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PROBIOTICS vs PREBIOTICS

Baby probiotics are live microorganisms, including certain types of beneficial bacteria, that are associated with supporting a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. Common probiotic bacteria include Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

Probiotics are live microorganisms, including bacteria and yeasts, that are consumed to provide beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract. They can influence the gut microbiome of babies by providing more good bacteria and encouraging the growth of beneficial Bifidobacterium, which is among the first microorganisms to establish in the newborn gut.

Baby probiotic products may include strains from groups such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Probiotics are associated with maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria and supporting healthy digestion and immune health.

Babies can be exposed to beneficial bacteria through sources including breast milk, while probiotics may also be included in some infant nutrition
products. If you're considering giving your baby a probiotic supplement, speak with your healthcare professional first.

Learn more in our guide to Prebiotics and Probiotics for Babies.

Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that can help support a healthy balance of bacteria in a baby’s gut. Benefits of probiotics for newborns and older infants include supporting healthy digestion, immune health and the absorption of nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.

A baby’s gut microbiome develops rapidly during early life, and beneficial bacteria play an important role in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Some of the potential benefits of probiotics for newborns and babies include:

  • Supporting healthy digestion: Probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus can help establish and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
  • Supporting immune health: The gut microbiome interacts with the immune system, and beneficial bacteria can help support healthy immune function.
  • Supporting growth and development: A healthy gut environment supports digestion and nutrient absorption, which are particularly important during periods of rapid growth and development.

Different probiotic products contain different strains and their effects can vary. If you're considering giving your baby a probiotic supplement, speak with your healthcare professional for advice appropriate to your baby.

 Learn more in our guide to prebiotics and probiotics for babies

Probiotics and prebiotics are both important for gut health, but they have different roles. Probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms, while prebiotics provide food for beneficial bacteria already living in the gut.

When comparing probiotics vs prebiotics, the easiest way to understand the difference is that probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms, while prebiotics are nutrients that help feed beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Prebiotics are typically certain types of fibres and carbohydrates that aren't directly absorbed by the body. Instead, they're used by beneficial gut bacteria as a source of food. Examples of prebiotics include fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are specialised prebiotics found in breastmilk, which provide significant benefits for digestive and immune health.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be ingested via foods or supplements and have a positive impact on gut health. Common groups of probiotic bacteria include Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

So, while prebiotics and probiotics work differently, both are associated with supporting the gut microbiome.

Learn more: What are HMOs?

What is the gut microbiome?

The gut microbiome is the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive system. These microorganisms, including bacteria, play an important role in gut health and interact with many functions within the body.

The gut microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, that naturally live in the gut... Read more

Everyone’s gut microbiome is unique, and it begins developing from early life.

The balance and diversity of these microorganisms are important for overall gut health. In children, the first three years of life are an important period for the development of the gut microbiome and immune system.

Diet can also influence the gut microbiome. Fibre-rich plant foods provide prebiotics, which act as food for beneficial gut bacteria, while foods and supplements containing probiotics can help support the balance of bacteria in the gut.

Learn more about supporting kids' gut health

Could gut health be linked to mild eczema?

Yes, research suggests there may be a link between gut health and eczema. Research shows an imbalance in the gut bacteria has been linked to eczema.³ This connection is often called the gut–skin axis, which describes the relationship between the gut microbiome, immune system and skin.

Research suggests the gut microbiome may be linked to eczema particularly in early life... Read more

Studies have found differences in the gut microbiome of infants with eczema compared to those without eczema, including differences in the types and diversity of gut bacteria.

This relationship is sometimes referred to as the gut–skin axis. The gut microbiome interacts with the immune system, which may help explain why changes in gut bacteria have been associated with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema.

However, eczema is a complex condition and there isn’t one single cause. Genetics, the skin barrier and environmental factors can all play a role, so while  eczema can stem from  a gut issue, it’s often not  the sole explanation for eczema.

Learn more about Eczema in babies

3.Reference: Lee S.Y., et al. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res., 2018. 10(4):354-362.

What's the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?

A food allergy involves the immune system, whereas a food intolerance generally involves the digestive system and does not cause an allergic reaction. Food allergies can range from mild to severe, while food intolerances do not cause severe reactions, with rare exceptions for reactions to sulphites and benzoates.

Although food allergies and food intolerances can sometimes be confused, they affect the body differently.... Read more

A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a food that is normally harmless to most people. Food allergic reactions can range from mild or moderate symptoms, such as hives, swelling, abdominal pain or vomiting, through to severe allergic reactions.

A food intolerance does not involve the immune system and generally involves the digestive system. It can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, gas or diarrhoea. Examples include lactose intolerance, which occurs when the body doesn't have enough of the enzyme lactase to properly digest lactose.

If you think your baby or child may have a food allergy or intolerance, speak with a healthcare professional for appropriate assessment and advice before removing foods from their diet. ASCIA recommends that dietary avoidance
for food allergy be undertaken with medical and dietitian supervision to support adequate nutrition, growth and development.

What are the signs of a food allergy in babies?

Signs of a food allergy in babies can include redness or hives, swelling, vomiting or digestive upset. More serious allergic reactions may cause swelling of the face, lips or tongue, sudden drowsiness or difficulty breathing and require urgent medical attention.

Symptoms of a food allergy in a baby can vary depending on the food and the type of reaction... Read more

Possible signs can include:

  • redness, rash or hives
  • swelling
  • vomiting or loose stools
  • sudden fussiness or irritability.

Some allergic reactions can be more severe. Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, persistent vomiting, sudden drowsiness or difficulty breathing require emergency medical assistance.

When introducing common food allergens, offering one new allergen at a time can make it easier to identify which food may have caused a reaction. Keeping a record of what your baby ate and when symptoms appeared can also help your healthcare professional identify a possible trigger.

If your baby experiences a mild reaction after eating a new food, stop feeding the food and contact your GP or child health nurse for advice before offering it again.

Read Biostime's full guide to introducing allergens to your baby

How do I switch baby formula?

When switching baby formula, a gradual transition can help give your baby time to adjust. You can start by replacing one feed with the new formula, then gradually introduce it across other feeds over the following days. Every baby is different, so follow your baby’s cues and speak with your healthcare professional if you need advice.

If you’re switching formula for a newborn or baby, you can gradually introduce the new formula one feed at a time. For example, start by replacing the morning feed with the new formula, then introduce it into additional feeds over the following days. Night-time feeds can be transitioned last for overnight comfort.

Rather than combining two different formulas in the same bottle, alternate between feeds of the current and new formula and prepare each formula according to its individual instructions.

Some babies adjust quickly, while others may need more time. Watch your baby’s cues throughout the transition and allow them time to become familiar with the new formula. A full transition may take close to two weeks for some babies.

If you have concerns about changing your baby’s formula or how they are responding to a new formula, speak with your healthcare professional for individual advice.

Read our full guide to Transition Between Feeding Options.

How do I travel with formula?

When you travel with formula, plan how much your baby will need for your trip and check whether your usual formula is available at your destination. For air travel, powdered baby formula is not subject to Australia’s onboard organic powder quantity limits, but airline and destination-country requirements can differ.

If you're planning to travel with formula, how much you bring will depend on the length of your trip and whether your baby's usual formula is available at your destination.

For a shorter holiday, you may prefer to bring enough of your baby's usual formula for the trip, allowing extra for unexpected delays. Under Australian aviation security rules,¹ powdered baby formula is considered an organic powder and there is no specific quantity limit for carrying it onboard. However, it's important to check your airline's requirements and the customs or biosecurity rules of the countries you're travelling to or transiting through, as these can differ.

For longer trips, consider checking whether your baby's usual formula is sold locally or can be delivered to your destination before you leave. If it isn't available and you think you may need to change formula, plan ahead rather than making an unexpected change while you're away. Australian guidance recommends avoiding
unnecessary formula changes and speaking with your GP or child and family health nurse if you think your baby needs a different formula.²

Remember that the rules for taking formula onto an aircraft and bringing formula into another country are different, so always check the requirements for your airline, destination and any countries you'll transit through before travelling

1.Australian Border Force. What can you bring on a plane? [Internet]. [cited 2026 Aug 26]. Available from: https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/bring-on-a-plane

2.Raising Children Network. Infant formula and bottle-feeding [Internet]. 2024 Jan 22 [cited 2026 Aug 26]. Available from: https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/breastfeeding-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/infant-formula