Yogurt for Babies: How to Serve Them Safely
Yes. Plain, whole-milk, pasteurized yogurt can generally be introduced around 6 months. Yogurt contains cow’s milk protein, a common allergen, so offer a small amount first. Do not use yogurt as a replacement for breast milk or formula in the first year.
Can babies eat yogurt?
Yes. Choose plain whole-milk yogurt with no added sugar or honey. Greek yogurt is thicker and easier for self-feeding.
When can babies have yogurt?
Many families offer yogurt from 6 months as a cow’s milk protein introduction. Cow’s milk as a drink still waits until 12 months. If your baby has a milk allergy, follow your clinician’s plan.
Yogurt provides protein, fat, calcium, and live cultures. Full-fat versions fit infant energy needs better than low-fat yogurt.
How to serve yogurt
How to serve yogurt at 6 months
Offer a small spoonful of plain whole-milk yogurt, or pre-load a spoon and let your baby grab it. Thick Greek yogurt can be scooped by hand.
How to serve yogurt at 9 months
Keep offering self-feeding with a pre-loaded spoon. Mix in smashed fruit if you want more texture, not sugar.
How to serve yogurt at 12+ months
Yogurt can stay in the diet as a snack or breakfast. After 12 months, it can sit alongside cow’s milk as a drink if your pediatrician agrees.
Are yogurt a choking hazard?
Yogurt itself is low risk. The hazard is mix-ins: granola, whole nuts, and whole berries. Keep toppings baby-safe.
Are yogurt an allergen?
Yogurt is a cow’s milk food. Milk is a major allergen. Introduce a small amount, watch for symptoms, and continue regular exposure if tolerated. Plant-based yogurts are not equivalent unless chosen with a dietitian.
How much yogurt can a baby eat?
Start with 1–2 teaspoons. A few tablespoons can be a snack later. Milk feeds remain the main dairy source before age 1.
Do yogurt need to be cooked?
No. Serve pasteurized yogurt as is. Do not feed unpasteurized dairy.
Can babies eat frozen yogurt?
Frozen yogurt melts into a slippery food; small tastes of thawed yogurt are fine. Avoid hard frozen bites.
How to prepare yogurt
- Choose plain, pasteurized, whole-milk yogurt.
- Skip honey, added sugar, and artificial sweeteners.
- Pre-load a spoon or offer a thick scoop for hands.
Storage
- Keep refrigerated and use by the date on the tub.
- Once opened, use within about 5–7 days.
Easy yogurt recipes
Frequently asked questions
Is Greek yogurt better for babies?
It is often easier to self-feed because it is thicker. Either plain whole-milk yogurt or plain Greek yogurt works.
Can babies have flavored yogurt?
Skip it. Flavored cups are usually high in sugar. Add mashed fruit yourself if you want flavor.
Sources
- Addendum guidelines for the prevention of peanut allergy in the United States — NIAID
- Food Allergies in Babies and Children — American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
- Starting Solid Foods — American Academy of Pediatrics
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods — CDC
- Complementary feeding — World Health Organization
- Your baby’s first solid foods — NHS
Reviewed by Morvarid Nikousokhantayar, Canadian Child Nutrition & BLW Expert.