Two Ways to Support Your Baby’s Developing Immune System

As parents, we want to protect our baby from any harm. We set up a safe sleep environment, start to baby-proof our home, and even take an infant CPR class. But how do we provide protection for their developing immune system? Let’s look at two clinically shown ways to support your baby’s immune system.

1. Breast Milk
Whether you’re expecting or a new parent, you’re probably familiar with the benefits of breast milk. The first 6 months of life are a critical window for immune development. Antibodies and certain proteins in breast milk can provide protection while baby’s immune system is still developing. So, not surprisingly, babies fed breast milk tend to get sick less often.

I know from personal experience that breastfeeding isn’t easy and often comes with challenges. That said, feeding your baby breast milk does not have to be all or nothing. Any amount of breast milk provides some immune support. No matter how you choose to feed your baby—fed is always best.

2. Evivo Baby Probiotic
We now know the type of bacteria in baby’s gut plays a critical role in how the immune system develops.  A recent study shows how a specific strain of good bacteria (B. infantis EVC001), found only in Evivo Baby Probiotic, increases the presence of good bacteria in baby’s gut by 70%.¹

Hopefully, these tips will give you the peace of mind to relax and enjoy the early days with your baby, knowing you are setting them up with a foundation for good health now and into the future.

About the Author
Jennifer Bragg, MD, Neonatologist, VP of Clinical Implementation
Dr. Bragg is the Vice President of Clinical Implementation at Infinant Health and also serves as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Director of a NICU Follow-up Program. She received her MD from New York University School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency and perinatal neonatal fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. As a neonatologist, she is passionate about helping children reach their full potential through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to care. She is most proud of being a mom to two children. When not working, she is often found cheering them on from the sidelines at sporting events.

Citations

1. Frese, Steven A., et al. “Persistence of supplemented Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis EVC001 in breastfed infants.” MSphere 2.6 (2017): e00501-17.