Should You Give Your Kid Probiotics for Constipation?

Parents Are Turning to Probiotics. But Do They Really Help?

If your kiddo is struggling with constipation - going days without a poop, straining, or passing hard stools, you’ve likely considered trying a probiotic. 

They're everywhere these days, from yogurt to gummies to powders. But before you grab the nearest bottle, it’s important to understand what probioticscan (and can’t) do.

Spoiler:They’re not a magic fix. But the right probioticstrain, when used consistently and alongside healthy habits,cansupport gut motility and improve stool regularity.

First, What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics arelive microorganisms, usually bacteria, that, when consumed in the right amounts, can offer health benefits. They help support the gut microbiome, which plays a key role in digestion, immunity, and yes—pooping.

But here’s where most parents get it wrong:Not all probiotics are the same.

Different strains of bacteria do different things. That’s why you can’t expect just any probiotic to solve constipation. You need one that’s beenclinically studied for stool frequency and gut motility in kids.

Strain-Specific Matters

Clinical research shows thatstrain-specificity is key—meaning the benefits you see depend on the exact strain used. Some of the most promising strains for constipation in kids include:

• Bifidobacterium lactis (BB-12®) – shown to improve stool frequency and ease of passage in toddlers and older kids

• Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 – may reduce colic and improve motility in infants

• Bifidobacterium breve – associated with better gut transit and stool consistency

Just seeing “probiotic” or “bifidobacteria” on the label doesn’t guarantee results. Look forstrain names and clinical evidence.

What the Research Shows

• A 2017 meta-analysis found that some specificBifidobacterium andLactobacillus strains couldincrease stool frequency and improve stool form in constipated kids [1].

• In a 2020 trial, a synbiotic (probiotic + prebiotic) improved stool consistency and pooping frequency more than a placebo, showing the power of combining both [2].

Still, probiotics workbest as part of a complete plan, not as a standalone solution.

Probiotics Are aSupport, Not a Substitute

It’s important to know:Probiotics don’t replace fiber, hydration, or healthy eating habits. If your toddler’s diet is low in fruits, veggies, or fluids or they’re holding in their poop out of fear, no probiotic is going to solve the issue alone.

For best results, combine probiotics with:

• Daily fiber intake (especially soluble fiber)

• Adequate fluids

• A consistent bathroom routine

• And ideally, prebiotics that feed their gut bacteria (like those found inGrowing Up Prebiotics, which contains chicory root inulin + 2’-FL HMO)

So, Should You Try One?

Yes, but with the right strain and the right expectations. Consider a pediatric-formulated probiotic with clinically studied strains, especially if your kid:

• Has hard, infrequent stools

• Recently took antibiotics

• Struggles with gut discomfort, gas, or bloating

• Needs additional gut support while building better eating habits

Start slow, use daily, and monitor stool changes over a few weeks. And always ask your pediatrician before starting a new supplement—especially if your little one has other health conditions.

Summary

Probiotics can be a helpful tool for kids with constipation, but only when you choosethe right strain, use them consistently, and pair them with a gut-friendly routine. They won’t replace a healthy diet, daily fiber, or a potty schedule, but they can enhance all of the above and help nudge your kiddo’s gut in the right direction.