Journey of the Good Bugs in Your Babies Gut

Did you know your baby’s gut is home to trillions of tiny organisms? These organisms play an important role in improving your babies health and overall growth and development. These tiny, microscopic residents collectively form the gut microbiome. ^1–3

You would be amazed to know that the gut microbiome starts developing right from the time mother is pregnant with the baby, till the time baby turns 2 years old.² By the time your baby is 3 years old, the environment created by these bugs, starts to look like that of adults. ⁴

Now, let’s try to understand how these tiny buys work in your babies tummy.

Several decades ago, it was believed that the gut of the baby’s while the mother is pregnant, was sterile. However, recent studies suggest that the journey of microbial colonization begins even before birth.⁵ In fact, mode of delivery plays a significant role in determining the initial population of these tiny, microscopic residents. ⁶

Several decades ago, people thought that a baby’s gut was completely sterile during pregnancy. However, recent studies have shown presence of some bugs in the baby’s gut even before birth. In fact, mode of delivery plays a big role in deciding which type of bugs occupy space in your babies gut.

Babies born naturally or via vaginal route show predominance of good bacteria , because they are exposed to the good bacteria present in the mother’s birth canal. These tiny residents are essential for a healthy start in life as they help to build a strong immune system.⁶ However, when babies are born via c-section they are more likely to acquire microbes from the hospital environment and from the mother’s skin. These microbes are very different from the vaginally delivered babies leading to lower levels of good bacteria and possible increase in the risk of developing certain health conditions later in life.⁶

Here are few benefits of having a healthy gut microbiota

• Helps boost immune system: A strong correlation exists between the immune system and the bacteria present in the gut. The presence of higher quantity of good bacteria in your babies gut strengthens your babies immune system and also helps to reduce the quantity of harmful bacteria in the gut.⁷ This helps to reduce the risk of infections and requirement of medicines.
• Reduces inflammation: Your baby’s immune system is evolving but is complex enough to defend against outside invaders. Alteration in the composition of good and bad bacteria triggers an autoimmune process, which results in inflammation. ¹⁰
• Improves digestion: Good bacteria present in your babies gut are essential for good digestion and also, promote softer and frequent poop. Good bacteria helps to develop healthy gut microbiota which breaks down nutrients from the food and produces certain vitamins and minerals and promotes the absorption of nutrients.⁷

These benefits highlight the role of the gut microbiota in shaping your baby’s health and well-being throughout their lifes.¹²

Ways to support the development of a healthy gut microbiota

The early phase of life, is the most important time as your baby is growing rapidly. As a parent, there are several ways to nurture your little one’s gut. Some of the ways are given below:¹³

• Pay attention to your nutrition even during pregnancy
• Conservative use of antibiotics
• Choosing vaginal birth if possible
• Encouraging exclusive breastfeeding at least for first 6 months
• Timely introduction of complementary foods
• Maintaining a clean environment

To conclude, we must understand that keeping the gut microbiota balanced and healthy is very important during infancy, as it lays the foundation for long-term health.¹²