Can infants eat yogurt, and what are the benefits or risks?
The NHS recommends full-fat dairy such as yoghurt and fromage frais for young children up to the age of 2. USDA lists plain whole-milk yoghurt at 61 kcal, 3.5 g protein and 121 mg calcium per 100 g. Choose plain and pasteurised, and ask your health visitor or paediatrician when to start for your baby.
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In this article
Yoghurt is a common early food. This page uses NHS guidance and USDA data for plain whole-milk yoghurt. We could not confirm from the NHS pages we read the exact age to start, so ask your health visitor or paediatrician.
What the NHS says
The NHS says full-fat cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are recommended up to the age of 2, and lower-fat dairy can be introduced when a child is 2. It also notes that skimmed or 1% fat milk is not recommended as a main drink for children under 5.
What is in plain whole-milk yoghurt (USDA, per 100 g)
61 kcal, 3.5 g protein, 3.2 g fat, 4.7 g carbohydrate and 121 mg calcium.
Risks
- Milk allergy. Hives, swelling or vomiting after a feed need medical advice; breathing trouble needs emergency help.
- Added sugar in flavoured and fruit yoghurts. Choose plain.
Quick summary
- NHS: full-fat yoghurt recommended up to age 2.
- Choose plain. Ask your health visitor when to start.
General information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are choosing food for a child, ask your doctor or dietitian.
People also ask
Can babies eat yoghurt?
The NHS recommends full-fat dairy including yoghurt for young children up to age 2. Ask your health visitor or paediatrician about when to start for your baby.
Which yoghurt should I choose?
Plain and full-fat. Flavoured yoghurts can have added sugar, so check labels.
What are the risks?
Milk allergy is possible. Signs include hives, swelling or vomiting soon after a feed; get medical help urgently if breathing is affected.
Sources
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