Is Optibac suitable for children?

Newborns & infants

Our Baby Drops supplement is suitable for use from birth to 3 years, and is our recommended supplement for infants. It has been designed especially for use in babies because of its easy dropper format. It also contains the strain Bifidobacterium breve M-16V^®, which has been researched extensively in young infants. It contains no added sugars, colourings or preservatives, so is natural and gentle on tiny tummies. It’s also vegan and gluten free. Take a look at our FAQ for more allergy & dietary information.

We suggest you give your little one 8 drops a day, either directly into the mouth (in which case, refrigerate once opened) or mixed into milk and other cold, non-acidic food or drink (no refrigeration necessary). It’s best given with the first feed of the day.

Our Babies & Children (formerly called 'For babies & children') can also be used from birth onwards – find out more about this supplement below.

You may also like to read: Can I take Optibac if I'm pregnant or nursing?

Toddlers

Optibac Babies & Children (formerly called 'For babies & children') is recommended from birth up to the age of 12. Its powder form means it can be easily mixed into food and drink, making it perfect for tots just moving on to solid food. This live cultures & Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) supplement contains well-researched strains Bifidobacterium breve M-16V^®, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 plus Vitamin D. It is a flavourless natural supplement, also with no added sugars, colourings or preservatives, and is vegetarian and gluten free.

"My eldest has been taking these for a couple of years. It has definitely helped his immune system. The condition of his skin is improved (he has eczema). I started taking these after my youngest son was born. He's breastfeeding. What a difference they've made! We now have a happy baby and enjoyable evenings again! I seriously can't recommend these highly enough. Thank you OptiBac!"  - Caroline H

We recommend using 1 sachet a day for babies and younger children, ideally with breakfast and sprinkled into cold, non-acidic food and drink.

As Baby Drops is suitable for children up to 3 years old, it’s up to you and your little one when, or if, you decide to move onto Babies & Children. Do whatever feels right for you both.

Many of our other supplements can also be given to young children from 1 year onwards if desired:

• Bifido & Fibre
• Saccharomyces Boulardii (in smaller quantities)

For our supplements in capsule form, the capsules can be opened and the contents mixed into food and drink. Half a capsule or sachet can also be used if a smaller dose is preferred.

Kids

Our go-to supplement for kids aged 3 and up is Kids Gummies, our first-ever live cultures gummy supplement. It contains the highly researched friendly bacteria strain Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2, as well as Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) fibres, Vitamin D and Calcium. Vitamin D helps to maintain immune health, and Calcium helps to support digestive enzymes. Naturally delicious, this supplement is made with real fruit juice and absolutely no added sugars, colours or flavours. What's more, it's also completely vegan and gluten free.

Kids can also take Babies & Children, as it can be given to children up to 12 years old. It has been specifically researched in school-age children and is perfect for those who don’t like, or are unable, to swallow capsules. Older children (aged 4-12) can take up to 2 sachets a day, as required.

Our Every Day, Every Day EXTRA, Every Day MAX, For Those On Antibiotics, Travel Abroad, Immune Support and One Week Flat can be given to children from 4 years upwards. For Women is also safe and suitable for girls from 4 years, although it’s advisable to seek a doctor's advice for young girls experiencing related issues.

Can children take live cultures every day?

Absolutely – in fact, we recommend that they do! It’s best to take live cultures on a regular basis, ideally every morning with breakfast.

You can’t have too many live cultures, either – whilst young children often require lower quantities of friendly bacteria because their bodies are much smaller, it’s not possible to ‘overdose’. Probiotics are completely natural and safe.

Find out more about this on the Probiotics Learning Lab: Can you overdose on probiotics?.

In most cases, we would always recommend Baby Drops or Babies & Children as a high-quality live culture supplement for infants and children.

We’re always happy to help if you have any questions.

You may also be interested to read our FAQ: Friendly bacteria for teenagers

You can visit the Probiotics Learning Lab to find out more about live cultures and children.