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Probiotics for Babies: What Does the Science Say?

Probiotics for babies are increasingly recommended for colic, excessive crying, and spitting up. But what has actually been scientifically proven? The honest answer varies depending on the symptom and the bacterial strain. A probiotic is a live microorganism that, when taken in sufficient quantities, can provide a health benefit—and that effect always applies to one specific strain, not to “probiotics” in general. In this article, we summarize the current state of research.

What is ESPGHAN?

ESPGHAN is the European association of pediatricians and researchers who focus on gastrointestinal, liver, and nutritional problems in children (European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition). In 2023, its working group on gut microbiota published a position statement on the use of probiotics for infants and children. It assesses the strength of the evidence for each condition and each strain. An update from 2026 found no reason to revise those recommendations. This makes it a useful reference point for parents and healthcare providers, in addition to the information on the product packaging.

Which probiotics for babies are backed by scientific evidence?

For colic, ESPGHAN identifies two strains: Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12. Both are recommended for breastfed infants for at least three weeks. The recommendation is weak, and the evidence is of moderate quality: there is some support, but no certainty. These are therefore specific strains with their own name or code. A product without that strain name on the packaging falls outside the scope of this recommendation, no matter how healthy the description may sound. Therefore, always read the label when purchasing probiotics for babies.

Intestinal Cramps and Colic

With colic, a baby cries a lot and for long periods, often accompanied by cramping abdominal pain. Probiotics for babies have been most extensively studied in this context. In a meta-analysis of eleven placebo-controlled studies involving 555 infants, L. reuteri DSM 17938 was significantly more likely to reduce crying time by half than placebo. However, the confidence interval is wide, so the exact magnitude of the effect remains uncertain. An earlier analysis observed improvement after two and three weeks, but no further improvement after four weeks, with no serious side effects. Not all studies were positive: one study in a general population of infants found no benefit. Also keep in mind that colic usually subsides on its own around three to four months of age. For constipation, ESPGHAN does not recommend probiotics, as their effectiveness has not been demonstrated in this context.

Crying Baby: Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding?

The recommendations apply to breastfed babies. ESPGHAN does not take a position for or against bottle-feeding, as the evidence is insufficient. That does not mean it does not work; it simply means that it has not yet been conclusively proven. Preventing colic with probiotics is also not yet recommended. Furthermore, a fussy baby does not always have a digestive problem: diet, allergies, or overstimulation may also be factors. Therefore, always discuss persistent crying with your child’s health clinic or your family doctor.

Reflux and Spitting Up

Reflux and spitting up are not covered by the ESPGHAN position statement: no recommendation has been made regarding them. However, in a study involving 554 newborns, Italian researchers found that babies who received L. reuteri DSM 17938 for 90 days spit up less frequently on average than babies who received a placebo (2.9 versus 4.6 times per day). This is promising, but it was a single study with a preventive aim. More research is needed to establish a guideline. Probiotics for babies with reflux are therefore an interesting area of research, but not yet a proven treatment.

In practice

No serious side effects were observed in the meta-analysis. For breastfed infants with colic, one of the two strains studied may be worth trying, with modest expectations and a set time frame for assessing the effect—for example, after three weeks. Choose a product that lists the exact strain name, and consult a healthcare provider beforehand if the baby is premature or has a weakened immune system. If the baby has a fever, blood in the stool, failure to thrive, or bilious vomiting, a referral to a doctor is necessary. Thus, probiotics for infants remain a supplement, not a substitute for good care and guidance.

Does your baby suffer from colic, frequent crying, or reflux? Find out how osteopathy for babies might help.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

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