Disclosed is a synthetic pediatric formula comprising a probiotic, a first oligosaccharide in a concentration of 1 mg/mL to 4 mg/mL and selected from the group consisting of galactooligosaccharide, fructooligosaccharide, and combinations thereof; and a second oligosaccharide in a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL to 0.5 mg/mL and selected from the group consisting of 2’-fucosyllactose, 3’-fucosyllactose, and combinations thereof. Also disclosed is its use in promoting the growth of beneficial microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract of an infant or toddler.