A healthy gastrointestinal system can have an enormous impact on the entire body — and this begins while your baby is still in the womb. Maintaining good gut health is vital. Here’s what that actually means, and why it matters so much for your baby.
The digestive tract is often described as the “second brain,” and maintaining good gut health is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing, right from the very start of life.
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What is Gut Health?
While the term “gut health” is used frequently, it’s often misunderstood. Gut health refers to the balance of healthy microorganisms, such as bacteria, within the digestive system.
You can continue to improve your own gut health throughout life through a healthy diet, exercise, and the use of probiotics — but for babies, it’s mum who provides the foundation.
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Why is Infant Gut Health So Important?
Establishing good gut health early in life is highly beneficial. Several factors influence infant gut health, but a baby’s immune system depends heavily on the mother — both during pregnancy and afterwards through breastmilk — for protection from the environment.
Let’s take a look at the contributing factors:
#1. Breastmilk
Breastmilk is a rich source of prebiotics that help lay the foundations of gut health for babies, with the World Health Organization recommending exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months to support health.
Breastmilk contains around 200 different types of prebiotics, which feed the good bacteria in a baby’s gut.
Because a newborn’s digestive system is still very immature, many babies lose up to 10 per cent of their body weight in the first few days as they adjust. Enzymes in breastmilk can help make up for a baby’s own limited digestive enzymes and support a quicker return to birth weight.
That said, breastfeeding isn’t the only option for new mums, and many factors come into play when deciding how to feed your baby. Breastfed and formula-fed babies do show differences in gut microbiome, though the full effects of this are still not completely understood. At the end of the day, fed is best.
If you’re unable to breastfeed, donor milk is worth exploring where available. If that’s not an option, speak with your GP, public health nurse or paediatrician about formula choices and whether an infant probiotic supplement is appropriate for your baby — this is a decision best made with your healthcare provider, based on your baby’s individual needs.
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#2. Gestation Period
Your baby receives a first “dose” of bacteria during gestation, via nutrients passed through the placenta.
It was once believed that babies are born with a completely sterile, or “virgin,” gut, with all gut health built after birth. We now know that isn’t the full picture — gut health begins developing in utero.
Research shows that beneficial bacteria are passed from mother to baby both during pregnancy and through breastfeeding.
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#3. A Balanced Diet
Expectant mums may experience some unusual cravings, but it’s important to maintain a balanced diet throughout pregnancy where possible.
Eating well helps transfer nutrients and beneficial bacteria across the placenta, as well as supporting your own health. If you’re considering a probiotic supplement during pregnancy, it’s worth discussing this with your GP or midwife first.
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#4. Birthing Style
The mode of delivery has a notable impact on an infant’s early microbiome. During vaginal birth, a mother’s vaginal and intestinal microflora are passed to the baby, helping shape the newborn’s initial gut bacteria.
As your baby passes through the birth canal, they’re exposed to a wide range of beneficial bacteria. This doesn’t mean babies born by C-section are worse off overall — they simply miss this particular route of exposure, and their gut health develops through other factors instead.
#5. Skin Contact
Immediate skin-to-skin contact with mum and/or dad after birth can help transfer good bacteria to your baby, as can delaying the first bath for a period after birth — this is something you can discuss with your midwife or maternity team, as practice can vary by hospital.
Newborns are born covered in a white, waxy substance called vernix, which contains proteins that may help protect against certain bacterial infections in the earliest days.
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#6. Development and Nutrition
A baby’s digestive system is still relatively immature at birth, and the first six months bring enormous change. During this time, babies gradually develop the ability to produce enzymes that help digest food and build antibodies that protect against pathogens.
After around six months, most babies are ready to begin weaning — though every baby’s readiness looks a little different. It’s important to keep supporting good gut health through varied nutrition, proper sleep, and good hydration as solids are introduced alongside breastmilk or formula.
Yoghurt containing live, active cultures can be a helpful source of good bacteria for young children as they grow. Adequate sleep and hydration remain key parts of overall gut health and wellbeing at every age.
#7. Environmental Factors
Children also build good gut bacteria and stronger immune systems through everyday environmental exposure. This kind of acquired immunity plays an important role in developing a healthy gut and a resilient immune system.
Keeping a baby’s surroundings reasonably — but not obsessively — clean allows them to encounter everyday bacteria and bugs in small amounts, which can help strengthen their immunity over time.
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The “good” bacteria we’ve all heard about — but perhaps didn’t fully understand — is clearly essential for gut health at every age, and never more so than in a baby’s earliest months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “gut health” actually mean?
Gut health refers to the balance of good bacteria and other microorganisms living in the digestive system. A healthy balance supports digestion, immunity and overall wellbeing.
Does gut health start before birth?
Yes. Babies receive an initial dose of bacteria during pregnancy via the placenta, and research shows beneficial bacteria continue to pass from mother to baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is breastfeeding the only way to support a baby’s gut health?
No. While breastmilk is a rich source of natural prebiotics, formula-fed babies can also thrive. If you’re not breastfeeding, talk to your GP or public health nurse about formula options and whether a probiotic supplement suits your baby.
Does the way a baby is born affect their gut bacteria?
It can. Vaginal birth exposes babies to beneficial bacteria as they pass through the birth canal, while C-section babies develop their gut microbiome through other routes, such as skin contact and feeding. Neither route means a baby is worse off long-term.
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