It is true that bacteria and viruses are responsible for many infections. However, there are many microorganisms living inside your baby’s gut that are actually good for health. Known as your baby’s microbiome, this “community” of microbes consists of both beneficial (symbiotic) and possibly harmful (pathogenic) microorganisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi. A baby’s first exposure to these microorganisms is thought to be during birth as the baby passes through mum’s birth canal in a vaginal birth. In a healthy body, there is a balance of bacteria in which there is more of “good” gut bacteria to keep the “bad” ones at bay. However, when the balance is disrupted, for example, by an unhealthy diet or illness, the immune system may get compromised making the body more vulnerable to sickness.¹

A healthy gut is characterised by a robust and balanced microbiome containing adequate numbers of “good” bacteria² and other microbes. In addition, a large proportion of the immune system can be found in the lining of the GI tract.³ The immune system and gut bacteria work together to keep the body healthy. For example, the gut microbiome “trains” immune cells called T-cells to learn the difference between healthy body tissue and dangerous “invaders”. Recent research has also found that the gut microbiome may even influence the way the immune system responds to the COVID-19 virus.⁴

Now that you know the importance of a healthy gut for your little one’s immunity and overall health, how can you ensure good gut health in your child?

• Green peas: Steam lightly and mash to a puree.
• Chickpeas: Boil or steam and when soft, puree. You could add other vegetables like steamed carrot to the mix. Thin out the puree if needed with water or milk.
• Lentils: Make a lentil and rice porridge.
• Fruits: Apple, pear, orange, banana or mango puree.
• Grains like oats, barley and couscous.

Do keep in mind not to give your baby too much fibre-rich foods as he/she starts weaning, as these may overwhelm the immature digestive system. Instead, gradually add such foods to your little one’s diet.

Probiotics mostly come as supplements, formula milk, and yoghurt. Your child’s paediatrician will be able to advise you if probiotic supplements can be given to your little one.

Get a pet: A study⁷ involving over 750 infants showed that owning a pet was linked with an increase in two types of beneficial gut microbes – Ruminococcus and Oscillospira. Do make sure your family is ready for the responsibility of caring for a pet though, before getting one.

Avoid antibiotics as much as possible: prolonged courses of antibiotics can throw off the balance that exists in your baby’s microbiome by killing good bacteria.⁸ Unless prescribed by a doctor, avoid giving antibiotics to your baby.

Allow contact with the environment: As your baby starts crawling and uses his/her senses to explore and learn, you might feel the need to sterilise and clean everything in your baby’s environment. But it’s through exposure to both good and bad bugs that your little one’s immune system will get stronger. As long as you support your baby’s gut health with proper nutrition, there’s no need to sanitise everything your baby comes into contact with.