Your baby’s first bites are a big deal, and introducing dairy during this stage can help lay the foundation for lifelong healthy eating. Between 6-12 months, you can start incorporating dairy-rich foods like whole milk yogurt and soft cheese into your baby’s diet, adding key nutrients like calcium and healthy fats.
Why dairy?
“These first dairy foods provide essential nutrients for your baby’s bone development and brain growth,” says Amanda Crandall, PhD, a nutrition expert at the University of Michigan. Dairy is a powerhouse for supporting your baby’s rapidly developing body, with calcium for strong bones and fat for growing brains.
Easy, baby-friendly dairy foods
Looking for an easy way to get started? Try offering plain, unsweetened yogurt or small, soft cubes of cheese as baby-friendly options. These foods are easy for little ones to eat and packed with the nutrients they need. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce them to new textures and flavors.
Note: Always monitor your baby when feeding new foods and make sure bites are small and soft enough to avoid a choking hazard.
Pro tip:
Start with plain yogurt or soft cheese to ensure your baby gets the best nutrition without extra sugar or additives. By making dairy a part of your baby’s first foods, you’re helping to build a strong foundation for their future health — and setting them up for a lifetime of enjoying nutritious foods.
Learn more about how to make the best nutrition choices during:
Want to learn more about why dairy is a great first bite for your baby — and a great choice for your whole family? Head to Milk Means More for more info! And don’t forget to check out Metro Parent for healthy eating tips, too.
This content is sponsored by United Dairy Industry of Michigan / Milk Means More. Learn more at milkmeansmore.org.
Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s How to Get Kids to Eat Healthy.
