Yogurt is known to be good for health, especially in maintaining a healthy digestive tract. However, can yogurt for babies be given as complementary foods? From what age should yogurt be given to babies? Check out the answer in the following article.
Yogurt is a fermented dairy product. Besides containing the same nutrients as milk, yogurt also contains probiotics. Probiotics are useful in boosting the immune system and digestive tract health.
Although useful, many parents are still hesitant to give yogurt to their babies for fear of causing digestive problems, such as heartburn or diarrhea.
Yogurt Feeding Time for Babies
Actually, yogurt can be given as the first complementary food menu when the baby is about 6 months old. However, if you are still hesitant to give yogurt to your little one, you can postpone it until your little one is 9 months old.
Mothers are advised to choose yogurt without added sweeteners or flavorings to avoid excessive sugar intake for the little one. This is because almost all yogurts with various flavors contain sugar in them.
If the sugar intake obtained by your little one is excessive, it is feared that it can cause tooth decay and obesity.
In order not to choose the wrong yogurt, look at the label on the package. Besides being called sugar or sweetener, the sugar content in yogurt can also be called corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, fruit juice concentrate, honey, glucose, fructose corn syrup, lactose, maltose, malt syrup, and sucrose.
How to Give Yogurt to Babies
Yogurt without added sweetener (plain yogurt) is a good choice for your little one. As a natural flavor enhancer as well as additional nutrients, you can add fruits or vegetables to yogurt.
Examples of fruits that can be served with yogurt include avocado, pineapple, apple, banana, blueberry, grape, mango, or papaya. Meanwhile, the types of vegetables that are suitable for use are: toppings Yogurt is sweet potato, pumpkin, and beetroot.
Besides fruit, you can also add oatmeal rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Avoid adding honey to yogurt if your child has not reached 1 year of age because giving honey is at risk of causing botulism.
Babies also need calories and fat. Therefore, do not give fat-free yogurt before the age of 2 years or adjust it according to the doctor's instructions.
If your little one has a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, you should wait some time or at least until your little one is more than 9 months old before giving him yogurt.
Some studies do show yogurt can relieve allergies, such as eczema or eczema allergic rhinitis, because it can increase the body's immunity. However, the decision to give yogurt to babies or children who have a history of allergies should be made after consulting with a pediatrician.
So, now you know when is the right time to give yogurt to your little one, right? You also need to remember that every time you introduce any food to your little one, watch for signs of allergies. Immediately take your child to the doctor if allergy symptoms arise, such as swollen red spots, diarrhea, or vomiting.
