Starting solids is an exciting milestone in a baby’s life. Which foods will your baby want more of, and which will they turn up their nose at? It’s fun to watch your little one taste new flavors, but you might also feel a little worried about which foods are safe for them to try, and when.

Yogurt can be introduced around the time you first start solids. However, it’s important to serve the right type of yogurt to infants, as there are a lot to choose from when navigating the dairy aisle in the grocery store. We reached out to the experts to learn more about when and how to serve your baby yogurt.

When Is It Safe for Babies to Eat Yogurt?

Babies can safely eat yogurt when they are ready for solid foods, approximately around 6 months of age. It’s safe to start solids when your infant can hold their head up independently and when they show an interest in food.1 It’s generally recommended to hold off on feeding solids until babies reach 6 months and when they have doubled their birth weight.1

In general, there is no particular order in which you must introduce different types of solid food. Yogurt can be among your baby’s first foods.

Nutritional Benefits of Yogurt for Babies

Yogurt has many health benefits for growing babies. It provides nutrients such as protein, calcium, and phosphorus, as well as various vitamins. “Yogurt can be a great addition for babies struggling with intake of other solids or struggling with weight gain,” says Amber Rodena, a pediatric and neonatal dietitian and owner of Littles Nutrition.

Full-fat yogurt is the best choice for babies. “Children under 2 years need [more fat] for brain and nervous system development,” says Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, MD, pediatrician, and consultant for Mom Loves Best.

Yogurt may also contain probiotics (live cultures) that can help support your baby’s developing gut. Studies show that the live cultures in yogurt have a positive effect on your baby’s gut microbiota composition and help prevent diarrhea.2

What to Know About Allergies and Yogurt

It’s normal to have allergy concerns as your baby starts exploring new foods, as dairy products are one of the top 9 food allergies.3 “If a baby has a milk protein allergy to infant formula, they will also need to avoid yogurt,” says Rodena. “Sometimes a child with milk protein allergy will tolerate yogurt; however, the introduction of yogurt to children with milk protein allergy should be under the guidance of your child’s pediatrician.”

As with all new foods, monitor your baby’s reaction when giving them yogurt for the first time. Introduce one new food at a time into your baby’s diet, and wait three to five days before moving to another food.4

During this time, watch your baby for signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, itchy skin, swelling, or problems breathing.3 “Reactions may include skin rashes, especially around the mouth, swelling of lips, vomiting, and diarrhea,” says Dr. Poinsett.

Best Types of Yogurt for Babies

Babies should eat plain, full-fat yogurt made from whole milk.

Children under age 2 should have no added sugar in their diets, according to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.5 Even after that, sugar should be limited.

It is especially important never to serve yogurt with honey to children under 1 year old. Not only is honey considered an added sugar, it can cause a severe illness in babies, called botulism.6

Tips for Preparing Yogurt for Babies

Start by serving a small amount of plain yogurt all by itself. Let your baby experience the taste and texture of this food.

After some time, you may want to add mashed or pureed foods to the yogurt. You can try fruits like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries, or you can add savory foods. Some babies love to eat their yogurt with avocado or oatmeal.

If you do mix other foods into yogurt, make sure that the pieces are mashed up enough so that they do not pose a choking hazard. It may be hard for your little one to separate the bigger chunks in their mouth to chew before swallowing.

How Is Yogurt Different Than Milk?

Babies over 6 months may be ready to taste yogurt, but steer clear of cow’s milk until their first birthday. Their digestive systems are too immature to handle it, and they still need the nutrients from breastmilk or formula.7

It is important also to remember that yogurt is a complementary food, not a supplement to breastmilk or formula. Up until age 1, breastmilk or formula should be the primary source of nutrition, while all other foods are complementary.8

As always, if you find yourself with lingering questions regarding new foods for your baby, or concerns about your baby’s diet, be sure to reach out to a pediatrician, pediatric nutritionist, or health care provider.