Microbiome Testing
Microbiome Testing for Babies, Children, and Parents
At-home gut microbiome testing through our Tiny Health partnership, with results explained by IBCLCs who understand infant feeding.
Gut microbiome patterns may be one piece of the picture for some families dealing with persistent digestive, skin, feeding, or postpartum concerns. For families who want more information, testing can add a data point. Whether it changes anything depends on the full clinical picture.
Microbiome testing is not a routine recommendation for every baby or parent. We use it selectively, when symptoms are persistent, patterns are unclear, or a family wants more data before making decisions with their medical provider.
Is testing right for your family?
Microbiome testing may be useful when, and may be less useful when
Microbiome testing may be useful when:
- Symptoms are persistent or recurring
- Standard feeding or digestive strategies haven’t fully resolved the concern
- There has been antibiotic exposure, cesarean birth, or other factors that may affect early microbiome development
- A parent wants more data before discussing feeding, probiotics, diet, or other options with their provider
- A pregnant or postpartum parent wants information about their own gut or vaginal microbiome
Testing may be less useful when:
- Feeding is going well and symptoms are mild or brief
- A symptom is already clearly explained by another cause
- You’re looking for a quick diagnosis
- You don’t plan to make changes based on the results
If your baby is feeding and growing well with no specific concerns, testing is optional, not something we recommend by default.
Clinical interpretation
Why clinical context matters
A microbiome result on its own can be confusing or generic. The value is in understanding it in context. Our role is to explain what the report shows alongside your family’s feeding history, birth history, antibiotic exposure, current symptoms, and goals, so you understand what the patterns mean and what they don’t.
We explain results. We do not direct medical care. We do not diagnose conditions or treat them based on a microbiome test, and we do not replace your pediatrician.
If a result looks worth acting on, we help you understand it so you can take it to your medical provider.
Our team combines IBCLC clinical training with additional education in microbiome interpretation through Tiny Health and Rupa Health.
What testing can and cannot tell you
One input, not a diagnosis
Microbiome testing may show patterns in gut bacteria that research associates with digestive health, immune development, and feeding-related concerns.
It does not diagnose reflux, allergy, eczema, asthma, behavioral conditions, or sleep disorders.
Results are one input, best understood alongside your baby’s medical history and, when appropriate, in coordination with your pediatrician or other providers.
Five test variants
Tests We Offer
Tiny Health offers several test variants. We support all of the variants below.
During Pregnancy
Provides a baseline picture of your gut and vaginal microbiome ahead of delivery. Some parents test in the second or third trimester so there is time to talk through findings before birth. The results review is included with the kit.
Baby Test (Birth to 3 Years)
One of the most common tests we see. Families often test for persistent reflux or digestive symptoms, eczema or allergic-type symptoms, recurring illness or antibiotic use, or feeding concerns that standard support hasn’t fully resolved. Results may show patterns that help inform a conversation about supportive options with your provider. Babies born by cesarean, exposed to antibiotics, or formula-fed often show distinct patterns.
Child Test (Ages 3 to 18)
Appropriate for older children with ongoing gut or skin concerns, such as persistent eczema, recurring digestive symptoms, or unresolved food sensitivities. Where sleep or behavioral concerns occur alongside digestive symptoms, the test may add information about the gut picture. It does not explain behavior or diagnose a condition.
Adult Test
For parents with postpartum digestive, skin, or other gut-related symptoms. Postpartum is a meaningful time of microbiome shift. These symptoms can have many causes, and testing is one optional data point. Also used by parents preparing for or recovering from antibiotic exposure, or wanting a baseline.
Vaginal Health Test
Offers insight into vaginal microbiome patterns that may be relevant to pregnancy and postpartum care discussions. Often ordered alongside the pregnancy gut test. This test does not predict or prevent pregnancy complications.
Step by step
How Testing Works
The process is straightforward. Most of the work for your family happens in two short windows: collecting the sample, and meeting with your IBCLC to review results.
Schedule a consultation
We discuss whether testing is appropriate and which kit fits your situation.
Order the test through us
We apply our practitioner discount to the price you pay, and the kit ships to your home with everything you need. Collection is simple and takes a few minutes.
Mail the sample back
Use the prepaid envelope included with your kit.
Wait for results
Processing takes about three to four weeks.
Go over your results with your IBCLC
We explain what the microbiome review shows in the context of your family’s situation.
Take any next steps with your medical provider
If a finding looks worth acting on, we help you understand it so you can discuss options with your pediatrician or other provider.
Billing
How billing works
You purchase the test through us, which applies our practitioner discount to the price you pay. The test is self-pay and is not billed to insurance.
We do not bill insurance for microbiome testing or for a microbiome results review. If you already see us for feeding support, we can go over your results as part of a lactation visit. If you are not seeing us for feeding, a standalone results review is self-pay.
HSA and FSA eligibility varies by plan and may require documentation. Check with your administrator before assuming the test or a visit qualifies.
Where consultations happen
Virtual and in-office
Microbiome consultations and result reviews are available virtually and in office at our locations. The kit ships directly to your home.
Visit our locations page →Get started
Wondering whether microbiome testing makes sense for your family?
Start with an intake form and we’ll help you decide whether it’s worth doing.
Start your intakeOpens our intake form in a separate, HIPAA-secure system (new tab).