Damon Mcknight
Yogurt is a great first food for babies as it is filled with nutrients including protein, calcium, and probiotics. However, there are many types of yogurt, and not all are suitable for babies. This article will explore the different types of yogurt available in Australia and provide guidance on choosing a suitable yogurt for babies, taking into account factors such as nutritional content, lactose sensitivities, and added sugars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Protein | More than 3g per 100g |
| Fat | More than 3.5g per 100g |
| Sugar | No added sugar |
| Calcium | More than 120-125mg per 100g |
| Probiotics | Lactobacillus acidophilus |
| Dairy-free | Soy yoghurt, coconut-based yoghurt, oat yoghurt |
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What You'll Learn
Full-fat, whole milk yoghurt
When choosing a yoghurt for your baby, it is important to avoid those with added sugars, including fruit juice and fruit concentrates. Even plain yoghurts will have naturally occurring sugars, but you want to make sure there are no added sugars, as these can be harmful to babies and young children. Instead, you can add flavour to the yoghurt yourself by adding fresh fruit, peanut butter, or even blending your own fruits like strawberries and pears. This way, your baby will get more of the nutrients from the fruits themselves and less added sugar.
It is important to note that many babies may have immature immune systems, and raw milk yoghurt can harbour pathogenic bacteria and other potential contaminants that can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is recommended to choose pasteurized yoghurt, which has been heated to kill bacteria, making it safer for babies to consume. Additionally, if your baby has a strong family history of milk allergies or you suspect they may be allergic to dairy products, it is advisable to consult an allergist before introducing yoghurt into their diet.
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Dairy-free yoghurt
When choosing a dairy-free yoghurt, it is important to consider the nutritional differences compared to cow's milk yoghurt. Dairy-free yoghurts tend to be low in protein and calcium, so it is recommended to pair them with protein-rich foods and include other calcium-rich options in your baby's diet. For example, you can add nuts (butter or ground) or seeds to a coconut yoghurt to boost its protein content. Fortified plant milk, such as oat milk with added calcium, is another way to ensure your baby is getting enough calcium.
Some specific dairy-free yoghurt options include Ella's Kitchen banana organic dairy-free yoghurt pouches, which are almond-based and fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Koko fruit-flavoured pots (strawberry, raspberry, coconut & lemon, and peach & passion fruit flavours) are also fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Plain dairy-free yoghurt can be jazzed up with a sprinkle of chia seeds for added protein and fibre.
It is worth noting that nuts, oats, and coconuts are potential allergens, so it is important to be mindful of any allergies your baby may have when introducing dairy-free yoghurt. Additionally, while dairy-free yoghurt can be a healthy option, it may not be a direct nutritional swap for cow's milk yoghurt. However, any nutritional gaps can be made up for in other areas of your baby's diet or through supplements if necessary.
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Yoghurt with added sugar
It is recommended that babies are introduced to plain yogurt first, and flavour is added separately. This helps them to develop their palate and accept new flavours, as well as reducing picky eating habits. Plain whole milk yogurts with no added sugar are considered the best option for babies.
The American Heart Association recommends that children consume less than 25 grams of added sugar per day. However, a typical 6-ounce fruit yoghurt can contain as much as 13 grams of added sugar, and even small 4-ounce cups aimed at children can contain over 10 grams of added sugar.
When choosing a yoghurt for your baby, it is important to read the labels carefully. Yoghurts with added sugar can be fine in moderation, but it is easy for babies and toddlers to exceed the recommended daily limit.
Some yoghurt brands that are relatively low in added sugar include:
- Stonyfield Baby
- Siggi's (their Vanilla yoghurt has 5g of added sugar per cup)
- Chobani Less Sugar
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Probiotics in yoghurt
Probiotics are microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast, that can be beneficial to your health. They are found in some yoghurt products, as well as in dietary supplements and certain baby formulas. Probiotics may have benefits for infants, such as easing colic and treating diarrhoea. For example, Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium longum have been found to help manage colic, while Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (known as LGG) may help treat diarrhoea.
Probiotic yoghurt can be a great way to get beneficial bacteria into your baby's tummy, and yoghurt is generally considered a good "first food" for babies from six months old. When choosing a yoghurt, check the label for the words "live and active cultures", and look for specific species such as L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, B. bifidum, L. casei, and L. rhamnosus. Yoghurt with probiotics should have at least 100 million cultures per gram to be labelled as having live and active cultures.
It is important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend the use of probiotics for children and babies, as studies have not found evidence of health benefits. There is also uncertainty about potential side effects. However, some studies have shown that taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy may reduce the risk of eczema in children, especially if there is a family history of the condition.
It is always recommended that you consult your doctor before giving any sort of supplement to your child, including probiotics.
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Yoghurt as a first food
Yoghurt can be a great first food for babies as it is filled with nutrients including protein, calcium, and probiotics. According to Raising Children, dairy products can and should be introduced from around six months of age.
When selecting a yoghurt for your baby, it is important to choose a full-fat, whole milk yoghurt product with no added sugar. Plain Greek yoghurt is a popular option for parents as it does not have extra sugar and can be flavoured with peanut butter, fruit, or vegetable puree. It is important to avoid yoghurts with excessive protein as this can exceed your baby's daily needs and add stress to their kidneys.
If your baby has lactose sensitivities, it is recommended to seek guidance from a doctor or child health nurse. There are dairy-free yoghurt options available, such as soy or coconut-based yoghurts, but these may be low in protein and calcium and may contain added sugar.
It is always a good idea to practice seated and supervised eating when introducing new foods to your baby, and to be mindful of any potential allergies or intolerances.
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Frequently asked questions
Full-fat, whole milk yoghurt is recommended for babies. It should be plain and have no added sugar.
Yoghurt is a great source of nutrients for babies, including protein, calcium and probiotics. Probiotics are considered to have many health benefits, such as preventing intestinal infections and potentially preventing cancer.
Yoghurt can be introduced as a first food for babies, but it should be served in moderation as part of a snack rather than the main snack.
Dairy products can and should be introduced from around six months of age.
Chobani plain, full-fat Greek yoghurt is a good option, as it does not have added sugar. If your baby doesn't like plain yoghurt, you can add fruit or vegetable puree. For dairy-free options, Vitasoy Greek Style Yoghurt and Kingland are good soy-based alternatives.
