Solids for Babies

12 months guide

Can babies eat Yogurt at 12 months?

Use caution

Plain pasteurized yogurt can fit after solids start, but avoid added sugar and watch dairy allergy context.

Prep, allergy context, or texture matters before serving.

Answer for 12 months

Plain pasteurized yogurt can fit after solids start, but avoid added sugar and watch dairy allergy context.

Texture, shape, and safety

Texture

Thick plain yogurt on a spoon or mixed into mashed fruit or oatmeal.

Shape

Use a preloaded spoon or offer a small amount mixed into another soft food.

Choking watch

Low choking risk as a smooth food, but keep portions small and supervised.

Allergen note

Milk is a common allergen. Ask a clinician for known dairy allergy or prior reactions.

Serving guardrails for 12 months

  1. Start with readiness: baby should be showing readiness signs and be supervised upright.
  2. Set the texture: Thick plain yogurt on a spoon or mixed into mashed fruit or oatmeal.
  3. Change the shape: Use a preloaded spoon or offer a small amount mixed into another soft food.
  4. Watch the risk: Low choking risk as a smooth food, but keep portions small and supervised.
  5. Have a fallback: Oatmeal thinned with breast milk or formula can be used when dairy is not appropriate.

How guidance changes by age

  • Before 6 months: Before 6 months, use pediatric guidance. Readiness signs matter more than the calendar.
  • Around 6 months: Plain pasteurized yogurt can fit after solids start, but avoid added sugar and watch dairy allergy context.
  • 7 to 8 months: Plain pasteurized yogurt can fit after solids start, but avoid added sugar and watch dairy allergy context.
  • 9 to 11 months: Plain pasteurized yogurt can fit after solids start, but avoid added sugar and watch dairy allergy context.
  • 12 months plus: Plain pasteurized yogurt can fit after solids start, but avoid added sugar and watch dairy allergy context.

What to do next

Choose plain unsweetened pasteurized yogurt and skip honey or sweetened varieties.

Safer alternative: Oatmeal thinned with breast milk or formula can be used when dairy is not appropriate.

When to ask a pediatric clinician

Milk is a common allergen. Ask a clinician for known dairy allergy or prior reactions.

Ask for individual guidance if baby has severe eczema, a known food allergy, prior reactions, swallowing concerns, poor growth, prematurity, or another medical condition that affects feeding.

Sources reviewed