Once a baby reaches 6 months old, they require additional nutrition alongside breastfeeding. At this stage, complementary feeding (MPASI) begins to fulfill the little one’s daily nutritional needs. Yogurt, as a fermented dairy product rich in probiotics and nutrients, can be a choice for moms as a complementary food for their baby. But when is the right time for Mommy to introduce yogurt to the little one? Let’s find out more in this article, Moms!
When can the little one start eating yogurt?
Choosing yogurt as a complementary feeding for the little one is appropriate because yogurt contains easily digestible proteins for their digestive system. This is why giving yogurt to babies under one year old is recommended, whereas cow’s milk is not. Cow’s milk is harder to digest and contains excess minerals and proteins that can lead to anemia in babies.
Before giving yogurt to your child, make sure they are not allergic to milk. About 20% of food allergies in children are caused by dairy products. Although this is rare in babies, precautionary measures are still necessary.
Yogurt can actually be introduced when the baby is 6 months old. However, some doctors suggest introducing yogurt around 9 months of age.
Benefits of yogurt for the little one
Yogurt has various benefits for the little one’s digestive health due to its probiotic content. According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, yogurt can alleviate diarrhea and constipation.
In addition to aiding digestion, yogurt offers other benefits for the little one, Moms, let’s explore them below:
- Rich in calcium, which helps in the growth of the baby’s bones and teeth.
- Helps boost the baby’s immune system, as it contains beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, which can fight harmful bacteria.
- Rich in protein, which provides energy for the baby’s activities and helps prevent stunting.
- Reduces the risk of obesity by keeping the baby fuller longer, thereby suppressing their appetite.
- Increases HDL cholesterol, which is good for maintaining the baby’s heart health.
After learning about the various benefits of yogurt for the little one, Mommy can start looking for and choosing the best yogurt to support their growth and development. Here are some tips that Moms can follow:
Tips for choosing the right yogurt for the little one
Even though yogurt is good for the baby’s health, Mommy should not randomly give it to them. Let’s look at various things Mommy should consider when giving yogurt to the little one:
- Choose yogurt that does not contain artificial coloring, flavorings, or sweeteners. This is important because a baby’s taste buds are very sensitive, so it’s better to give them foods with a mild taste that won’t disturb their senses. If you want to add flavor to yogurt, Mommy can mix it with freshly pureed fruits or give flavored yogurt with naturally added fruits
- Ensure that the yogurt given is made from fresh milk containing probiotics and has undergone pasteurization. The probiotic bacteria in yogurt are very beneficial for the baby’s digestion.
- Make sure the little one is not allergic to cow’s milk. Allergies can be indicated by rash around the mouth area, vomiting, diarrhea, and swollen face.
Yogurt has a thick texture, so sometimes when the little one eats yogurt, Moms might find it a bit messy and the eating area may get dirty. However, Moms don’t need to worry because Ivenet Finger Yogurt is now available as a practical solution for clean and enjoyable yogurt eating for children.
Ivenet Finger Yogurt is a healthy snack made from real yogurt. It contains 2 billion beneficial bacteria for the little one’s digestive system, and is rich in calcium to support bone and teeth growth. Not only that, this snack also includes vitamins that help optimize child development.
This snack does not use MSG, artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, or other harmful chemicals. It is processed using freeze drying (chilled at -40°C) to maintain its natural taste and preserve its nutrients. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture enhances the deliciousness of this snack.
Beyond being nutritious and delicious, its round shape is specially designed to enhance the motor skills of the little one. Finger Yogurt is suitable for children aged 7 months and up, and comes in 4 flavors: blueberry, strawberry, banana, and plain, allowing the little one to freely choose their favorite.
Yogurt can be an excellent complementary feeding (MPASI) rich in benefits. Its probiotic, protein, vitamin, and mineral content helps meet the daily needs of the little one and supports optimal growth and development. Mommy can start giving yogurt to the little one from the age of 6 months onwards. However, if the child experiences allergic reactions, it’s important to consult a doctor for appropriate management.