When can babies have yogurt?

Babies can have yogurt from about 6 months, as soon as they show signs of being ready for solids. Plain, full-fat, pasteurized yogurt is a good choice and is one of the easiest ways to introduce dairy.

Yes, babies can eat yogurt from 6 months. Yogurt is fine before 12 months even though cow's milk as a drink is not, because babies eat small amounts as food and it does not replace breast milk or formula.

Yogurt is a low choking risk for babies because it is smooth and soft. The risk comes from what is mixed in, so avoid whole nuts, whole small berries, chunky granola and seeds, and always stay with your baby while they eat.

Yes, yogurt is a common allergen because it is made from milk, and dairy is one of the Top 9 food allergens. Goat and sheep milk yogurts are also dairy and usually cause reactions in babies with a cow's milk allergy.

To serve yogurt to a 6 month old, dip a baby spoon into plain, full-fat yogurt and hand it to your baby, or feed it to them from the spoon. Thicker strained yogurt sticks to the spoon better and is easier for new eaters, and you can stir in smooth fruit puree for flavor.

The best yogurt for babies is plain, unsweetened, whole milk yogurt made from pasteurized milk, ideally with live and active cultures. Greek or strained yogurt is a great option because it is thick and higher in protein, and regular plain yogurt works just as well.

Yes, babies can have plain, full-fat Greek yogurt from 6 months. Greek yogurt is thicker and has more protein than regular yogurt, which makes it easier to load onto a spoon, but it is a little lower in calcium.

Full-fat yogurt is recommended for babies because they need fat and calories for brain development and growth. Low-fat and nonfat yogurts also tend to have more added sugar or thickeners, so save them for later unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.

Plant-based yogurts such as soy, oat, almond or coconut are often lower in protein, fat and calcium than dairy yogurt and may contain added sugar. If your baby cannot have dairy, choose a plain, unsweetened, fortified soy yogurt and ask your pediatrician or a dietitian to check the overall diet.

Yogurt with live cultures may help some babies with digestion, but yogurt alone is not a treatment for constipation. Pair yogurt with high-fiber foods like pears, prunes, oats or beans, offer water with meals, and call your pediatrician if constipation lasts or your baby seems uncomfortable.

To make yogurt bites for babies, mix plain whole-milk yogurt with smooth mashed fruit, pipe small dots onto a lined tray and freeze until firm. Serve them straight from the freezer to babies who already eat yogurt and can pick up small foods, usually around 8 months, and keep leftovers frozen.