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Health News, Supplements

Does Your Baby Cry All the Time? Does your Baby have Infant Acne or other Skin Issues?

Sometimes babies are born with infant acne or it develops around the two week mark. Normally this will eventually resolve, but it may signal the need for gut support. A baby (even right out of the womb) who seems inconsolable, in pain, or has problems sleeping may benefit by supporting the gut with a certain strain of infant probiotics called Bifidobacterium infantis.

It may seem pricey, but you use tiny amounts and will get 750 servings per container bringing the price down to a mere 12 cents per serving.

Gut health is important, even breastfed babies may need support.

It is important to get a clean infant probiotic and avoid using products created for adults and children. These probiotics contain strains of bacteria that aren’t meant for baby and they may contain additives and prebiotics.

Bifidobacterium infantis

B. infantis is a folate-producing beneficial bacteria, primarily found in the gastrointestinal tracts of healthy infants (and human mouths) and breast-fed babies. It may play a critical role in establishing a healthy intestinal lining and a robust and well-regulated immune system.

“Research has also linked B. infantis to helping mitigate inflammation. Research suggests B. infantis regulates the production of tryptophan, the precursor for serotonin (the neurotransmitter associated with a sense of satisfaction and happiness). A note on folate: it’s one of the B vitamins responsible for tissue growth and cell function.” [source]


Studies on Bifidobacterium infantis

B. Infantis is amazing! Bifidobacterium infantis is prevalent in the GI tracts of breastfed babies, as it feeds on unique oligosaccharides found in breast milk that infants can’t digest — leaving little room for unwanted bacteria and supporting a healthy digestive ecosystem.

In a scientific study, moms and infants received a B. infantis preparation and lactation support from a week to three weeks after birth. 

  • The bacteria quickly established themselves in the babies, crowding out other gut bacteria that are associated with intestinal problems and immune-related conditions such as asthma, allergies and autoimmune disease.

Another study discovered that nearly all babies born in developed nations (including the U.S.) no longer have B. infantis. 

  • It was hypothesized that an increase in cesarean sections, infant formula and antibiotics led to the reduction in this beneficial bacteria.
  • This study stated that a stressed microbiome composition may lead to chronic inflammation and immune-mediated diseases, highlighting an increase in infant intestinal dysbiosis.
  • The good news, according to research noted in the same study, is that remodeling of the gut microbiome in breastfed infants fed B. infantis improved gut function and ecosystem productivity.

I recommend Smidge Infant Probiotic Powder

  • 7 strains found in healthy infants
  • No fillers/additives/prebiotics
  • Free of common allergens
  • American Type Culture Certified & Non-GMO
  • Ideal beginner’s probiotic
  • Supports digestive health, skin, immunity, rest
  • Non-GMO or sustainable/natural
  • Fresh, with very few ingredients
  • Backed by research and tested ingredients
  • Derived from sustainable, compassionate principles
  • Only natural, whole food vitamins; absolutely no synthetics or fortification
  • Made in small batches in the US

Does a breastfed baby need this product?

“We know fed is best! Regardless of whether your baby is breastfeeding or takes her nourishment from the bottle, a premium infant probiotic can help colonize little intestines with beneficial bacteria from the get-go, as well as offer digestive comfort, regularity and immunity.

Smidge® Infant Probiotic consists of 50% Bifidobacterium infantis, which dominates in breastfed babies’ intestines. This is also beneficial for nursing mom to baby, because the amount of healthy bacteria baby receives is dependent on mom’s diet and microbiome. And let’s face it, new moms do all the things, so sometimes getting all four food groups in can be a feat, and therefore we need probiotic supplementation (Plus, balanced gut bacteria make it possible for babies to digest breast milk effectively, and to gain the milk’s full nutritional benefits.)

See, newborns are exposed to their mother’s bacteria when making their way down the birth canal. This kicks off the production of good and sometimes pathogenic bacteria in the baby’s GI tract.

All of this means the right blend of beneficial bacteria — in the form of probiotic-rich foods and the clean supplements — is the life force inside you and your little one. And gut flora is responsible for how your kiddies respond to most everything, from their pitter-patter of little feet to their grown-up steps, on their health journeys.”


Smidge® Infant Probiotic (formerly GutPro® Infant)

“Introducing our gentle, yet potent Infant Probiotic powder, with the same GutPro® Infant formula you know and love. Created in small batches, especially for your baby’s developing digestive system.

This pure, custom blend contains seven clinically-proven probiotic strains naturally found in healthy infants — to help colonize little intestines with beneficial bacteria from the start.

It may help with common baby digestive issues like colic, reflux (GERD), occasional mild diarrhea, constipation, and skin issues like mild rashes and eczema. It also may ease irritability, providing satiation, lightness, and better rest for all of you.

Bifidobacterium infantis, a strain that dominates in breastfed babies’ intestines, comprises 50% of our formula, as studies show it supports a robust immune system, growth and healthy digestion.

Just as important, Smidge® Infant Probiotic does not contain certain strains (or prebiotics) found in many commercial brands that can cause histamine intolerance, d-lactic acidosis or other adverse reactions.

You also won’t find common allergens, additives or fillers.

To give you even more peace of mind, we developed this clean Infant Probiotic blend following extensive research and feedback from doctors, certified health practitioners — and parents like you. Our strains are non-GMO and American Type Culture Collection certified, so you only get safe, natural baby probiotics for your snuggly bundle of joy.

Comes with a handy dosage spoon so you can measure the perfect amount for your little nugget. 😉

15 grams (750 servings), 1.45 billion CFUs per serving

Q&A

Does this product contain prebiotics?

Nope. There are no prebiotics in Smidge® Infant Probiotic. This is because prebiotics like inulin and maltodextrin are often included in other commercial brands as fillers, yet can feed pathogens and cause negative reactions in people with sensitive digestive systems. Breast milk already has its own unique prebiotics. And prebiotics have been added to infant formulas with beneficial effects. But bottom line, we want parents to be able to carefully develop their children’s diets according to their unique situations.

How is this probiotic’s viability maintained?

Smidge® Infant Probiotic is comprised of freeze-dried bacteria. Old school probiotics contained live cultures that died in transit due to warm temperatures. Freeze-dried bacteria can withstand warmer temperatures during transit.

Can Smidge Infant Probiotics be shipped in hot weather?

Smidge® Infant Probiotic can be shipped when it’s hot outside. Because it requires refrigeration, we only ship orders Monday through Wednesday using two-day premium shipping services that include tracking. We also have an overnight shipping option.

Smidge® probiotics are freeze-dried, so they hold up well to warm temperatures.

Save 15% on Smidge here.

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