As a parent, you want your baby to grow up strong and healthy. You may be wondering, “What is the best yogurt for babies?” Knowing that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least one year, it can be difficult to decide when and how to introduce solid foods into your baby’s diet.
Yogurt is an excellent choice for babies because it contains essential nutrients, is low in fat, sugar, and calories, and is high in protein. Even though yogurt has proven health benefits for adults, the safety of yogurt for babies under one year of age should be evaluated.
Yogurt Selection
When choosing a yogurt for your baby:
- Look for an organic product that does not contain added sugar or corn syrup. Instead, look for yogurt with pure cane sugar, a natural sweetener and easy to digest.
- If you opt for fruit-on-the-bottom varieties, make sure the fruit pieces are small enough to swallow and whole without pits or seeds easily. Avoid yogurt with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives since these can be a problem for a baby’s developing system.
- If you are making your yogurt at home, use organic whole milk and carefully clean all equipment used in the yogurt-making process to prevent contamination from bacteria that may cause illness.
- Babies who have allergies should not eat homemade yogurt made from cow’s or goat’s milk until they are at least one year old since the protein in these types of milk may be difficult to digest.
- A baby’s age can help determine yogurt selection. For example, if your baby is four months old, they can slowly try low-fat yogurt mixed with breast milk or formula. If the baby has trouble tolerating even that small amount, wait a few days and try again. If your baby is one year old, you can choose whole-fat yogurt for a healthy treat.
Things to Consider While Buying The Yogurt for Babies: Buying Guide
Here are the few things to consider while buying the yogurt for babies:
1. Look for active bacterial cultures
When selecting yogurt, make sure it contains live and active cultures. When cultures are alive, they continue producing lactase (enzymes) after the container is opened. It enables your child to digest lactose, present in her formula, milk, or other foods.
2. Don’t select flavored yogurt
Remember, don’t select flavored yogurt for your infant because she may not like the taste of plain yogurt. Plain yogurt is recommended to start with until you determine that she can tolerate it without any problem.
3. Go for probiotics Benefits of Yogurt for Babies
Yogurt for babies is a great source of calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin B2, zinc, and many other nutrients. Yogurt also contains probiotics, which are the healthy bacteria that help our digestive system work well. You should give your baby yogurt with live cultures to encourage their growth. Probiotics are good for your baby’s immune system because they help properly digest and absorb nutrients. Yogurt has live cultures that are good for your baby’s immune system, digestive system, and overall growth.
How Much Yogurt Should Your Baby Eat?
When feeding yogurt to babies, the general rule is one 6 oz (170 g) container or 4 oz (115g) cup per day. If your child is less than six months old, consult with your doctor to see if she can eat yogurt or not.
9 Best Yogurt for Babies: Detailed Reviews
1. Gerber Yogurt Blends, Simply Peach, 4 – 3.5 Oz Cups (Pack of 6)
Product Description
- Flavor Simply Peach
- Weight 1.05 pounds
Gerber Yogurt Blends, Simply Peach Yogurt for Babies is a delicious blend of peach-flavored yogurt with chunks of real peaches. Gerber has been helping parents nourish their children since 1928. The Peach Yogurt blends perfectly into your baby’s diet with its creamy texture and delightful taste they’re sure to love. It is a good on-the-go snack for when you’re out and about or at home. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives to keep your baby’s health – a top priority!
It is a 3.5-ounce cup equal to about 1/3 of your child’s daily fruit intake and an essential source of calcium and Vitamin A. As with all Gerber products, the Simply Peach Yogurt for Babies has been specially prepared and packaged to need no refrigeration before serving. Simply remove the plastic lid, and you can serve it chilled if you like.
Gerber introduced their first fruit-flavored jar in 1928 with Apple Butter. More than 80 years later, they have a whole line of nutritious baby food that parents can trust. They care about their formulas and how they’re produced. Gerber’s infant foods meet the highest standards in the United States for nutritional value, consistency, and safety.
Pros:
- Creamy texture and taste babies love
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- A good on-the-go snack for when you’re out and about or at home
- No refrigeration required
Cons:
- Does not contain all the nutrients of regular yogurt.
2. Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Whole Milk Baby Yogurt
Product Description
- Speciality Kosher
- Weight 1.5 pounds
Stonyfield Organics YoBaby yogurt is a good choice for babies who are at least six months old. It’s organic and contains live probiotics. Stonyfield also makes organic whole milk yogurt pops which make interesting first foods for older infants (over one-year-old). They come in 6 fruit flavors which are perfect to use with baby-led weaning.
Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt is the #1 pediatrician recommended organic yogurt for babies six months-2 years IQVIA ProVoice Survey) and includes live probiotics. These single-serve cups are perfect for packing in your diaper bag or snack pack to go!
It is a Non-GMO Project verified, Kosher certified, gluten-free yogurt, adding to its credibility as the best yogurt for babies. The addition of real peaches and pear adds to its irresistible taste and soothes your baby’s taste buds. It is a USDA-certified product worth giving a try!
Pros
- Enriched with potassium, calcium, vitamin D, and protein
- Promote healthy levels of blood glucose
- Ensure a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle
- Appropriate for lactose intolerant babies
Cons
- The ingredient list is missing
3. 365 by WFM Plain Organic Yogurt
Product Description
- Specialty Organic, Vegetarian, Kosher
- Weight 2 Pounds
365 by WFM, Yogurt Plain Organic for Babies is a smooth and delicious yogurt that parents can feel good about feeding their babies. This baby food features the organic goodness of fresh milk from family farms – with no artificial growth hormones – and creamy yogurt made from antibiotic-free cultured cream.
365 by WFM, Yogurt Plain Organic for Babies is also an excellent source of calcium for your growing baby. Goodness in every bite!
You won’t find hydrogenated oils or FD&C colors in products by WFM — just quality staples with nothing to hide. We’ve banned over 100 typically used ingredients from our body care products. Sayonara, benzalkonium chloride. They’ve got organics and non-GMO products at prices that won’t burn a hole in your favorite pants.
Whole Foods Market is a national grocery store that sells various organic foods for people looking for healthier ways to eat. WFM focuses on being as sustainable as possible while providing high-quality products, including the 365 brands, its private label.
Pros
- Being plain yogurt – best deal for babies
- organic yogurt with no artificial flavors
- Kosher certified
- It is non-GMO certified
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
- The yogurt is a bit pricey
4. Earth’s Best Organic Stage Baby Food, Banana Apricot Pumpkin with Yogurt
Product Description
- Specialty Organic, Vegetarian, Kosher
- Weight 2 Pounds
Earths Best Organic is a USDA-certified organic purée made with only the finest ingredients. It contains no preservatives, flavors, or colors and nothing artificial. After all, it’s what nature intended for your baby. It is ideal for babies above six months as it contains all the essential nutrients for their growth.
The yogurt is claimed to be free from GMO ingredients, and no artificial thickeners are added to suit your baby’s gut. The company has specifically designed baby yogurts stage-wise to make this yogurt suitable for different ages.
This yogurt does not contain modified starches and is unsalted as well as unsweetened. BPA-free resealable pouches make them an exciting deal for your babies to gulp it down right from these packages.
Pros
- No artificial flavors
- The goodness of many fruits
- GMO-free and no added sugars
- BPA-free packaging
Cons
- No other ingredients except for USDA-certified organic fruit and vegetables used
5. Stonyfield Organic Yobaby Whole Milk Yogurt
Product Description
- Specialty Gluten-Free, Kosher
- Weight 54.4 oz
This yogurt is delicious and nutritious. It has the same ingredients as their plain whole milk yogurt, and it contains 5g of protein per serving, making it a great snack for little ones. This yogurt is also USDA certified organic, non-GMO project verified, and made with no artificial growth hormones, antibiotics, or persistent toxic pesticides.
Stonyfield does not use ingredients produced using biotechnology. All its products comply with the Organic Standards of the USA. Pasture raise milk used by the company makes it a safe deal for babies’ guts. The goodness of life & active cultures, protein, vitamin D, and calcium make this yogurt a hearty choice for babies.
These organic standards prohibit pesticides that are harmful to human health, making them ideal for babies. Parents can begin feeding their children yogurt as early as six months.YoBaby organic yogurts are made for each stage, so choose according to your baby’s age to derive maximum nutritional value.
Pros:
- Available in different flavors
- Certified USDA Organic Non-GMO Project Verified.
- No use of persistent toxic pesticides, artificial hormones, antibiotics, or GMOs
- Good source of Protein and Calcium
- 5g of protein per pouch
Cons:
- Pricey compared to other yogurts on the market
6. Wallaby Organic Aussie Greek Plain Yogurt
Product Description
- Speciality Aussie Yogurt
- Weight 2 Pounds
Who would have thought that yogurt could get any better? For those who are more health-conscious, the Wallaby Organic Aussie Greek Yogurt is the perfect alternative to other yogurts that are not as healthy. This super-nutritious yogurt is an excellent choice for babies as well as adults.
Not only does Wallaby Organic Aussie Greek Yogurt have a delicious taste, but it also provides the body with important nutrients such as protein and calcium. This yogurt contains no added sugars or fillers, making it somewhat of a rarity among other yogurts as many contain sugars as a sweetener. The best part is, this yogurt can be enjoyed by lactose tolerant people as well.
Wallaby Organic Aussie Greek Yogurt is great with granola, fruit, or by itself to make it a healthy snack for the whole family. It is thick and creamy, which makes it excellent to use in recipes that call for yogurt as an ingredient without sacrificing flavor!
Pros
- Great creamy texture
- Great taste
- Excellent source of protein and calcium
- Suitable for the whole family
- Appropriate for lactose intolerant
Cons
- Price is on the higher side
7. Chobani Whole Milk Greek Yogurt
Product Description
- Speciality Kosher Certified, Gluten-Free
- Weight 32oz
Chobani Whole Milk Greek Yogurt’s first ingredient is whole milk, not skimmed, low fat, or even non-fat. This Yogurt has more of a thicker consistency than any other yogurts I’ve tried before. For those familiar with JIF’s Greek 100, the Chobani Greek yogurt is much thicker than that. If you remember Yoplait’s GoGurt, this isn’t even comparable.
The consistency of this yogurt is much creamier and thick than any other greek yogurts out there. The texture is very creamy, and you can easily tell it is not low-fat or non-fat. The Chobani Greek Yogurt tastes good. It is a Kosher-certified, Non-GMO yogurt that is free from artificial flavors and added sweeteners.
Overall, it is a protein-packed wholesome snack for your baby, which is delicious and comes in a sturdy container. The container locks in tightly and is drip-proof, making it great to carry around when you are on the go.
Pros
- Rich, creamy texture
- 19 g of protein per serving
- The ratio of yogurt to fruit is excellent
- Thick consistency to make it a worthy choice
Cons
- The container cannot be opened without using any utensil
8. Siggi’s Icelandic Whole Milk Yogurt
Product Description
- Specialty Gluten-Free, Kosher, Low Sodium
- Weight 1.5 Pounds
Siggi’s Icelandic yogurt is advertised as “strained,” which means it has substantially less sugar than other brands of yogurts. It also contains 18 grams of protein per 6-ounce serving, 4x the amount found in a regular-sized cup of yogurt, making it an excellent choice for babies. Although, the nutritional stats are very similar to cream cheese.
The yogurts have a silky, creamy mouthfeel and a mildly sweet flavor with the sourness from the live cultures. A favorite Icelandic snack is skyr, a strained yogurt similar to Greek yogurt but tarter and less tangy. Siggi’s Icelandic yogurt does not taste like skyr, but it has a similar mild tartness that many people (myself included) seem to like.
The yogurts are unsweetened and manufactured in the USA. Siggi’s Icelandic yogurt is free of high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. It contains live active cultures with no artificial colors or flavors.
Siggi’s Icelandic yogurt is a great dairy-free alternative to cream cheese. It has a thick, rich texture, and it’s easily spreadable. It comes in four flavors: Vanilla, Toasted Coconut, Blueberry, and Strawberry.
Pros
- Rich and creamy with mild sweetness
- Excellent substitute for cream cheese
- Free from fructose, preservatives, and artificial flavors
- Available in various flavors
- Protein-packed Greek yogurt
Cons
- Being unsweetened, few of the flavors are too sour
9. Redwood Hill Goat Milk Yogurt
Product Description
- Speciality Goat Milk Yogurt
- Weight 2 Pounds
Redwood Hill is a company that specializes in goat milk yogurt. They have been producing high-quality yogurt since 1968. Their product, Redwood Hill Goat Milk Yogurt, comes in many flavors and varieties to appeal to most preferences.
This product contains many nutrients that are beneficial for the human body and is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin D, and potassium. It also provides healthy levels of blood glucose and blood pressure with regular daily consumption.
Lactose-intolerant individuals can enjoy Redwood Hill Goat Milk Yogurt without harsh side effects. The active yogurt culture aids digestion, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance.
Pros:
- Added benefits for lactose intolerant individuals
- Provides healthy levels of blood glucose and blood pressure with daily consumption
- High in calcium, protein, vitamin D, potassium, and other nutritious aspects
- Goat milk is known for additional health benefits
Cons:
- Added sugar may not be the healthiest aspect of this product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the concerns that every parent has while feeding their babies with yogurt:
Q: How Should I Choose Yogurt For My Baby?
A: Yogurt for babies must be a plain, whole milk product free of added sugars or corn syrup. After opening the container, the container must list the live and active cultures to ensure that the bacteria are still alive. If your child has lactose sensitivity, you should select a yogurt with hydrolyzed milk protein instead of intact milk protein.
Q: Can I Add Fruit to My Baby’s Yogurt?
A: No, never add sugar or fruit to your child’s yogurt because it is unhealthy and may make them sick. If you wish to give them some flavor, use fresh fruit in small pieces that are easy to swallow.
Q: Is Yogurt Bad For My Child?
A: Yogurt is not bad for your infant, but sugar and excess fruit present in some yogurts can be harmful to your baby’s health. If you want to give your child flavored yogurt, make sure it has no added sugars or corn syrup. If your child has lactose intolerance, pick a yogurt containing hydrolyzed milk protein instead of intact milk protein.
Q: How Much Yogurt Should My Baby Eat?
A: The general rule is one 6 oz (170 g) container or 4 oz (115g) cup per day. This amount can be increased if required.
Q: How Many Ounces of Yogurt Must My Baby Eat Each Day?
A: The recommended amount of yogurt for babies is 6 oz (170 g) per day. Yogurt contains good bacteria that boost your infant’s immune system and digestive health. These “friendly” bacteria also aid in the digestion of lactose, which may be present in your baby’s milk, formula, or foods. Yogurt is a healthy treat for your infant because it contains calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin B2, zinc, and many other nutrients.
Q: Is Yogurt Good For My Child?
A: Yes! Yogurt is very healthy for your infant. It contains live and active cultures that promote digestive health and strengthen your infant’s immune system. Good bacteria are good for our digestive system, and when they are present in our bodies, it means that our immunity has been boosted. Yogurt also contains probiotics which are known to help ease your baby’s stomach problems.
While waiting for the yogurt to set in the oven overnight so I can make this for Lola.
Q: Which Yogurt is Best for My Baby – Homemade or Store-bought?
Homemade yogurt is easy – all you need to do is heat the milk and let the live cultures do their work with a magical yogurt maker for babies! This way, you can control exactly what goes into your child’s body. Store-bought yogurts with live cultures might contain added sugars, maltodextrin, and corn syrup, which is not a healthy choice.
Q: Is It Okay to Give My Baby Yogurt When They Are Constipated?
A: Yes, if your baby has constipation problems, you may try giving them some yogurt to help improve their digestive system. Yogurt is good for the digestive system because it contains friendly bacteria that are good for the digestive system. These “friendly” bacteria also aid in digesting lactose present in your baby’s milk, formula, or foods.
Conclusion
Homemade is always best. This article aims to educate you more on yogurts and how they’re good for your baby, especially when given in small portions of 6 oz per day. If you’re going to feed them store-bought, just make sure that sugar and corn syrup are not added. So get your best yogurt makers for babies, get the ingredients, make it at home, and you are good to go! Have a healthy one!
