Hey there, parents! If you’re navigating the wild world of newborn tummy troubles, I’ve got a game-changer for you: BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotic Drops.
As a mom who’s been through the sleepless nights of colic and gas, I can tell you these drops are a lifesaver.
Backed by over 30 years of research, they’re safe, effective, and gentle enough for your little one from day one.
Trust me, these drops helped my baby (and me!) find some much-needed calm.
Ready to dive into my experience? Let’s get started!
My Experience With BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotic Drops
When my daughter, Emma, was born, I was over the moon—but that joy came with a side of exhaustion.
By week two, she was fussy, gassy, and struggling with bowel movements, especially at night.
My midwife suggested BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotic Drops, and I was skeptical.
Probiotics for a newborn? Really? But desperate for relief, I gave them a try. Spoiler alert: they worked wonders.
I started with five drops daily, mixed into her breastmilk.
Within a week, Emma’s crying reduced, and her bowel movements became more regular.
The drops are tasteless, so she didn’t bat an eye when I added them to her bottle. What impressed me most was the science behind it—BioGaia’s patented Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 strain is backed by over 200,000 hours of research and 260+ clinical studies.
It’s naturally found in breastmilk, which made me feel confident I was giving her something her body already knew.
The dropper design is a parent’s dream: simple to use, no mess, just tilt and dispense.
I noticed Emma was less gassy, her spit-ups decreased, and she seemed more settled overall.
It wasn’t an overnight miracle, but by day 14, her crying time was noticeably shorter, aligning with studies claiming a 56% reduction in colic-related fussiness.
I also loved that it’s free from dairy, soy, gluten, and artificial additives—perfect for my sensitive little one.
That said, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
The 5ml bottle runs out quickly, and at around $25-$35 a pop, it’s not cheap.
I also had to be diligent about storage to keep the probiotics effective. But honestly, seeing Emma happier made it worth every penny.
Let’s break down the pros, cons, and how to make these drops work for you, plus how they stack up against other brands.
Also Read: My Thought on Happy Baby Organic Formula Reviews
Pros Of BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotic Drops
- Clinically Proven Effectiveness: BioGaia’s L. reuteri DSM 17938 is backed by over 260 clinical studies, showing a 56% reduction in crying time for colicky babies after two weeks. It’s one of the most researched infant probiotics out there.
- Safe for Newborns: These drops are gentle enough for full-term babies from day one, with no reported side effects in clinical trials. I felt confident giving them to Emma right away.
- Allergen-Free Formula: No dairy, soy, gluten, or artificial colors/flavors—perfect for babies with sensitivities. This was a huge relief for me, knowing Emma wouldn’t react.
- Easy-to-Use Dropper: The dropper tube makes dispensing five drops a breeze. Just tilt at a 45° angle, and you’re good to go—no measuring spoons needed.
- Tasteless and Versatile: The neutral flavor means you can mix it into breastmilk, formula, or dispense on a spoon without your baby noticing. Emma never fussed about the taste.
- Supports Digestive Health: These drops help with colic, gas, spit-ups, and constipation by balancing gut flora. Emma’s bowel movements became regular within days.
- Includes Vitamin D (Some Versions): Certain BioGaia drops come with 400 IU of vitamin D3, doubling as a daily supplement. It’s like a two-for-one deal for busy parents.
- Trusted by Pediatricians: Recommended by experts worldwide, including my midwife and Emma’s pediatrician, which gave me peace of mind.
- Non-GMO Ingredients: Made with sunflower oil and L. reuteri, the formula is clean and sustainable. I love knowing I’m giving Emma something pure.
- Global Reputation: With over 100 million bottles sold worldwide, BioGaia is a trusted name. It’s comforting to know other parents swear by it too.
Cons Of BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotic Drops
- Small Bottle Size: The 5ml bottle lasts about 25 days at five drops daily, so you’ll need to restock often. I found myself ordering every few weeks, which adds up.
- Pricey for Regular Use: At $25-$35 per bottle, it’s not budget-friendly, especially if you’re using it daily. I winced a bit at the cost initially.
- Storage Sensitivity: Must be stored at room temperature (max 77°F) and kept away from saliva or water to avoid contamination. I had to be careful not to mess this up.
- Not for Preemies: BioGaia isn’t recommended for premature infants, which limits its use for some families. Check with your doctor if your baby was born early.
- Variable Results: Some parents report no noticeable difference, especially for reflux. Emma’s reflux didn’t improve much, though her gas and colic did.
- Dropper Speed: The drops come out fast, so you need a steady hand to avoid wasting any. I accidentally dispensed too much a couple of times.
- No Multi-Strain Formula: Unlike some competitors, BioGaia uses a single strain (L. reuteri). I wondered if a multi-strain option might work even better.
- Potential for Mold: A few users reported mold in opened bottles after a month. I never had this issue, but it made me extra vigilant about storage.
- Takes Time to Work: While some see results in days, it can take up to two weeks for full benefits. Patience is key, which can be tough with a fussy baby.
- Limited Flavor Options: The neutral flavor is great, but no variety might bore picky babies. Emma didn’t mind, but I’ve heard some kids prefer flavored drops.
Maintenance Tips For BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotic Drops
- Store Properly: Keep the bottle at room temperature (below 77°F) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. I stored mine in a cool cupboard to maintain potency.
- Shake Well Before Use: Shake the bottle for 10 seconds to mix the probiotic with the oil. This ensures your baby gets the full dose of live bacteria.
- Avoid Contamination: Don’t let the dropper touch your baby’s mouth or any liquids like saliva or water. I used a clean spoon to be extra safe.
- Use Within Three Months: Once opened, the bottle should be used within three months to ensure the probiotics stay active. I marked the date on the bottle to track it.
- Administer Consistently: Give five drops daily, ideally at the same time, to maintain steady gut flora. I added Emma’s to her morning feed for routine.
- Mix Smartly: Add drops to breastmilk, formula, or a spoon, but never to hot food or drinks, as heat can kill the probiotics. I mixed them into room-temperature milk.
- Check the Air Vent: Ensure the air vent on the dropper is facing up when dispensing to control the flow. This saved me from wasting drops after a few tries.
- Monitor Your Baby: Watch for changes in fussiness, gas, or bowel movements to gauge effectiveness. I kept a journal to track Emma’s progress.
- Consult Your Pediatrician: Before starting, check with your doctor, especially if your baby has health issues. Emma’s pediatrician gave us the green light.
- Buy in Bulk: To save money, consider subscribing or buying multiple bottles online. I found deals on Amazon that eased the cost a bit.
Also Read: My Thought on Happy Baby Organic Formula Reviews
Comparison With Other Brands
- BioGaia vs. Culturelle Baby Calm + Comfort: Single vs. Multi-Strain: BioGaia uses L. reuteri DSM 17938, while Culturelle includes multiple strains like L. rhamnosus GG. BioGaia’s strain is more studied for colic, but Culturelle may offer broader benefits. I stuck with BioGaia for its targeted approach.
- BioGaia vs. Lovebug Probiotics: Volume vs. Cost: Lovebug offers a larger bottle with multi-strain probiotics (5 billion CFU), lasting longer than BioGaia’s 5ml. However, BioGaia’s clean ingredients won me over, despite the smaller size.
- BioGaia vs. Gerber Soothe Drops: Availability vs. Continuity: Gerber Soothe was discontinued, but it used the same L. reuteri strain. BioGaia’s availability and consistent quality made it a better choice for me.
- BioGaia vs. ChildLife Essentials InfantBiotics: Additives vs. Purity: ChildLife includes additional nutrients but has more additives. BioGaia’s minimalist formula felt safer for Emma’s sensitive tummy.
- BioGaia vs. Legendairy Milk Baby Probiotic: Organic vs. Non-Organic: Legendairy is USDA organic, which is a plus, but BioGaia’s extensive research and pediatrician backing gave me more confidence.
- BioGaia vs. Smidge Infant Probiotic: Price vs. Longevity: Smidge is pricier but lasts longer due to its powder form. I preferred BioGaia’s liquid drops for ease of use with a newborn.
- BioGaia vs. Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops: Flavor vs. Neutrality: Mommy’s Bliss offers flavored options, which some babies prefer, but BioGaia’s tasteless drops were easier to mix into Emma’s milk.
- BioGaia vs. Evivo Infant Probiotic: Strain Specificity vs. General Use: Evivo uses Bifidobacterium longum for C-section babies, while BioGaia’s L. reuteri suits a wider range. I chose BioGaia for its versatility.
- BioGaia vs. Wellements Organic Probiotic Drops: Certification vs. Research: Wellements is organic but less studied than BioGaia. I trusted BioGaia’s 30+ years of research for Emma.
- BioGaia vs. Garden of Life Baby Probiotics: Dosage vs. Convenience: Garden of Life requires mixing powder, which is messier than BioGaia’s dropper. I found BioGaia’s design more parent-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, BioGaia Protectis is safe for full-term newborns from birth, as confirmed by clinical studies. It’s not recommended for premature infants, so consult your pediatrician if your baby was born early. I started using it with Emma at two weeks, and it was gentle with no issues. Always check with your doctor first.
These drops help reduce colic, gas, spit-ups, and constipation while promoting healthy gut flora. They’ve been shown to cut crying time by 56% in two weeks and improve family quality of life. For Emma, they eased her fussiness and made bowel movements regular, which was a huge win.
Results vary, but many parents, including me, notice improvements in gas and colic within a few days. Full benefits, like reduced crying, often take one to two weeks, as per studies. Consistency is key—don’t skip doses, and give it time to work its magic.
Side effects are rare, with no significant ones reported in clinical trials. Some parents note smellier stools or no effect, but that’s about it. I didn’t see any adverse reactions in Emma, though I kept an eye out for changes in her behavior or digestion.
Conclusion: For BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotic Drops
Also Read: My Thought on Happy Baby Organic Formula Reviews
If your baby’s tummy troubles are keeping you up at night, BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotic Drops are a must-try. They transformed Emma’s fussy evenings into calmer, happier moments, and the science-backed formula gave me peace of mind.
Yes, they’re pricey, and the bottle’s small, but the relief they bring is worth it. Grab a bottle, follow the tips, and give your little one the gut health boost they deserve!