Following are the answers to many questions HAPPYBABY frequently fields regarding probiotics and their benefit to your baby:

Q: What are probiotics?
A: Probiotics are "friendly bacteria" that live in our intestines and help the immune system by discouraging the growth of harmful disease-causing bacteria.

Q: What foods and drinks contain probiotics?
A: Probiotics are naturally found in breast milk and in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, aged cheeses, miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Some food products are supplemented with additional probiotics. Over-the-counter dietary supplements are available, too.

Q: What do probiotics do in the body?
A: Probiotics help keep a healthy balance of bacteria in the large intestine. By discouraging the growth of disease-causing bacteria, probiotics provide a boost to the immune system and help to prevent or treat a variety of ailments. Strains of these healthy bacteria have been shown to reduce colic in infants and also to prevent eczema and allergies when given to pregnant women and infants immediately after birth. Probiotics may also help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, prevent all kinds of allergies, help manage lactose intolerance, promote bowel regularity, and prevent infections in the intestines and elsewhere in the body including bronchitis and pneumonia.

Q: How can I tell if a food contains probiotics?
A: Look for the words "probiotics" or "live active cultures" on food labels.

Q: How often does my child need to consume probiotics?
A: To maintain a healthy balance of organisms in the intestines, it's recommended that children and adults consume probiotics daily. If your child needs to take antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection, consider increasing her intake of probiotic-containing foods and/or giving her a supplement of probiotics, as the antibiotic will not only kill the harmful bacteria in her system, but will kill many of the healthy probiotics, as well.

Q: What about probiotic supplements?
A: Supplemental probiotics are available over-the-counter and are generally appropriate for infants, children, and adults alike. A supplement may help prevent antibiotic-induced diarrhea and yeast infections when taking antibiotics. Ask your pediatrician for recommended brands and dosing for your child.