But yes, you can give your toddler probiotics, but they must be a specialized form of probiotics that are developed specifically for toddler’s delicate immune systems.
Can you give a child too much probiotics?
It is important to make sure that you are giving your child the correct dosage of probiotics, according to their age range. If too many probiotics are given they can cause symptoms like stomach upset, as well as some extra gas and bloating, which will make them uncomfortable.
Other Kids’ Probiotics We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other kid’s probiotics. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best probiotics for kids list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your child. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Probiotic Powders for Kids
- Probiotic Liquids for Kids
- Gluten-Free Probiotics for Kids
- Sugar-Free Probiotics for Kids
Probiotic Powders for Kids
Culturelle Probiotics for Kids Packets
This probiotic comes in an easy-to-use packet form so you can just grab one and mix it in with your child’s favorite drink. It is especially convenient to take on trips.
Key Features:
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free
- Over 5 billion active cultures
- Helps occasional tummy upset
Cost: $42.00
Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics Powder Packets for Kids
This probiotic powder features easy to open packets that are ready for juice or water. The powder packets have a pleasant raspberry flavor.
Key Features:
- Contains zero grams of sugar
- Features 10 high-quality bacteria strains
- Gluten-free
Cost: $30.00
Primal Defense Kids Probiotic Formula
With a delicious banana flavor, kids will enjoy the taste of this probiotic, and may not even know that they are taking a supplement! This product is made with organic and pure foods, so you know exactly where your supplements are coming from.
Key Features:
- Fully vegetarian product
- Contains over 4 billion bacteria
- Great for digestion support
Cost: $23.00
Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Powder Packs For Kids
This flavorless powder is perfect because it will mix well with any type of beverage that your child likes. The powder does not contain any artificial colors, parabens or alcohols.
Key Features:
- Over 5 billion Lactobacillus rhamnosus per serving
- No sugar added
- Free of the top 8 allergens
Cost: $16.00
Nordic Naturals Kids Probiotic Pixies
This product is unique in that you do not need any liquid to mix the powder into. The powder can easily be sprinkled onto the tongue and it melts.
Key Features:
- Vegan-friendly and non-GMO
- Contains no dairy, gluten or soy
- Does not require refrigeration
Probiotic Liquids for Kids
Belly Balance contains 11-strains of probiotics. It is easily mixed into your child’s favorite beverage.
Key Features:
- Non-dairy
- GMO-free
- Gluten-free
Cost: $37.00
Go Healthy Natural Liquid Probiotics & Enzymes for Kids
Created in small and handcrafted batches, this probiotic is made at a USDA organic farm in the U.S.A. It is created with 14 plant-based probiotic strains.
Key Features:
- No refrigeration required
- Allergy-friendly
- An absorption rate of 95%
Cost: $25.00
A 100% organic liquid probiotic, it is unflavored, meaning that you can easily mix it into any drink your child enjoys. It is plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Key Features:
- Water-based
- Created in a GMP compliant facility
- 12 live-strains of probiotics
Cost: $45.00
MRM – Probiotic Supplement Drops
Created with superior ingredients, this formulation has probiotics as well as prebiotics, enzymes, and postbiotics. The company uses only ingredients of the highest quality and have been third-party evaluated.
Key Features:
- Their Microbac technology delivers 5x probiotic activity
- Features 16 microbial strains
- Non-GMO, gluten0-free and vegan
Cost: $13.00
The acidophilus formula helps to halt the growth of disease-causing bacteria. The company’s ingredients are sourced directly from nature and are of the highest quality.
Key Features:
- All-natural fruit punch flavor
- Manufactured in a GMP certified facility
- Can even reduce bad breath
Gluten-Free Probiotics for Kids
These berry-flavored gummies are gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO certified. They are easy for children to take each day.
Key Features:
- Pectin-based
- Soft and easy to chew
- 1 billion CFU per gummy
Cost: $12.00
MAV Nutrition Probiotics For Kids
Filled with probiotics and digestive enzymes, these probiotic gummies will aid in regularity for your children. There is approximately 1 billion CFU per gummy.
Key Features:
- Gluten-free
- Natural berry flavor
- No high-fructose corn syrup
Cost: $12.00
NaturesPlus Animal Parade Acidophikidz
This chewable probiotic has a special blend of intestinal flora to help your child at the source. It is free from artificial colors, as well as preservatives.
Key Features:
- Contains the rare herbal extract Rhododendron caucasicum and the probiotic B. coagulans
- Gluten-free
- Great-tasting natural berry flavor
Cost: $17.00
SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Complete
This gluten-free gummy probiotic also contains prebiotics for optimal digestive health. They are certified vegan and have no synthetic flavors or sweeteners.
Key Features:
- No refrigeration needed
- Free of many common allergens
- Gelatin-free
Cost: $16.00
These tasty probiotics also have prebiotics in them as well, and come in a delicious berry flavor. They are gluten-free, gelatin-free, vegan and non-GMO.
Key Features:
- Made with high-quality clean ingredients
- Has no sugary coating
- Is also a great source of vitamin C
Sugar-Free Probiotics for Kids
Better2Day Sugar Free Probiotic For Kids
While these probiotics may be sugar-free, that doesn’t mean they lack in taste. They have a tasty fruit flavor that kids will enjoy taking.
Key Features:
- Gluten-free, sugar-free, and free of fillers
- No refrigeration needed
- Gelatin-free
Cost: $17.00
Doctor MK’s Sugar Free Kids Probiotic
These probiotics feature 10 strains of various bacteria. The sugar-free chewable tastes great that even adults like them, too!
Key Features:
- No additives or harmful chemicals
- Features 2 billion CFU
- Vegan
Cost: $21.00
This sugar-free probiotic has 15 times more survivability, meaning it can bypass stomach acid and go straight to the gut where it is needed the most. It features a time-released delivery mechanism.
Key Features:
- Has a long shelf life
- 4 probiotic strains
- No artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners
Cost: $20.00
Pedia-Lax Daily Digestive Probiotic Yums
Known as a great brand of laxatives for children, Pedia Lax has created chewable, sugar-free probiotic tablets. It has over 100 million live and active cultures.
Key Features:
- Easy to chew
- Strawberry flavored
- Gluten-free
Cost: $12.00
Even though they may be sugar-free, these probiotics feature a delicious milk chocolate flavor. There is also prebiotic fiber in this probiotic product to help aid in digestion.
Key Features:
- non-GMO, gluten-free and Kosher
- No refrigeration necessary
- No artificial colors or preservatives
Cost: $11.00
