Sour cream

Sour cream can be offered from about 6 months. It is made from cow's milk, so keep milk allergy in mind.

Where it comes from

Sour cream is common in Asian and European cooking. Factory-made sour cream today starts with pasteurized cream and added bacteria cultures.

Nutrition

Sour cream gives plenty of fat and energy for a baby's fast growth and nervous system development. Fat helps the body take up the fat-soluble vitamins (K, E, D and A), which makes sour cream a good partner for fruit and vegetables. It holds a little calcium, zinc, and choline. Some kinds contain probiotics. Choose the full-fat kind when you can.

You can spread sour cream on foods baby can grip, stir it into a mash, or use it in sauces. It can also be cooked into egg dishes and frittatas.

After the first birthday use it alone, in sauces and fillings, and in muffin, pancake, and quick bread batter. If your child loves it, use it as a vehicle to try new herb and spice flavors.

Sour cream is soft, so the choking risk is low. In theory, any food can cause choking.

Serve it for your baby's age, set up a safe eating space, and stay close while they eat.

Sour cream is mostly made from cow's milk. Cow's milk is among the World Health Organization's global priority allergens. It is very common in young children and makes up about one fifth of childhood food allergies. Sheep, goat, and buffalo milk can cause a similar reaction.

The good news is that milk allergy often fades with time. Most children outgrow it by age 6. Some babies with mild signs can try milk again around the first birthday, with their doctor's guidance.

When introducing

If you suspect an allergy, ask an allergist before giving dairy such as sour cream. They may suggest testing or a trial under supervision. Serve a small amount alone for the first few meals. If all is well, raise it slowly. If milk is already eaten without trouble, you do not need to start small again for sour cream.

Other conditions

Milk is a frequent trigger of a delayed allergy called FPIES. Its sign is repeated vomiting and diarrhea starting hours after eating. Without treatment it can lead to fluid loss. FPIES that starts early usually fades by age 3 to 5.

Lactose intolerance can be confused with allergy. It is rare in babies. Sour cream has less lactose than milk, so small amounts are better tolerated by some children than milk. People highly sensitive to lactose may still not tolerate it.