When dealing with diarrhea, you can rely on good bacteria (probiotics for children) to help combat the harmful ones.

Let’s face it: no matter how many times you wash your child’s hands, sooner or later they’re going to catch a virus—a middle ear infection, a sore throat, some kind of gastrointestinal issue—that might require an antibiotic.

While antibiotics are great for treating bacterial infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics—those that kill not only the bad bacteria causing the illness but also the good bacteria that help keep us healthy—can come with a very inconvenient and unpleasant side effect: diarrhea. (Talk about adding insult to your already uncomfortable and unhappy child.)

One way to manage antibiotic-related diarrhea while your little one is taking antibiotics—aside from investing in extra-absorbent diapers—is to give your child probiotics, which are live, active, and beneficial bacteria found in supplements or foods like yogurt.

Here’s what you need to know about probiotics for toddlers.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live and “good” microorganisms, like bacteria, that can help keep our stomachs healthy.

Some of these good bacteria—particularly those in the Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium groups—are similar to the trillions of other good bacteria already living peacefully in our intestines, helping with digestion and keeping harmful organisms at bay that could make us sick.

Can Probiotics Be Given to Toddlers?

Yes, probiotics are generally considered safe for toddlers and even healthy babies (in fact, some infant formulas are fortified with probiotics). Still, it’s a smart idea to ask your pediatrician which strain of bacteria or brand of probiotics you should give your child—especially if you’re considering giving them a supplement.

The reason? Dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so there can be a lot of variability in manufacturing, and it can be hard to know exactly what you’re getting (what’s tested in a research study may not be the same as what’s in a bottle on your local pharmacy shelf).

While you’re at it, ask your pediatrician how often you should give your toddler a probiotic supplement—especially if the instructions on the package are unclear.

What Are the Benefits of Probiotics for Toddlers and Kids?

Research shows that certain probiotics can help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children. For this reason, pediatricians often recommend that children take probiotics when they are on antibiotics.

Since some antibiotics eliminate good bacteria along with the infection-causing bacteria, probiotics act as backup reinforcements—sending in more good bacteria to restore balance and push out the harmful ones.

These little good soldiers also help strengthen the intestinal lining, making it harder for bad bacteria to multiply freely, and they can alter the gut environment to make it less desirable for harmful bacteria.

Other studies have found that probiotics can shorten the duration of diarrhea by about a day in children who have contracted an infection.

For now, at least, the strongest evidence for probiotics is in preventing and relieving antibiotic-related diarrhea and infectious diarrhea that may be caught at daycare or while traveling.

What Are the Best Types of Probiotics for Toddlers?

When shopping for probiotics for your toddler, you may want to look for the following:

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG): This strain has been consistently shown to help with diarrhea.

Saccharomyces boulardii: This strain is also believed to help children with infectious diarrhea.

Keep in mind that there are many strains of bacteria within the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups, so it’s unclear which specific strains may be the most effective.

Ask your child’s pediatrician which variety they recommend specifically for them.

Best Probiotic-Rich Foods for Toddlers

While probiotics can be found in supplement form, it’s always a good idea to find probiotics (and other nutrients, in this case) in natural foods, if possible. The good news is that probiotics are already found in healthy foods your toddler may already be eating, including yogurt.

Look for yogurt brands that contain no added sugars and specify “live and active cultures” on the box. Some may even list their active cultures specifically, often using terms like Lactobacillus or L. rhamnosus. Keep an eye on the expiration date, as probiotic potency can decrease over time.

You can also find probiotics naturally in other fermented foods and soy products (though their benefits haven’t been widely studied), including:

Kimchi Sauerkraut Apple cider vinegar Miso Tempeh