Written by: Jen Cox - AdvDip NAT + WHM. @keeperandkin

We’re gonna come out and say it - we consider PONO Baby Probiotics a new person essential. There are towering stacks of research on this topic. With evidence growing at a rate that honestly rivals the speed my washing pile accumulates - a startling rate - we’ve collated a few key research snacks below for you to nibble on. Consider these the entree to your research meal, which you may of course continue by clicking any of the links provided.

The key takeaways are:

Overall, a balanced microbiome in babies is linked to healthy ageing outcomes later in life. Chronic health issues such as obesity and metabolic illnesses occur less in those who have a well balanced microbiome. Our Baby Probiotic (as with all our synbiotic products) is broad spectrum - which means it contains a wide variety of beneficial bacteria at decent doses.  This helps to keep their internal environment balanced and your baby’s health + development humming along beautifully.

If you have eczema or atopic inflammatory conditions in your gene pool, supplementing (in particular with Lactobacillus Rhamnosus) is an excellent choice. This particular strain has been connected with decreased itchy issues like allergic eczema. FYI our Baby Probiotic has plenty of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus in the mix. You’re welcome.

Babies start developing a microbiome before they’re even born! This is generally transmitted from Mum in utero, then at birth and during breastfeeding. If one (or all three) of these hasn’t panned out perfectly, firstly - welcome to the club. There are LOADS of us here. Secondly, don’t worry. The human microbiome is very flexible in the first 2 - 3 years of life. It’s also never too late to make a change. Just remember the golden rule: your microbiome environment is stable but not static. This means change can happen... it just may not be fast.  This process is all about consistency. Regular, daily support WILL make a difference, all the way up till adulthood.

Supplementing while pregnant will support your baby’s developing microbiome and reduce the risk of issues such as gestational diabetes in Mumma bear. It’s a win / win (read more about the benefits of probiotics in pregnancy, here.)

Some of our favourite ways of getting the good stuff in include:

The sneaky syringe // mix a small amount of breastmilk or a touch of prepared formula with the correct dosage of PONO Baby Probiotics. The combined result can then be syringed into your little love’s mouth as you would with medication.

The unexpectedly gritty nip // Pre feed, this involves hand expressing just a touch so we have a dribble of milk around your nipple to rub the probiotic dose onto. The milk helps that probiotic dose stick to your bo, so when baby latches - they get a microbiome friendly bonus.

Bottle it // Simply add the correct dose of PONO Baby Probiotics to their bottle. Our pro tip for this is to do so after you have warmed the milk up (or allowed the formula to cool to drinking temperature - whichever applies) to help minimise heat damage.

The mystery mix in // If your baby is on solids, things get easier.  Swirl a dose into cooled or room temperature food. This works really well for smoothies, mashed veggies, chia puddings and overnight oats - all of which will also support the healthy growth and development of their microbiome as prebiotic foods too. The PONO Baby Probiotic tastes amazing, which is terribly convenient too.

The reverse psychology // tell them it’s tasty (which it is) and therefore yours. They will want some, immediately. This product can be taken directly off the spoon if that’s what works for you.