BabyJoy
Kefir (plain) for babies
When and how to serve kefir (plain) at every stage of starting solids.
- Introduce from
- 6–9 months
- Safety notes
- Common allergen: Cow's milk (dairy)
How to prepare kefir (plain) by age
6–9 months
Plain, unflavoured, full-fat kefir made from pasteurised milk. Offer from a preloaded spoon or stir into porridge or mashed fruit — not as a main drink before 12 months.
9–12 months
Stir into porridge, overnight oats or fruit smoothie bowls, or use in pancake batter. A few sips from an open cup are fine, but not as a main drink before 12 months.
12 months+
Can be offered in an open cup alongside meals. Keep choosing plain kefir over flavoured ones.
Common allergen
Contains cow's milk (dairy) , one of the 9 common food allergens.
Contains milk, a common allergen. Offer a small amount mixed into a familiar food first and watch for any reaction. Choose products made from pasteurised milk only.
First time with cow's milk (dairy): Offer dairy in food, such as full-fat plain yogurt or cheese, or milk used in cooking. Cow's milk should not be the main drink before 12 months.
If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, talk to your pediatrician before introducing allergens.
Nutrition highlights
- Probiotics
- Calcium rich
- Protein rich
- Vitamin B12
Serving ideas
- Stirred into oat porridge
- Mixed with mashed banana
- Blended with berries into a thick smoothie bowl
Prepare these as described above for your baby’s age.
Choosing and storing
Storage: Refrigerate and use by the date on the bottle; once opened, use within a few days.
Sources
This guide is based on published guidance from:
