NURTURING HEALTHY GUT
DEVELOPMENT IN BABIES

The gut is an incredibly interesting part of the human body. It works tirelessly to digest food, absorb nutrients and get rid of waste. Babies are bundles of joy, but they’re also extremely delicate in their early stages of life. One critical aspect of their well-being that often goes unnoticed is their gut health. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of babies and the gut microbiome. 

Childbirth And The Microbiome

When babies are born, they don’t have many germs in their bodies, and their immune systems are still growing. As they grow, their immune systems and the germs in their bodies grow together and learn from each other. In the first few months of a baby’s life, what shapes the baby’s gut bacteria includes how they were born (vaginal delivery or cesarean birth), what they eat (breast milk or formula) and any medications they may take. Additional factors like your family’s health history and whether you live in a city or rural area can also play a role.

By the time a child is 3 years old, the types of bacteria in their body are almost established. This can lead to lasting impacts on the strength of the immune system and the likelihood of getting sick. However, as a baby grows, their gut goes through 3 stages in life such as the:

1. Development phase, this takes place between 3 to 14 months

2. Transitional phase, which takes place between 15 to 30 months

3. Stable phase, that occurs from 31 months and beyond

Tips for good gut health in babies

1. Breastfeeding

Regardless of the delivery method, a baby’s initial diet lays the foundation for their microbiome. Therefore, breastmilk plays a vital role in nurturing a baby’s gut microbiome. It's commonly said that breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby for the first six months. Babies who are breastfed get a healthy start with milk that nourishes good bacteria, helping to fend off harmful germs. Apart from transferring helpful germs from mother to baby, breast milk has substances called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). These act as food for important friendly bacteria, known as bifidobacterium and bacteroides.

2. Starting Solid Foods

At six months old, baby’s begin to want more than breastmilk. When a baby gets introduced to solid foods, their stomach goes through the developmental stage. Their gut microbiota transforms from a basic environment that digests only breastmilk or formula to one that can digest a wider range of richer foods. The best time to incorporate a variety of foods in a baby’s diet is between six to twelve months of age. Some good solid foods to get a baby started on are fruits, vegetables, lentils, grains and cereals, high-protein foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, as well as dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt. Since babies have small stomachs but need lots of energy, it's important to balance fiber-rich foods with other essential nutrients like iron and high-energy foods. Another important factor is to stay away from foods that have extra sugars, or are processed. Children tend to copy what their parents do, so your eating habits can influence them too

3. Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics are tiny living organisms that help keep the gut and immune system healthy. Prebiotics are like food for these organisms, helping them grow in the digestive system. Breast milk naturally contains both, and some baby formulas also have them to keep the gut healthy. Natural probiotic foods usually include kefir and yoghurt, whereas natural prebiotics can be found in oats, nuts, mushrooms and garlic, just to name a few. You can also ensure that your baby gets enough probiotics for a healthy gut by giving them supplements. Rawbiotics Kids, is a daily probiotic made for babies and young children that assists with growth and increases the body's ability to create natural vitamins and antibiotics. Newborns and babies start with 1ml per day and can increase the dosage gradually to 5ml per day, which can be taken at any time of the day or night, with or without food.

4. Interaction with Surroundings

Children often face many immunity difficulties during their childhood. Many of these problems stem from encountering both good and bad bacteria from internal and external environments. Allowing children to explore freely and not being overly cautious with antiseptic hand wipes and sterile surfaces can help their bodies naturally build and develop a healthy immune system.  

In summary, a baby’s gut development is a crucial aspect of their overall health and well-being. Providing a nurturing environment that includes breastfeeding, a diverse diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as appropriate probiotic supplementation can support healthy gut development in babies, setting the foundation for a lifetime of well-being.