Lactoferrin and Probiotics for Infant Health: Key Insights

Regarding lactoferrin?

Dear Dr.
Lin,
Thank you for answering my questions last time.
I have a few more questions to ask you now...
1.
My baby is currently over seven months old.
Regarding the issue of my baby rejecting milk, you suggested that I feed her during the night while she is sleeping, which seems to work.
However, after she drinks the milk, she continues to sleep, and I am unable to burp her to release any gas.
It is also difficult for her to pass gas while sleeping.
Is it okay for her to continue sleeping like this? Could she potentially spit up in the middle of the night without us noticing? What should I do in that case? Also, why is it harder for babies to pass gas when they are asleep compared to when they are awake? At what age do babies no longer need to be burped?
2.
What is the difference between lactoferrin and probiotics? Which one is better to add to milk? I have heard that lactoferrin is more effective in preventing enterovirus infections than probiotics.
Is this true?
3.
At what age can I let my baby sit in a walker (also known as a crab walker) without affecting her foot bone development? I am concerned that if she sits too early, she might develop issues like walking on tiptoes or having bow legs, or even skip crawling altogether and go straight to standing.
4.
My baby had some slight indentations in her gums three weeks ago, indicating that she might be teething.
Indeed, two of her lower front teeth have slightly emerged, but they are growing very slowly.
How long will it take for her two lower front teeth to fully come in? Is this rate of teething considered normal?
Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to read and respond to my letter.
I greatly appreciate it.

Qiao Ma Mi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/06/08

Dr. Lin Huizhen reply Pediatrics

Dear Dr.
Lin Huizhen, Chief of Pediatrics at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health:
1.
Generally, after 3-4 months of age, infants' gastrointestinal emptying function improves, and they typically do not need to be burped after feeding.
The occurrence of spitting up significantly decreases.
It is important to ensure that the nipple hole is not too large to avoid excessive air intake, which can lead to abdominal distension.
2.
Lactoferrin and probiotics are different types of additives.
Lactoferrin is considered one of the three main nutrients, while probiotics refer to additional strains of intestinal bacteria.
Currently, there is no large-scale evidence proving that lactoferrin can prevent enterovirus infections.
3.
For the use of baby walkers, it is generally recommended to wait until the child can sit more steadily before introducing them.
Early sitting is not advised.
4.
The rate of tooth eruption varies from person to person, and the order in which teeth emerge also differs among individuals.
Generally, the teething process can be considered to start around 1 year of age.
Wishing you good health and all the best from Tainan Hospital!

Reply Date: 2005/06/08

More Info

Thank you for your questions regarding your baby's health and development. Let's address each of your concerns systematically.

1. Feeding and Burping: It's common for babies to have difficulty burping when they are asleep, as their muscles are relaxed and they may not respond to the usual stimuli that would help them release gas. If your baby is sleeping soundly after feeding, it's generally okay to let her continue sleeping, as long as she seems comfortable and is not showing signs of distress. However, if you're concerned about the possibility of her spitting up or experiencing discomfort, you might consider gently waking her for a brief moment to help her burp. As for when you can stop burping your baby, many parents find that by around 6 to 9 months, babies become more adept at managing gas on their own, especially as they start to sit up and move around more.

2. Lactoferrin vs. Probiotics: Lactoferrin and probiotics serve different purposes in infant health. Lactoferrin is a protein found in milk and other bodily fluids that has antimicrobial properties and plays a role in iron absorption. It is known for its ability to enhance the immune system and may help in preventing infections, including viral infections. Probiotics, on the other hand, are live bacteria that are beneficial for gut health. They help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, which is crucial for digestion and immune function. While both can be beneficial, they work in different ways. Some studies suggest that lactoferrin may have a more direct role in preventing infections, while probiotics are excellent for maintaining gut health. Depending on your baby's needs, either could be beneficial, but they can also complement each other.

3. Use of Walkers: The use of baby walkers (or "crab walkers") is a topic of debate among pediatricians. While they can be fun for babies, they may not be the best for their physical development. Babies should ideally be allowed to develop their motor skills naturally, which includes crawling before walking. Introducing a walker too early can lead to issues such as toe walking or O-shaped legs, as you mentioned. Most experts recommend waiting until your baby is at least 9 months old and can sit up independently before using a walker. This allows them to develop the necessary muscle strength and coordination.

4. Teething Timeline: Teething can be a slow process, and the timeline for when teeth emerge can vary widely among infants. Typically, the lower front teeth (central incisors) appear first, usually between 6 to 10 months of age. If your baby has already started teething, it may take several weeks for the teeth to fully emerge. The pace of teething can differ from one child to another, and some may experience more discomfort than others. If your baby is showing signs of teething, such as increased drooling or fussiness, these are normal reactions. Generally, by the time they are about 3 years old, most children will have their full set of primary teeth.

In summary, your baby's health and development involve many factors, including feeding practices, the introduction of beneficial supplements like lactoferrin and probiotics, the appropriate use of walkers, and the natural teething process. Always consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice tailored to your baby's specific needs. Thank you for your thoughtful questions, and I hope this information helps you navigate your baby's health journey!

Similar Q&A

Should You Add Supplements to Boost Your Baby's Immunity?

Hello, doctor! My baby is almost 5 months old now! I breastfed for only 2 months, and after that, he has been drinking formula. Can I start adding nutritional supplements like probiotics? What are the functions of probiotics, prebiotics, and lactoferrin? Are they different from e...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
Dear PP: In response to your questions, here are the answers: 1. Probiotics: These are a group of beneficial bacteria that do not cause disease and are advantageous to human health, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Probiotics can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria...

Can Probiotics Be Added to Infant Formula for Fussy Babies?

My baby is currently over three months old and has a severe aversion to milk. Can I add probiotics to the baby formula? Thank you.

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
If the infant does not exhibit symptoms such as fever, throat inflammation, herpetic pharyngitis that prevents feeding, vomiting, or diarrhea, and shows normal activity levels, along with height and weight following their growth curve without significant deviation, this is consid...

Are Antibiophilus and Bifidobacterium Safe for Infants?

The baby is currently almost one year old and I would like to supplement with probiotics. The baby usually has hard stools, and based on a friend's suggestion, I would like to know if these two options are suitable for infants: 1. Chinese name: 阿德比膠囊 (Antibiophilus 250mg) - ...

Dr. He Ciyuan reply Pediatrics
Both of these belong to the Lactobacillus genus and can be used, but they are not the primary treatment methods. It is important to note that since the baby is approaching one year old, it is recommended to gradually reduce milk intake and increase the consumption of solid foods....

Comparing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium for Your Baby's Nutrition

I would like to ask if the ingredients of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium are the same. Is it better for my seven-month-old daughter to consume Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Bifidobacterium? Additionally, my daughter has a poor appetite and only drinks about 120cc of mil...

Dr. Liu Qiaoyun reply Nutrition
Hello, I apologize for not being familiar with the detailed ingredients of the three products you mentioned, as there are indeed too many products on the market. However, I inquired with the Nutritionist Association and the Food Research Institute, and they also do not have speci...