Understanding the baby biome and calming colic

The microbiome comprises the vast yet unseen community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and others, that live in various body locations, with the gut microbiome being the most highlighted in recent years. Your baby’s gut microbiome is essential for their development, influencing digestion (which might be expected) but often the unexpected, like their immune function and brain development.

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‍The Importance of the Microbiome‍

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During the early months and years of your baby’s life, up until they reach 3, they will develop a community of gut bacteria that will last with them for a lifetime.  Nurturing a healthy microbiome during these crucial years not only boosts your little one’s immediate health but can also impact the chances of developing conditions such as food allergies, asthma, obesity, and immune challenges down the road. Many factors are at play in shaping your baby’s microbiome; while some are within your control, others might be beyond it!  Here are a few key puzzle pieces to understand;

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1.   Mode of Delivery: Vaginally born babies encounter their mother’s vaginal microbiota, whereas those delivered via caesarean section first come into contact with microbes from their mother’s skin and the hospital surroundings.

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2.   Feeding Method: Breastmilk is ideal for growing a healthy gut garden with components that support your baby’s gut health.  For example;

·      Prebiotics: Breastmilk contains Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), which feed beneficial gut bacteria and boost immune function.

·      Probiotics: It also has a variety of beneficial bacteria that help establish a healthy gut microbiome.

·      Antibodies: Breastmilk provides antibodies, such as Immunoglobulin A (IgA), that protect your baby’s gut from harmful pathogens.

Babies who are formula-fed are known to grow a different community of gut bacteria, but increasingly, formula milk has added ingredients to try and mimic the components in breast milk that help good gut bacteria thrive.

3.   Starting solids - When your baby starts solid foods, their gut microbiome shifts significantly.  Suddenly, there is an influx of new options to feed the community of bacteria, and certain foods, particularly those containing fibre, are the preferred fuel of good gut bacteria!  While it’s essential to be mindful of the overall fibre content in your baby’s diet, prioritising a varied weaning diet, including the foods below, will be crucial in nurturing a healthy microbiome.  Here are some great gut-loving options;

1.   Fruit- Offer a range of colours and types, such as pureed, mashed, or soft finger food options like bananas, steamed apples, raspberries, and ripe pear.  

2.   Vegetables- Offer a range of options, including green and root vegetables. Many work well as finger foods and/or pureed or mashed options.

3.   Beans, legumes, and lentils are easy to incorporate into meals, either by mashing or blending them or as options like hummus, which is excellent on toast or loaded onto roasted vegetables.

4.   Grains like oats are perfect for porridge, milled in pancakes, or sprinkled on top of muffins.

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4.    Environment: Exposure to pets, siblings, and diverse environments can fuel the growth of your baby's microbiome. As your baby ages, a little dirt and outdoor play is also excellent for their gut community, and you’ll find they naturally seek out opportunities to explore their environment. – including with their mouth!

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5.    Medications: Some medications can disturb the balance of bacteria in your baby’s gut. While antibiotics are the most notorious offenders, other drugs, like certain anti-reflux medications, can also affect the gut microbiome. However, it’s important to remember that these medications can be essential for treating specific conditions and should always be used under the advice of a doctor.‍

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The role of the gut microbiome in conditions like colic‍

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Colic is a condition which affects around 1 in 5 babies, regardless of whether they are breast or formula-fed.  It can be a significant source of distress for parents. It is characterised by excessive crying and fussiness, typically starting in the first few weeks of life and lasting for several months. The episodes tend to occur late afternoon or evening and are not caused by hunger, discomfort, or illness. While the exact cause is unclear (which can be a huge source of frustration for families), colic is often linked to digestive discomfort or an immature nervous system.

Interestingly, research has found some differences in the types of gut bacteria present in babies with colic compared to those without, suggesting that the gut microbiome may play a role in colic symptoms. This emphasises how vital gut health can be for infants, sparking interest in exploring probiotics to manage colic.  In fact, some research now strongly supports using the probiotic strain Lactobacillus Reuteri DSM 17938, which has been shown to reduce crying and fussing in breastfed babies with colic. This strain is now recommended in some clinical guidelines as a treatment option for breastfed infants experiencing colic.

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