Is it okay to give my baby yogurt?

My 8-month-old daughter is eating flavoured yoghurts, but I'm concerned about the amount of sugar she's getting. Can I mix fruit into plain yoghurt to cut down on the sugar? Also, isn't yoghurt made from cow's milk? Can I give my daughter cow's milk before she's a year old?

You certainly can mix fruit into "adult" plain yoghurt to cut down on the sugar. But give your daughter normal or low-fat yoghurt, and don't go for the non-fat varieties - she needs fat in her diet until age 2. You are also correct about not giving infants cow's milk to drink - your daughter should continue drinking breast milk or formula until the age of 1. However, babies can be given yoghurt or cottage cheese, which are easier on the stomach, at eight or nine months as a way of slowly introducing dairy products. But if you notice any unusual reactions such as a rash, abdominal discomfort or wheezing, you should stop giving her those foods and let her GP know.