Dairy for Babies: When to Introduce Yogurt, Cheese & Cow's Milk (Age-by-Age Guide)
Dairy is an excellent source of calcium and healthy fats. However, there is a big difference between a bowl of yogurt and a bottle of milk. Here's the important distinction every parent should know.
Age recommendation
Yogurt & cheese from 6 months. Cow's milk as a main drink only after 12 months.
Preparation tips
- Plain full-fat yogurt: offer from 6 months (no added sugar or honey)
- Soft cheeses: ricotta or cottage cheese are great first dairy foods
- Harder cheeses: grate or thinly slice for older babies (9+ months)
- Milk in cooking: use cow's milk in cooking from 6 months, just not as a main drink
- Full-fat only: avoid low-fat dairy for babies under 2. They need the fat for brain development
Things to watch for
- Major allergen: cow's milk protein is a top allergen. Introduce dairy as a single ingredient and wait at least one day before trying another new food
- No milk as a drink before 12 months: it lacks iron and has too much protein for kidneys, before 12 months, babies should only drink breast milk or formula
- Dairy in food is fine from 6 months as an ingredient
- Lactose intolerance is rare in babies. Most reactions are to the protein, not lactose
Frequently asked questions
- Can a 6-month-old eat yogurt?
- Yes! Plain, full-fat yogurt is a great food for babies from 6 months. Choose options with no added sugar. Greek yogurt is especially good due to its high protein content.
- Why can't babies drink cow's milk before 12 months?
- Cow's milk as a main drink is too low in iron and too high in protein for a baby's kidneys. However, small amounts of cow's milk used in cooking or mixed into food is fine from 6 months.
- What's the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance in babies?
- Milk allergy is an immune reaction to cow's milk protein (causing hives, vomiting, etc.) and is more common in babies. Lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting milk sugar) is very rare in infants.
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