First foods database
🥣 Soya yoghurt for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat soya yoghurt? Yes, from about 6 months. Plain, unsweetened, calcium-fortified soya yoghurt is a handy dairy-free option for babies with cow's milk allergy or families eating plant-based, and it is also a gentle way to introduce soya, one of the common allergens.
Good source of: Protein, Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12
How to serve soya yoghurt by age
6 to 9 months
Offer a spoonful of plain soya yoghurt on its own or swirled with mashed fruit, or stir it into porridge. Preload a spoon and let your baby bring it to their mouth. It can also be used as a dip for soft vegetable sticks.
9 to 12 months
Mix soya yoghurt with fruit, use it in overnight oats, or stir it into mild curries and dal to cool and thicken them.
12 months and up
Serve as a snack with fruit, in smoothies, or as a dip for wraps and roasted vegetables. Keep choosing unsweetened and fortified.
Choking safety
Soya yoghurt is smooth and very low choking risk. If you add fruit, mash it or cut it appropriately for your baby's age.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Soya is an allergen; offer a small amount first, then keep including it regularly.
- Pick plain, unsweetened versions fortified with calcium (and ideally vitamin B12 and iodine). Many flavoured or children's soya yoghurts contain added sugar.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains soya, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce soya
Easy ideas
- Soya yoghurt with mashed mango
- Soya yoghurt overnight oats with pear
- Soya yoghurt and cucumber dip
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat soya yoghurt?
Can babies eat soya yoghurt? Yes, from about 6 months. Plain, unsweetened, calcium-fortified soya yoghurt is a handy dairy-free option for babies with cow's milk allergy or families eating plant-based, and it is also a gentle way to introduce soya, one of the common allergens.
Is soya yoghurt good for babies?
Plain fortified soya yoghurt can provide protein and calcium similar to dairy yoghurt, which makes it a useful dairy alternative.
Can babies with cow's milk allergy have soya yoghurt?
Many can, but some babies with cow's milk allergy also react to soya. Check with your GP or dietitian first if your baby has a known milk allergy.
Is coconut yoghurt the same?
No, coconut yoghurt is usually much lower in protein. Soya is a better everyday swap for dairy yoghurt.
Sources
- NHS Start for Life: Weaning
- NHS: Foods to avoid giving babies and young children
- BSACI: Early feeding guidance
- NHS: Food allergies in babies and young children
- NHS: How to stop a child from choking
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).