The short answer
Yes. A baby who is ready for solids at about six months can try plain, unsweetened, full-fat yoghurt made with pasteurized milk. Yoghurt is a complementary food, unlike cow’s milk as a main drink before 12 months.
In this guide · 11 sections
Keep in mind
- Plain, pasteurized, unsweetened yoghurt is an option around six months.
- Yoghurt does not replace breast milk or infant formula.
- Ordinary yoghurt is not safe for diagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy.
- Offer a small first taste and watch for reactions.
Why can yoghurt be introduced around six months?
Introducing solids is a new skill, not a race. Around six months, a baby who controls their head, sits with support and can swallow food may try yoghurt.
Its soft texture suits early spoon practice. If your baby declines today, that does not predict tomorrow. Ask your GP or health visitor if you are unsure about readiness.
Choosing yoghurt for your baby
Look at ingredients rather than packaging. Plain, unsweetened, full-fat yoghurt made from pasteurized milk is a practical choice; it does not need a special “baby yoghurt” label.
Avoid flavoured products with added sugar. If making yoghurt at home, start with pasteurized milk and use clean equipment, refrigeration and safe storage; raw milk is not a safe alternative.
Why yoghurt is different from drinking cow’s milk
Yoghurt is one complementary food; cow’s milk as a main drink is different. Do not replace breast milk or infant formula with cow’s milk as a drink before 12 months.
CDC notes concerns including excess protein and minerals and intestinal bleeding with early cow’s milk drinks. Milk used as an ingredient in food differs from using it as the main drink.
Offering the first taste
Sit your alert baby upright and offer a small spoon-tip taste. Finishing a bowl is not the goal; stop if your baby turns away, closes their mouth or loses interest.
Offering a new dairy food without another new allergen at the same time helps you recognise a possible reaction. A daytime meal when you can observe your baby is practical.
Does yoghurt need fruit?
No. Plain yoghurt is a new taste on its own. Once tolerated, it can be mixed with previously eaten mashed banana or pear in a suitable texture.
Read labels on fruit-flavoured yoghurt for added sugars. Do not add honey before age one. Introducing foods separately at first makes reactions easier to recognise.
Is yoghurt safe for cow’s milk allergy?
Ordinary yoghurt still contains cow’s milk proteins. Fermentation does not make it safe for a baby with a diagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy. Discuss any previous dairy reaction with a clinician before reintroducing it.
Hives, swelling, vomiting, cough or wheeze can indicate a reaction. Breathing difficulty, tongue or throat swelling, limpness or altered consciousness require immediate emergency care: call 999. Do not test a suspected allergy at home.
Is yoghurt a complete meal?
Yoghurt can provide calcium, protein and fat, but it is not a principal source of iron, which becomes important in complementary feeding. Include suitable iron-rich foods and variety over time.
Breast milk or infant formula remains important. Yoghurt does not automatically replace a milk feed, nor must it be served every day. Assess feeding and growth more broadly.
What can you try today?
Check that yoghurt is pasteurized, plain, full-fat and has no added sugars. If your baby is ready, offer a small taste while upright and calmly observe swallowing and interest.
If they decline, stop without pressure. Discuss the first dairy introduction with your GP or health visitor if there is known milk allergy, significant eczema or a previous food reaction.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Hives with swelling or repeated vomiting after yoghurt: seek medical evaluation.
- Breathing difficulty or tongue or throat swelling: emergency help.
- Markedly reduced feeding, fewer wet nappies or growth concerns: contact a clinician.
Sources used for this guide
- CDC — When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
- CDC — Foods and Drinks to Encourage
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — CDC – Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit – 14 Nisan 2026
- NHS — 6 months: Feeding your baby
- NHS — Food allergies in babies and young children
- NHS — Your baby’s first solid foods
- CDC — Cow’s Milk and Milk Alternatives
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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