Supporting a Healthy Gut for Baby: Healthy Digestion Matters
May 2025 • 6 min read • By: Gerber Medical Hub
Quick Summary
The gut microbiome undergoes major changes during infancy due to shifts in diet and environment (Pantazi et al. 2023). Digestive health is important for infants and young children as their systems are still developing and are more vulnerable to issues of digestion during the first three years of life, particularly within the first 1,000 days (Yang 2016).
The Importance of Digestive Health for Infants and Toddlers
Disruptions to microbiota early in life can have lasting health effects, including increased risks of inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and obesity. Maternal and environmental factors during pregnancy and infancy shape the infant gut microbiota (Yang 2016).
Early digestive development supports the developing microbiome and is impacted by nutrient absorption and baby’s immune system.
The following factors can support a healthy gut for baby:
- Nutrient absorption: Healthy digestion is important for absorbing nutrients to support growth and development (Aziz 2024).
- Immune system: A well-functioning digestive system supports the immune system, protecting against harmful pathogens and viruses
(Herrera-Quintana 2024, Indrio 2022, Tanaka 2017, Zhang 2022). - Absence of GI discomfort: A healthy digestive system helps prevent discomfort from issues like constipation, reflux, and diarrhea (Muhardi 2023).
Foundations of Gut Health: The Role of Early Digestive Development in Shaping the Microbiome
- The initial stages of digestive development, particularly during the first three years of life, are crucial for establishing a diverse and functional gut microbiome, which is influenced by factors such as mode of delivery and dietary patterns.
- Infants born vaginally tend to acquire a microbiome composition that closely resembles their mother's, facilitating the early colonization of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are essential for gut health.
- The diversity and composition of the gut microbiome during infancy can have significant implications for immune regulation and overall health, highlighting the importance of nurturing a healthy digestive environment from the very beginning of life.
The Role of Complementary Foods for Digestive Health
A varied diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fermented dairy products, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports digestion and overall health. Below are the components of a healthy diet to support digestion:
| Component | Infants (6–12 months) |
Toddlers (1–3 years) |
Preschoolers (3–5 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber & Prebiotics | Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes | ||
| Probiotics | Yogurt, fermented foods, infant cereals, infant supplements, infant formula | Yogurt, fermented foods, young child supplements | |
| Water | Small amounts (as primarily breast- and/or formula feeding) | ~4 cups water/day (AAP 2020) | ~5 cups of water/day (AAP 2020) |
| Lean Protein | Chicken, turkey, beef, pork, beans, dairy, nuts | ||
| Healthy fats | Avocados, nuts, seeds, fish, oils | ||
- Fiber: Essential for regular bowel movements (Aziz 2024, Homann 2021, Zhang 2022).
- Prebiotics: Provide beneficial gut bacteria (Aziz 2024, Obayomi 2024, Zhang 2022).
- Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria that maintain gut health (Aziz 2024, Obayomi 2024). For more information, check out our infographic on Infant Probiotics
- Water: Important for hydration and preventing constipation (Aziz 2024).
- Lean protein: Supports muscle mass and digestion (Aziz 2024, Zhang 2022).
- Healthy fats: Promote digestive health (Aziz 2024, Zhang 2022).
Recommended Gerber Foods
Healthy Digestion Pouches
Gerber’s Healthy Digestion Pouches provide 10% DV of fiber to support healthy digestion. Pouches are available in Apple Cinnamon and Mango Banana Apple.
Probiotic Cereal
Gerber offers several varieties of probiotic cereal to support baby's digestive health when eaten daily including Oatmeal Banana Cereal. Oatmeal Lentil Peach & Apple Cereal with probiotics is Gerber's first infant cereal made with a powerful blend of whole grain oats, lentils, fruits, and nutrients working together to support baby's brain and body.
Related Resources
Infant Probiotics - BabyMatters | Gerber Medical
Colic & Digestion | Gerber Medical
