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Growth & Development

Gut Health for Baby and You

About the Author
by Gerber Baby Experts

4 min read
Newborn (0-4 months)

When did you first start reading / understanding more about gut health?

When I was in my mid-twenties, I had a friend who had been diagnosed with and battling a serious illness. She was incredibly enthused about wellness and was the one who introduced gut health and the importance of it to me. I had cleaned up my diet, which was a huge first step for me – but I wanted to take it a bit further by maintaining my gut health. I started to make and eat more fiber and probiotic-rich foods such as legumes, organic vegetables and fruits and fermented foods such as kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut and probiotic yogurts.

What stuck out to you the most about gut health - or something that you didn't know?

I had no idea that the gut is such a master center for almost everything. From bloating and digestion to your overall immune health.

What has Idris' gut health journey been like? Has he been colicky or had a fussy tummy?

Idris struggled a bit with gas from about six weeks until ten weeks old. Fortunately, it wasn’t considered colic and was much more mild; but we had several restless nights trying to get him comfortable after his feedings. After speaking with our pediatrician, we began to implement Gerber’s Gentle Everyday Probiotic & Vitamins D Drops to support his tummy, as well as supplement Vitamin D, which many breastfed babies need to thrive.

What are you currently doing to support Idris' gut health? What are you doing to support yourself?

After learning that although a baby’s microbiome begins to properly develop at birth, they are often exposed to some bacteria before then and that breastfeeding helps an infant develop a healthy microbiome, I was committed to breastfeeding for at least six months. Since he gets a large portion of his nutrients from me, I make sure that I continue to eat clean with nutritious foods, maintain healthy stress levels and take a probiotic that provides additional gut support. He continues to use his Gerber Gentle Everyday Probiotic & Vitamin D Drops with one bottle of breastmilk each morning.

(If you're comfortable) Can you tell us a little about your baby's feeding journey? Was he breastfed, supplemented, or strictly formula?

Idris has been breastfed from birth and we’re going on 11 months strong! Around 3 months old, we began to supplement with one formula bottle. Dad started to take over night feedings so that I could sleep longer stretches and would make a formula bottle for that feeding. Although I hoped I’d be able to breastfeed and have been lucky to be able to, I was never opposed to formula feeding as long as my baby was well fed and happy! Idris has been so easygoing with feeding. He will take the breast, bottle, or formula without fuss or preference, which has made offering him a variety of options so much easier.

Any advice to parents who aren't sure where to start?

We are so lucky to be parents in a time like this because the resources and information are readily available and easily accessible. Of course, I would always advise you to start with your child’s pediatrician or your family physician. Tap into digital resources such as Gerber’s The Dream Feed, which is packed with sleep tips and resources curated by experts and parents. Lastly, I encourage all parents to trust their guts and give themselves grace. You know your baby better than anyone and have your baby’s best interest at heart. Know you’re doing an excellent job and your baby thinks the world of you!

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