Overuse of antibiotics can significantly impact children’s gut microbiome, leading to long-term imbalances. Studies show that a single course of antibiotics can reduce gut microbiota diversity by up to 30%, and repeated use can cause long- lasting dysbiosis, impairing recovery of beneficial bacteria. In some cases, it can take over 12 months for the gut to recover! Broad-spectrum antibiotics are particularly impactful, as they not only wipe out the bad bacteria, but the good bacteria as well that your child needs.