Probably not. The strongest current evidence does not show that adding probiotics or synbiotics to infant formula reliably prevents colds or other respiratory infections. A 2026 systematic review of nine randomized trials in children aged 24 months or younger found no significant reduction in upper-respiratory infections or in respiratory infections overall. A few trials of the specific strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 reported fewer infections, but other formula trials did not. The result is strain-, product- and population-specific—not a reason to assume that any product labeled “probiotic” will protect a baby.
What the 2026 evidence found
The 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis combined nine randomized trials involving children aged 24 months or younger. For upper-respiratory-tract infections, the pooled odds ratio was 0.95 (95% confidence interval 0.47–1.95), with substantial heterogeneity (I²=78%). For any respiratory infection, the pooled odds ratio was 0.66 (95% CI 0.35–1.25; I²=69%). Because both confidence intervals include no effect, neither result establishes a statistically significant preventive benefit.
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The review authors concluded: “Current evidence does not support the routine use of probiotic or synbiotic supplementation for the prevention of respiratory infections in children aged ≤24 months.” The wide variation between trials means the pooled estimate should not be treated as a guaranteed effect—or lack of effect—for every strain or formula.
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Why some BB-12 studies looked positive
2011 BB-12 trial
In a 2011 study by Taipale and colleagues, respiratory infections occurred in 65% of infants receiving BB-12 and 94% of controls. The reported risk ratio was 0.69 (95% CI 0.53–0.89; P=0.014). This is a notable result for that trial, but it is a single study in a particular infant population, formula formulation and follow-up period.
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2016 BB-12 report
A later Taipale report in Pediatric Research found respiratory-tract infections in 87% of BB-12 recipients versus 100% of controls. Its risk ratio was 0.87 (95% CI 0.76–1.00; P=0.033). The confidence interval reaches 1.00, and the finding still cannot establish that BB-12 works in every formula-fed infant.
The 2005 formula trial
In contrast, Weizman and colleagues randomized 201 healthy term infants to formula containing BB-12, formula containing Lactobacillus reuteri, or control formula. The study found no significant difference in respiratory-illness rates. The investigators reported fewer and shorter episodes of diarrhea in infants receiving the supplemented formulas, but no effect on respiratory illnesses.
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| Study | Infants and intervention | Respiratory result |
|---|---|---|
| Taipale, 2011, British Journal of Nutrition | Infants receiving BB-12 compared with controls | 65% versus 94%; risk ratio 0.69 (95% CI 0.53–0.89; P=0.014) |
| Taipale, 2016, Pediatric Research | Infants receiving BB-12 compared with controls | 87% versus 100%; risk ratio 0.87 (95% CI 0.76–1.00; P=0.033) |
| Weizman et al., 2005 | 201 healthy term infants; BB-12 formula, L. reuteri formula or control formula | No significant difference in respiratory-illness rate |
Immune markers are not the same as fewer infections
Another randomized trial followed 172 formula-fed infants given BB-12 formula and measured immune markers rather than respiratory illness. BB-12 increased fecal secretory IgA and some vaccine-specific IgA measures. Those changes show an effect on selected immune measurements, but they do not demonstrate that babies had fewer colds, bronchiolitis episodes or other respiratory infections.
Why results conflict between studies
“Probiotic” describes a category, not a single treatment. The trials differed in:
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- the exact strain and strain designation;
- daily dose and whether the organism was delivered in formula or another format;
- infant age, gestational status and health at enrollment;
- exclusive formula feeding versus mixed feeding;
- child-care exposure and other opportunities to encounter respiratory viruses;
- follow-up duration; and
- how each study defined and recorded a respiratory infection.
The 2026 review found high statistical heterogeneity and only limited evidence for individual strains. A positive BB-12 result in one setting therefore cannot be generalized to every BB-12 product, much less to a different organism or a combination of organisms.
What this means when choosing formula or drops
Check the label for the complete strain name, not just the word “probiotic.” Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 is a specific strain; it is not interchangeable with every Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus product. Also check the stated dose, delivery format, storage instructions and age range. A retail product may not use the same strain, dose, formula matrix or preparation tested in a clinical trial.
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There is no evidence in the cited trials that probiotic drops are categorically safer or more effective than a probiotic-containing formula. The preparation, strain, dose and the infant receiving it all matter. Do not use a product with the expectation that it will stop ordinary colds.
Safety guidance for healthy infants
ESPGHAN guidance reports that evaluated probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics in infant formula do not raise safety concerns regarding growth, tolerance or adverse effects in healthy infants. That is a safety assessment, not proof of respiratory-infection prevention. The same guidance notes that randomized evidence is heterogeneous and limited, which helps explain the inconsistent efficacy findings.
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If an infant was born prematurely, has a medical condition, is hospitalized, or takes significant medication, parents should ask the child’s clinician before introducing a supplement or changing formula. For any baby, seek medical advice for breathing difficulty, dehydration, persistent fever or an illness that is worsening rather than relying on a probiotic claim.
A practical checklist for parents
- Identify the strain: record the full strain designation, such as BB-12, rather than relying on a generic “probiotic” statement.
- Match the population: check whether the study involved healthy term infants of a similar age and feeding pattern.
- Match the outcome: an increase in IgA or a diarrhea finding is not evidence of fewer respiratory infections.
- Check the formulation: compare dose, carrier formula, preparation and storage requirements with the product studied.
- Discuss the decision: ask a pediatric clinician whether the optional product fits your infant’s feeding plan and medical history.
Bottom line
For formula-fed babies, current evidence does not justify routine probiotic or synbiotic use to prevent respiratory infections. BB-12 has produced encouraging findings in two infant reports, while a 201-infant formula trial found no respiratory benefit and the 2026 pooled analysis was negative or inconclusive. Treat probiotic formula or drops as optional, strain-specific products—not as a proven way to keep a baby from catching colds.
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