Baby Food & Dairy Products

Should My Baby Have A Lot Of Dairy Products?

Breast and formula milk are the most nutritious food that a small baby can have. This is due to the high fat content. Fats and fatty acids are essential for brain and organ development. Babies should not be fed low fat dairy products under the age of three.

How Soon Can My Baby Have Cheese?

Providing there are no dairy allergies, babies can be introduced to cheese from a relatively young age, around eight months. Cheese can be cut into small pieces and eaten as a finger food or melted over vegetables, pasta or on bread.

How Soon Can My Baby Have Yoghurt?

Yoghurt can be introduced in the diet from eight months onwards, providing there are no dairy allergies. Yoghurt is a good source of calcium and “friendly” bacteria that helps the digestion system do it’s job.

Yoghurt is also a good source of the fats that are so mportant to a baby in it’s first years.

 Yogurt is also a great way for baby to get the fat that is so highly needed during baby’s first year. Check the labels for additives, sugars and starches.

How Soon Can My Baby Have Cows Milk?

Cows milk hinders the absorption of iron by the body and for this reason should be avoided until your baby is one year old. Cows milks is harder for the body to absorb than formula or breast milk and should not be used as a substitute as it does not contain the same nutrients as breast milk.

Some studies have shown that whole cows milk can increase the likelihood of anaemia.

How Do I Make Sure My Baby Has Enough Calcium?

Calcium is found in many foodstuffs apart from dairy produce. Other foods that contain calcium include tofu, broccoli, beans, wholewheat bread, breakfast cereal and some fish. Check the labels of any baby foods that you buy to see what the calcium content is.

What About Any Dairy Allergies That My Baby Should Have?

If you or a close family member have allergies to milk or lactose intolerance these may be passed on to your baby. In this case introducing dairy in any form before your baby is one is not recommended