Starting solid foods is a huge milestone for babies and a scary one for parents. Which foods are safe to introduce and when? What about yogurt, which is similar in texture to jarred baby food? Here’s some tips from the experts about when’s the right time to try yogurt and how to do it.
When Can Babies Eat Yogurt?
Babies can start eating yogurt as soon as you start introducing solid foods to them, which is around six months old. You’ll know it’s time when they start to show an interest in food and can hold their little heads up on their own.
While you may think that there’s a best order to introduce solid foods to your baby, there isn’t really. Yogurt can be a great first choice due to its smooth texture.
Nutritional Benefits of Yogurt
Yogurt can benefit your child’s growth and development as it contains various vitamins as well as protein, calcium, and phosphorus. It can be especially beneficial if your baby is struggling with other solids or weight gain due to its light consistency.
Full-fat yogurts are the best choice for babies since young children need more healthy fat, as healthy fat is important for the development of their nervous systems and brains. Many yogurts are also rich in probiotics, which are great for your little one’s developing gut biome.
Allergies and Yogurt
You’ve probably heard that dairy products are a common food allergy, so if your baby has an infant formula milk protein allergy, you should probably skip the yogurt too.
Analyze your child’s reaction when giving them yogurt for the first time. Introduce new foods one at a time and only every three to five days to see if your baby is showing signs of allergies. These might include hives, itchy skin, swelling, or breathing problems.
Best Types of Yogurt for Babies
The best yogurt choice for your baby is plain, full-fat yogurt made from whole milk. Avoid added sugars for children under age two, and never give honey to children under age one, as there are added sugars that can cause a severe illness called botulism.
The best you can do is to start with a small amount of plain yogurt and let your baby touch and taste it. Later, you can add mashed foods like bananas, strawberries, or savory foods. Avocado and oatmeal are also good options; just make sure that the pieces are small and mashed up enough.
Yogurt Versus Milk
While yogurt is a great option for babies over six months, avoid introducing them to milk before their first birthday as their digestive systems won’t be able to handle it.
After all, yogurt is a complementary food and not a supplement for breast milk or formula. Always consult a pediatrician if you have concerns about solid foods and your baby’s diet.