Q: Can babies below 1-year-old eat yogurt?

Answered by Dr Anthony James Mansul, Consultant Paediatrician & Clinical Head of Paediatric Service at Prince Court Medical Centre

Yes. Children below a year old can eat yogurt as long as the child is over 6 months old. However, the yogurt has to be full fat, pasteurised, and unsweetened. 

It is important to note that weaning a baby to solids is heavily influenced by the tradition and culture of the part of the world we are in. While we Malaysians normally do not consider dairy products this early as part of the weaning diet, pasteurised milk can be added to a baby’s food. Yogurt and even cheese can be given. 

Parents may also follow the rule of introducing one single food at any one time – for example, every 4 days (if you were to follow the 4-day rule). However, the most important advice when it comes to 21st century babies is that the child should not be given any added salt or sugar.