Can Babies Eat Yogurt?

Yogurt, spelled in a variety of ways: yoghurt, yoghourt or yogourt is a food made by the bacterial fermentation of milk. The result of the process of fermentation of lactose by yogurt cultures is the lactic acid, which influences milk protein to give the yogurt its texture. The most commonly used milk for yogurt production is cow’s milk, but goats’, camels’ and yaks’ milk might also be used.

Yogurt is a source of fat and protein, vitamins B12 and B2, phosphorus, calcium and zinc, and of some selenium.

What To Look For When Choosing Yogurt For Your Baby

There are many aspects to take into consideration when choosing yogurt for your baby. Yogurt made from whole milk is a good way to introduce healthy fats into the diet of your baby, aiding the proper development of muscles, brain and also bone growth. The cultures used for the fermentation of milk also add probiotics to your baby’s diet, aiding your baby’s gut health. It is better for your baby to have unsweetened yogurt, because flavored yogurt and fruit-on-top yogurts usually contain added sugar. Vanilla yogurt can get its flavor from organic vanilla or from organic maple syrup, which are better options than sweetened yogurt with sugar and other sugar substitutes.

What Kind Of Yogurt Can Babies Have?

Plain yogurt is the best choice for your baby, because standard yogurt is strained twice, containing less protein, than Greek yogurt, which is strained three times, having more protein. Protein is a key element in your baby’s development, but his still developing digestive tract might find it hard to process too much protein. Greek yogurt also has a tart taste, which might not be accepted by some babies.

Is It OK To Give Yogurt To Babies Every Day?

You can give yogurt to your baby starting at the age of 6 months old. Yogurt is better than milk, because it is processed milk, and there are no risks of allergic reactions or of lactose intolerance. There are no advices against yogurt being given to babies every day, because it is a good source of protein and calcium, and it can help babies’ digestive system.

Pumpkin, Yogurt & Prune Puree Recipe

Ingredients: ½ peeled and roughly chopped small pie pumpkin, ½ cup of full-fat plain yogurt, 3 dried prunes.

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Put the pumpkin pieces into a steamer basket over the boiling water, cover and cook for about 15 minutes. Scoop the pumpkin, let it cool and reserve the steamer water. Put the prunes into a small bowl and cover with very hot water for about 10 minutes, to make them tender. Put all the ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth, add some reserved steamer water if needed.