Key takeaways: Plain, whole-milk yogurt and pasteurized cheese can be introduced around 6 months. Cow’s milk as a main drink should wait until 12 months, because it can displace breast milk or formula and lower iron. Choose plain yogurt without added sugar, and pasteurized, lower-sodium cheeses. Avoid unpasteurized dairy.
You may wonder why yogurt and cheese are okay before age 1 when cow’s milk isn’t. Here’s the difference.
Why Cow’s Milk Waits
As a main drink, cow’s milk before 12 months can:
- Replace breast milk or formula, which have the nutrients babies need.
- Contribute to iron deficiency.
- Be hard on immature kidneys due to its protein and minerals.
Why Yogurt and Cheese Are Okay
Small amounts of yogurt and cheese, as part of a varied diet, don’t replace milk feeds and provide protein, calcium, and fat. The AAP says yogurt and cheese can be introduced around 6 months.
Choosing Yogurt
- Plain, whole-milk yogurt. Babies need fat.
- No added sugar. Flavored yogurts are often high in sugar.
- Greek or regular are both fine.
- Add flavor with mashed fruit.
Choosing Cheese
- Pasteurized cheese only. Unpasteurized cheese can carry Listeria.
- Lower-sodium options: fresh mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, Swiss.
- Limit high-sodium cheeses like feta, halloumi, and processed cheese.
Serving Ideas
- 6 to 8 months: plain yogurt on a preloaded spoon, ricotta mixed with fruit, shredded soft cheese melted into vegetables.
- 9 to 12 months: small pieces of soft cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt with fruit.
Choking Safety
Avoid chunks or cubes of firm cheese for young babies. Shred, slice thinly, or melt.
Allergy
Cow’s milk is a common allergen. Watch for hives, vomiting, or swelling. Babies with diagnosed milk allergy should avoid dairy unless your doctor advises otherwise.
The Bottom Line
Plain whole-milk yogurt and pasteurized cheese are healthy early foods. Save cow’s milk as a drink for 12 months.
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Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Why formula instead of cow’s milk?; starting solid foods. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
- Lott M, Callahan E, Welker Duffy E, Story M, Daniels S. Healthy beverage consumption in early childhood: recommendations from key national health and nutrition organizations. Healthy Eating Research; 2019. https://healthyeatingresearch.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Listeria and raw milk. https://www.cdc.gov/listeria
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
