What a Naturopath Feeds Her Toddler for Gut Health (Breakfast, Veggies & Probiotics!)
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As a mom and a naturopath, I'm deeply passionate about supporting children's health, and today I want to focus on the crucial topic of toddler gut health. Establishing a healthy gut microbiome early in life lays the foundation for long-term well-being.
I'll be sharing my practical approach to feeding my 20-month-old son for optimal gut health, including the simple yet powerful breakfast I prepare, my go-to strategy for incorporating essential vegetables, and the specific probiotic I trust – all easily accessible through my preferred online dispensary, Fullscript.
My Toddler's Gut-Friendly Breakfast
For breakfast, my son often enjoys what I affectionately call "green oatmeal." It's a simple yet incredibly nutritious way to sneak in some extra veggies first thing in the morning. Here's how I make it:
Ripple Milk Base: Since my son has a cow dairy allergy, I use Ripple milk, which is a fantastic plant-based alternative packed with protein.
Blended Greens: The secret ingredient! I blend the Ripple milk in our Vitamix with whatever green vegetable I have on hand – spinach, kale, or even broccoli work great. This is a fantastic way to boost his veggie intake without him even noticing the taste or texture.
Oatmeal Goodness: I then cook this green-infused milk with plain rolled oats until it's nice and soft.
Healthy Fats & Protein Boost: To make it even more satisfying and nutrient-dense, I add a spoonful of nut butter (this morning it was almond butter, but I also use peanut butter, hemp seeds, chia seeds, or other nut and seed butters).
A Sprinkle of Flavor: A dash of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting touch.
Served Warm: I make sure it's slightly warmer than room temperature for him to enjoy.
Searching for more Toddler Friendly Recipes? Consider reading my Oat Pancakes blog post, as well as my Spinach and Barley Meatball blog post.
My Go-To Probiotic For My Toddler
The one supplement I consistently give my son is Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic® Baby probiotic. You can easily find this on Fullscript. I love this particular powdered probiotic for babies.
Klaire Labs is a well-respected brand known for its commitment to high-quality, hypoallergenic formulations. Ther-Biotic® Baby contains a blend of multiple beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, specifically chosen to support the delicate gut microbiome of infants and young children. These strains are known to aid in healthy digestion, support immune system development, and help establish a balanced gut flora right from the start.
The powdered form makes it incredibly easy to mix into soft foods like oatmeal without altering the taste or texture, which is a huge plus with a picky toddler!
Why Add a Probiotic for Your Toddler's Gut?
I specifically prioritize a probiotic for my son's gut health for a few key reasons:
Supporting Overall Gut Health and Development
A healthy gut microbiome is fundamental for a toddler's overall well-being. It plays a vital role in breaking down food, absorbing essential nutrients, and supporting the development of a robust immune system. Introducing beneficial bacteria through a probiotic like Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic® Baby can help lay a strong foundation for a lifetime of good health.
Addressing C-Section Delivery and Early Microbial Exposure
Our son was born via C-section, a birth method that unfortunately bypasses the crucial initial exposure to the diverse and beneficial vaginal flora that occurs during a vaginal birth. This early exposure is important for seeding the infant's gut with beneficial bacteria. Supplementing with a targeted probiotic can help bridge this gap and support the development of a more diverse and healthy gut environment in C-section babies.
Promoting a Balanced Microbiome
In early life, a toddler's gut microbiome is still developing and can be easily influenced by factors like diet, environment, and even occasional antibiotic use. A high-quality probiotic can help ensure a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria, crowding out less desirable microbes and contributing to better digestive comfort and immune resilience.
He genuinely enjoys his green oatmeal with the probiotic mixed in, which makes it an easy and stress-free way to support his little gut!
Supporting Your Toddler's Gut Health Journey
Nurturing your toddler's gut health is a significant aspect of their overall development and well-being. If you're navigating challenges with your little one's digestion, picky eating, or have concerns about establishing a healthy gut microbiome, remember that personalized guidance can make a difference.
At Simplicity Health Associates, both myself and Dr. Pauline Hoang are passionate about supporting children's health through naturopathic approaches. We can work with you to understand your child's unique needs, offer tailored dietary advice, and recommend targeted supplementation strategies to foster a thriving gut environment. Consider booking a consultation to explore how we can support your toddler's gut health journey together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is gut health so important for toddlers?
A healthy gut microbiome in toddlers plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system development, and even brain health. Establishing a balanced gut early on can have long-lasting positive effects.
What are the benefits of giving a toddler a probiotic?
Probiotics can help introduce and support beneficial bacteria in a toddler's gut, potentially aiding digestion, reducing gas and bloating, supporting immune function, and helping to establish a healthy gut microbiome, especially in cases like C-section birth or antibiotic use.
Why did you choose Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic® Baby probiotic?
Klaire Labs is a reputable brand known for its high-quality and well-researched probiotic formulations. Their Ther-Biotic® Baby is specifically designed for infants and toddlers, containing strains that are beneficial for this age group and in a gentle, powdered form that's easy to mix into food.
Is Ripple milk a good alternative to cow's milk for toddlers with dairy allergies?
Ripple milk is a plant-based milk made from peas and is known for its higher protein content compared to some other non-dairy milks.
Can I get Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic® Baby on Fullscript?
Yes, Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic® Baby is available on Fullscript, along with a wide range of other professional-grade supplements. You can set up your account, explore their products, and get 10% off your first order.
Are there any other gut-healthy foods I can give my toddler?
Besides probiotics, incorporating prebiotic-rich foods (like oats, bananas, and onions in small amounts if tolerated), fermented foods (like plain yogurt with live and active cultures if dairy is okay, or small amounts of kefir if tolerated), and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can all contribute to a healthy gut.
Book An Appointment
If you're concerned about remaining healthy, or may suspect that there is an underlying health concern, our team at Simplicity Health Associates are dedicated to helping you navigate this journey through personalized, holistic treatment plans.
About Dr Ivy Branin
Dr Ivy Branin is a Naturopathic Doctor in NYC who received her degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biochemical engineering and a minor in French from Rutgers University. After graduating from Rutgers, she worked for 3 years as a process validation engineer in the pharmaceutical industry in New York and Connecticut.
As a naturopathic doctor in NYC, Dr Branin does not approach disease with a “one-size fits all” perspective but rather sees each patient as an individual with their own potential for optimal health. She supports people in their desire to feel good and good about themselves using the naturopathic principles of dietary and lifestyle management, homeopathy, visceral manipulation, botanical medicine, and craniosacral therapy.