When can your baby actually eat yogurt? And what about cheese and cow's milk? These are among the most common questions parents ask about feeding their baby, and the answers aren't always intuitive.
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The complete dairy timeline
Here's an overview of when your baby can have different dairy products:
| Dairy product | Age | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Butter in cooking | From 6 months | Small amounts |
| Cheese as a topping (cheddar, cream cheese) | From around 8–10 months | As a topping |
| Cow's milk in cooking (sauces, baked goods) | From around 8–10 months | Small amounts |
| Yogurt (taste portions) | From 6–8 months | 2–4 oz per day |
| Fermented dairy (taste portions) | From 6–8 months | 2–4 oz per day |
| Cow's milk as a drink | From 12 months | Whole milk, max 16–24 oz/day |
| Cow's milk in porridge | From 12 months | As normal |
| Yogurt (regular) | From 6–8 months onward | Included in daily dairy total |
Why wait with cow's milk as a drink until 12 months?
Cow's milk is not dangerous for babies, but it is low in iron. According to the AAP, this is the main reason to wait:
Babies between 6 and 12 months need 11 mg of iron per day. If cow's milk replaces breast milk or formula too early, your baby risks getting too little iron. Iron deficiency can affect brain development.
Breast milk or formula should be the primary milk throughout the entire first year. If your baby needs milk other than breast milk, use formula, not cow's milk.
Yogurt from 6–8 months, here's how
According to the AAP, babies can have plain yogurt starting around 6 months. There are a few guidelines:
How much: Start with small amounts (1–2 tablespoons) and work up to 2–4 oz per day.
Which yogurt: Choose plain yogurt without added sugar. Avoid yogurt with artificial sweeteners for children under 3 years.
When to serve: Great alongside cereals (like oatmeal), or as a dessert after a meal.
Good first choices:
- Plain whole-milk yogurt (unsweetened)
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Plain full-fat yogurt
Choose whole-milk yogurt for babies under 2 years, as fat is important for brain development at this stage. Avoid low-fat or fat-free varieties for infants.
Cheese from around 8–10 months
Cheese can generally be introduced around 8–10 months, once your baby is established with a variety of solid foods.
- Mild cheddar, grated or in small soft pieces
- Cream cheese / ricotta, spread on soft bread or mixed into foods
- Cottage cheese, soft and easy to mash
Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but is low in iron. Prioritize iron-rich foods as the primary focus in early feeding. Avoid high-sodium cheeses (like feta and blue cheese) for babies.
Cow's milk in cooking from around 8–10 months
Even though cow's milk as a drink should wait until 12 months, you can use small amounts in cooking from around 8–10 months. This includes:
- White sauce for baked fish dishes
- Pancakes
- Muffins and bread
- Soups and stews
It's about the quantity, a few tablespoons of milk in a sauce is very different from a full cup of milk as a drink.
After 12 months, transitioning to cow's milk
When your baby turns one year, you can start offering cow's milk as a drink and in porridge. Here's what to keep in mind:
Milk type: Use whole milk. The AAP recommends whole milk for children 12–24 months because the fat supports brain development. Switch to reduced-fat (1–2%) milk after age 2, unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
Amount: 16–24 oz (2–3 cups) of dairy per day, including yogurt. Too much milk can still crowd out iron-rich foods in the diet.
Why limit: Enough to meet calcium needs without displacing iron-rich foods.
What about plant-based milks?
Plant-based milks (oat milk, almond milk, rice milk) are not recommended for babies under 12 months, according to the AAP.
After 12 months, if needed:
- Fortified soy milk should be the first choice as a cow's milk alternative, it has the most similar nutritional profile
- Rice milk is not recommended for children under age 5 due to arsenic content
- Plant-based milks do not replace breast milk or formula
Use Babysential's food database to check age recommendations for all dairy products and find safe alternatives appropriate for your baby's age.
Frequently asked questions
Why not yogurt before 6 months?
Before 6 months, your baby's digestive system is not mature enough for solid foods of any kind, including yogurt. The AAP recommends exclusive breast milk or formula for the first 6 months.
Can a 7-month-old baby eat yogurt?
Yes, plain whole-milk yogurt is generally fine from around 6–8 months according to the AAP. Start with small amounts and make sure it has no added sugar.
Can a 9-month-old have Greek yogurt?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a good choice for babies around 8–10 months and older. It has a higher protein content. Just ensure it's unsweetened, whole-milk variety.
Can babies have butter?
Yes, small amounts of butter can be used in cooking from when baby starts solid foods (around 6 months). Butter in small amounts contributes healthy fats and can be used for cooking or mixed into purées.
What's the difference between whole milk and reduced-fat for children?
Whole milk has more fat, which is important for brain development in the first two years. The AAP recommends whole milk from 12–24 months, then reduced-fat (1–2%) after age 2, unless a pediatrician advises otherwise.
Summary
Dairy products are introduced gradually during your baby's first year. Butter in cooking from 6 months, yogurt from 6–8 months, cheese around 8–10 months, and cow's milk as a drink from 12 months. Keep to a maximum of 16–24 oz of dairy per day after 12 months, and always prioritize iron-rich foods.
Check Babysential's food database to see age recommendations for all dairy products, and plan your baby's meals with the SmartStart meal planner.
Read more
- Iron-rich foods for baby
- Introducing solids for baby, complete guide
- Homemade baby food: Recipes and tips
- Allergens for baby: Safe introduction
- Baby food from 6 months
- Starting porridge for baby
Sources
- AAP. "Starting Solid Foods." HealthyChildren.org. Updated 2023. healthychildren.org
- AAP. "Cow's Milk and Milk Alternatives." HealthyChildren.org. Updated 2022. healthychildren.org
- WHO. "Complementary feeding." Updated 2023. who.int
- AAP. "Infant Food and Feeding." Pediatrics. publications.aap.org
Helpful tools
- Baby Food Guide. Safe foods and introduction schedule for your baby
- Breastfeeding Tracker. Time feeds, remember the last side, and review nursing sessions
- All Baby Tools. Browse all free tools for pregnancy and baby care
Related articles
- Baby Formula: Everything You Need to Know. Complete guide to infant formula. Types, step-by-step preparation, storage, transitioning from breastfeeding, cost, and reassurance. Safe guidance for formula-feeding parents.
- Baby Porridge: Guide to Your Baby's First Cereal. Everything about introducing porridge and cereal to your baby. Which grains to start with, when to begin, and simple recipes. Based on WHO and AAP recommendations.
- BLW: Baby-Led Weaning. The Complete Guide. Complete guide to BLW (Baby Led Weaning), self-feeding with finger foods from the start. When to begin, best first foods, safety, and choking risk. Based on international pediatric guidelines.
