Tasty and versatile yogurt is an excellent snack for a baby. Not only is it rich in calcium but its active cultures may even boost the immune system, says Dr. Alan Greene. However, introducing yogurt and other dairy products into your baby's diet must be done with care; a cow's milk protein allergy is the most common food allergy among young children, according to Dr. Paul Roumeliotis. Choosing the right time and method for feeding your baby his first bite of yogurt can help lessen the chances of an adverse reaction.
Time Frame
Most babies can safely try yogurt between six and nine months of age. However, your child's doctor is your best resource for determining exactly when she should have her first taste of yogurt. Some pediatricians recommend calcium-rich yogurt as baby's first food while others prefer their young patients wait until nine months or even a year to try it. Your doctor will take into account your family's history of milk protein allergies, lactose intolerance and other food allergies when deciding when to introduce yogurt.
Considerations
Most pediatricians recommend holding off on milk and other dairy products until baby is a year old because of the risk of allergic reaction to the milk proteins. Yogurt isn't always subjected to this restriction because the process of making yogurt makes the milk proteins easier to digest while the active bacteria cultures break down lactose, according to BabyCenter. If your family has a history of milk or other allergies, your pediatrician may suggest holding off on introducing yogurt until your baby is 12 to 18 months old.
Types
While there are several yogurt brands marketed specifically for infants, regular yogurt is just as good for your baby and may be less expensive. Baby's first yogurt should be a pasteurized, plain, whole milk variety that contains no added sugars or flavors; avoid artificial sweeteners and anything labeled as low-fat or fat-free. While most babies enjoy plain yogurt, mixing in fruits, oatmeal, rice cereal or even vegetables can make it more interesting and palatable.
Process
When you and your pediatrician decide it's time to introduce yogurt to your baby, start slowly and carefully. Feed your baby between two and four ounces of yogurt every day and watch him carefully for any adverse reactions, recommends Dr. Alan Greene. Wait three to five days after introducing yogurt before feeding your baby another other new food; this way, if she has a bad reaction you'll know the yogurt was the culprit.
Warning
In the hours and days after introducing yogurt to a baby, parents should be on the lookout for any unusual reactions. Diarrhea, a rash near the mouth and unusual fussiness may be signs of a milk intolerance while vomiting, wheezing, diarrhea, cramping, swelling of the tongue, lips, and face or a skin rash usually indicate a food allergy, according to BabyCenter. If these or any other symptoms develop, stop feeding your baby yogurt and call the doctor right away.
