The Best Yogurt for Babies: A Complete Guide for Parents

Yogurt can be a healthy, nutritious food for babies once they start eating solid foods. The probiotics and protein in yogurt support digestion and immunity. However, not all yogurts are created equal when it comes to babies. As a parent, you'll want to choose the best yogurt for your little one. Here's a complete guide on the do's and don'ts of yogurt for babies.

When Can Babies Start Eating Yogurt?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until around 6 months of age to introduce yogurt. By this time, babies have developed some gut maturity and the ability to swallow thicker textures. Signs your baby may be ready for yogurt include:

• Good head and neck control
• Interest in foods you're eating
• Ability to sit supported in a high chair
• Loss of tongue thrust reflex

Don't rush to add yogurt before your baby shows these developmental signs of readiness. Starting too early with yogurt could lead to an upset stomach or negative associations with food.Go slowly and start with just a taste or two at first.

What to Look for in the Best Yogurt

Not all yogurts are created equal when it comes to nutrition and safety. When selecting the best yogurt for your baby, look for:

• Whole milk yogurt. This provides fat for brain development.
• No added sweeteners. Babies don't need extra sugar.
• Probiotics. These support digestive health. Look for words like "live and active cultures."
• Fruit, not fruit flavoring. Opt for yogurts with pureed fruit rather than artificial flavors.
• Low or no thickeners. Ingredients like starch, gelatin, and pectin aren't necessary.

Ideally, the ingredients list should be short and simple. Steer clear of yogurt tubes, drinkable yogurts, and frozen yogurts, as these often have more added sugar.

Great Yogurt Flavors for Baby

When first introducing yogurt, opt for plain whole milk yogurt without any mix-ins. This allows you to gauge your baby's tolerance before adding new ingredients. Once plain yogurt goes well, try:

• Fruit flavors: Try peach, strawberry, banana, or blueberry yogurts. You can also puree fresh fruit at home to mix in.
• Vanilla: This can be a nice mild flavor for early eaters.
• Whole milk Greek yogurt: The extra protein and probiotics support growth.
• Yogurt with live cultures: Try brands like Stonyfield Organic or Horizon Organic.

Avoid honey yogurt until 1 year old due to infant botulism risks. Pay attention to any signs of disliking certain flavors like gagging or spitting up. If so, stick with flavors your baby enjoys. 

Serving Size and Frequency

When first starting, give your baby just 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt once a day or every other day. Gradually work up to larger serving sizes as their interest grows, such as 1/4 to 1/2 cup. By 9-12 months, they can have around 3/4 cup per day, divided into a few smaller servings.

Yogurt can be served as:

• A spoon-fed treat
• Mixed into purees or cereals 
• Finger food scooped up by baby
• Smoothies blended with breastmilk or formula

Avoid giving yogurt right before naps or bedtime, as this could lead to digestive discomfort. Offer yogurt at times your baby is awake and active.

Tips for Preventing Allergies 

If your family has a history of food allergies, take some extra precautions with yogurt:

• Wait until 12 months to introduce dairy yogurt if there are known milk allergies.
• Choose sheep or goat milk yogurt first. These have different proteins than cow's milk. 
• Look for yogurt with probiotics like _Lactobacillus rhamnosus_ GG. This may help prevent allergies.
• Ask your pediatrician about having baby allergy tested before giving yogurt.

By introducing yogurt carefully, allergies are less likely to develop.

Avoiding Choking Hazards

Since yogurt has a thick, sticky texture, take steps to prevent choking: 

• Give yogurt when baby is sitting up. Don't let them eat lying down.
• Make sure yogurt has time to thicken after stirring in fruit. Don't serve it runny.
• Start with smooth, thin purees. Gradually increase thickness.  
• Cut soft fruits like banana into thin strips instead of chunks.
• Monitor closely and encourage babies to swallow each bite before taking more.
• For young babies, consider diluting yogurt with breastmilk or water.

With supervision and age-appropriate textures, yogurt is unlikely to pose a choking risk.

Storing and Handling Yogurt Safely

Like any dairy food, yogurt requires safe handling and storage:

• Check sell-by dates and choose the freshest yogurt possible.
• Once opened, refrigerate yogurt and use within 1 week.
• Discard any yogurt that smells sour or shows signs of mold.
• When mixing in fruits or cereals, consume immediately** rather than storing mixes.
• Don't save leftovers from baby's bowl for later. Toss after eating.
• Wash utensils and bowls thoroughly after use.

By practicing good food safety habits, you can feel confident feeding your baby yogurt.

Creative Ways to Serve Yogurt

Yogurt offers endless possibilities for customized baby-approved flavors and textures:

• Mix in roasted vegetables like pumpkin, sweet potato, or butternut squash 
• Top with homemade pureed fruits like apples, mangoes, or mixed berries
• Swirl in nut butters for extra protein
• Fold in oatmeal or baby cereal for thickness
• Blend Greek yogurt with avocado for creamy "yoguacamole"
• Make fruit and chia seeds yogurt popsicles for teething babies

Have fun getting creative in the kitchen! Let your baby try new yogurt combo flavors at their own pace.

Read - How Long Does Almond Milk Last Once It's Opened?

Conclusion

When introduced properly, yogurt can provide probiotics, protein, and other nutrients to support your growing baby. Focus on whole milk, unsweetened varieties and stick to recommended serving sizes. Always supervise closely to reduce choking hazards. Check with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about food allergies. With time and patience, yogurt can become a nutritious food your baby enjoys.