Introducing Dairy to Your Baby: Yogurt, Cheese & Milk
Dairy foods like plain whole-milk yogurt and cheese can be introduced as solids around 6 months and are an easy, nutritious first food. One key distinction: dairy foods are fine early, but cow’s milk as a main drink is generally not recommended until 12 months.
Safe ways to serve milk (dairy)
- Plain whole-milk yogurt (unsweetened)
- Soft, pasteurized cheese in age-appropriate pieces or grated
- A splash of whole milk cooked into food (as a drink, wait until 12 months)
General tips for introducing allergens
- Most babies are ready for solids around 6 months, once they can sit with support and show interest.
- Introduce one new allergen at a time and wait about 2–3 days before the next, so any reaction is easy to trace.
- Once an allergen is tolerated, keeping it in the diet regularly is part of current guidance.
- Offer allergens earlier in the day (not right before bed) so you can watch for any reaction.
- If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, talk to your pediatrician before introducing peanut or egg.
New to allergens? Read the complete introduction guide →
Signs of an allergic reaction
- Hives, redness, or swelling (lips, face, tongue)
- Vomiting or lots of drooling/coughing right after eating
- Widespread rash or worsening eczema
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, or floppiness: call emergency services immediately
Frequently asked questions
When can babies have yogurt?
Plain whole-milk yogurt can usually be offered around 6 months as a first food. It’s a common, well-tolerated way to introduce dairy.
Why can’t babies drink cow’s milk before one year?
Cow’s milk as a main drink isn’t recommended before 12 months because it isn’t a complete substitute for breast milk or formula and can affect iron levels. Dairy foods like yogurt and cheese are fine earlier.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org): starting solids & allergens
- NIAID 2017 Addendum Guidelines: prevention of peanut allergy
- LEAP Study (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy)
Track it in Yummy Yucky
Log first tries, get nudged through the 3-day allergen watch, and keep every bite in one place you can share with your pediatrician.
Start tracking for freeHow we write these: from widely published pediatric guidance (AAP, NIAID 2017 guidelines, the LEAP study), with sources cited on every page. Pending review by a pediatric professional.
This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.
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