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what kind of yogurt can babies have

Babies can usually have plain, pasteurized, whole‑milk yogurt (often regular or Greek) starting around 6 months, as long as they’re otherwise ready for solids and do not have a known dairy allergy.

Best yogurt types for babies

  • Plain, full‑fat (whole milk) yogurt gives the right amount of fat for brain and overall growth, which is why pediatric dietitians recommend it over low‑fat options in the first years.
  • Pasteurized yogurt is important to reduce the risk of foodborne illness; most commercial refrigerated yogurts are pasteurized.

Greek vs regular yogurt

  • Both plain whole‑milk Greek and plain whole‑milk regular yogurt are considered safe and nutritious for babies; Greek can be easier to self‑feed because it’s thicker and clings to spoons and fingers.
  • Some pediatric dietitians prefer regular whole‑milk yogurt so babies do not get excessively high protein, since most of their protein already comes from breast milk or formula.

What to avoid in baby yogurt

  • Avoid yogurts with added sugar, strong sweeteners, or lots of flavorings for babies under 1–2 years; plain yogurt with fruit you add yourself is usually recommended.
  • Avoid any yogurt that contains honey for babies under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism, even if it’s mixed into an otherwise baby‑friendly yogurt.

Non‑dairy yogurt options

  • For babies who are dairy‑free, unsweetened plant‑based yogurts fortified with calcium and vitamin D can be used, with soy yogurt often having the most protein and a nutrition profile closer to dairy yogurt.
  • As with dairy yogurt, choose options with little or no added sugar and check labels for fortification and protein content.

Simple ways to serve it

  • Offer yogurt from a spoon, let baby practice with pre‑loaded spoons, or use it as a dip for soft fruits or well‑cooked vegetable strips.
  • Many parents mix plain yogurt with fruit purées or soft mashed fruit for flavor while still avoiding added sugars.

TL;DR: Look for plain, pasteurized, whole‑milk yogurt (dairy or fortified non‑dairy), no honey, and no added sugar, and introduce it gradually while watching for any signs of allergy.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.