The Mom Behind Tiny Health on Why She’s So Focused on Early Gut Health
We caught up with our friend Cheryl to talk about the microbiome and why the first 1,000 days are such a critical window for lifelong wellness.
Cheryl is a mom of three, a serial entrepreneur, and the founder & CEO of Tiny Health, the first at-home gut microbiome test designed specifically for moms and babies. She launched Tiny Health in 2020 after her first child struggled with eczema, sleep troubles, and food sensitivities—challenges that led her to uncover the critical role the gut microbiome plays in early health. Determined to help other parents get ahead of these issues, Cheryl developed a science-backed approach to microbiome testing, focusing on the first 1,000 days, a window that sets the foundation for lifelong wellness. Today, Tiny Health offers gut and vaginal health tests to support the whole family.
With multiple engineering degrees from Cornell and a track record of building consumer brands, Cheryl is no stranger to innovation. Now, she’s on a mission to help families take control of their health from day one.
Needed: What inspired you to create Tiny Health?
Cheryl Sew Hoy: Tiny Health was born out of my personal experience as a mother. When my first child struggled with eczema, sleep disturbances, and food sensitivities, I was desperate to find the root cause. After diving deep into microbiome research, I realized how crucial the first 1,000 days are in shaping a child’s gut health. Yet, there were no at-home tests focused on this critical period. That realization set Tiny Health in motion.
Needed: Why are the first 1,000 days so important for the microbiome?
Cheryl: This period—from conception to a baby’s second birthday—is when the gut microbiome is rapidly developing. It influences everything from immune system strength to digestion, skin health, and even brain function. A well-balanced microbiome in infancy can help prevent issues like allergies, eczema, asthma, and metabolic conditions later in life.
To support a better understanding of this critical window, we developed the Gut Maturation Index. It estimates a child’s microbiome age through age three, helping parents see whether gut development is progressing as expected.
Needed: How does Tiny Health’s microbiome test work?
Cheryl: It’s simple: parents collect a stool sample from their baby (or themselves, if they’re pregnant) and send it to our lab. We analyze the sample for beneficial and harmful bacteria, overall diversity, and potential imbalances. Then, we provide personalized insights and actionable steps to optimize gut health.
Needed: What are some of the most common microbiome imbalances you see in babies?
Cheryl: One of the biggest concerns is low levels of beneficial bacteria, especially Bifidobacteria, which help digest breast milk and support immune function. We also see an overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria, which can lead to inflammation and digestive issues. Many imbalances stem from C-section births, antibiotic exposure, or formula feeding, though they can often be addressed with the right interventions.
Needed: What steps can parents take to support their baby’s gut health?
Cheryl:
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Prioritize a healthy pregnancy microbiome: If you’re expecting, focus on a diverse, fiber-rich, whole-food diet, avoid unnecessary antibiotics, and consider probiotic support.
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Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding: These help transfer beneficial bacteria from mother to baby.
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Introduce diverse, whole foods: Once your baby starts solids, offering a variety of fiber-rich foods can help nurture a healthy gut.
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Minimize unnecessary antibiotics: While they can be life-saving, overuse can disrupt gut bacteria.
Needed: How does gut health connect to common baby issues like colic, eczema, and allergies?
Cheryl: A disrupted microbiome can lead to increased gut permeability and immune system imbalances, which may contribute to these conditions. For example, low levels of beneficial bacteria and an overgrowth of pro-inflammatory bacteria are commonly found in babies with eczema and allergies.
Needed: What’s next for Tiny Health?
Cheryl: We’re constantly innovating! Our goal is to expand our research and continue providing families with the most cutting-edge insights into microbiome health. We’re also working on new tests and tools to empower parents to take proactive steps in their child’s wellness journey.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the microbiome can be a game-changer for lifelong health. By prioritizing gut health early, parents can help lay the foundation for their child’s overall well-being. Tiny Health makes this process accessible, giving families the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions from the start.
Use code NEEDED to get $20 off your first Tiny Health Baseline Gut Health Test or the first year of your Tiny+ annual membership.
