Yogurt - how to choose the best one for your family.

There are so many different kinds nowadays in the market, it can take you up to 30 minutes in front of that cold display choosing which one is best for your kids. You don't want them to have too much sugar that those with the cute characters on them come with, but you also don't want them to have sweetners just yet. You don't mind about the fat content just yet, but most of them are fat free anyways. They also have soy and organic ones.. so much to choose from. So here is what I've choosen for my daughter and it has worked well.
When you first introduce yogurt, which can be done as early as 6 months (although most pediatricians recommend waiting until 7-6 months) you must introduce in its most natural form. Natural plain yogurt, without anything added to it at all. If you have never tasted that kind of yogurt this will be a good opportunity to do so!
The natural plain yogurt is a good base to start with. Once your baby has tasted that yogurt and gotten used to the new consistency and flavor you can start to get creative. You can mix fruit purees with the yogurt for new flavors. My daughter got every single morning about three tablespoons of plain yogurt with prunes puree. She loved it and to this day will eat it as a breakfast.
As your baby grows into toddlers and more flavors are added to their palates, eventually it is ok to use the single packaged flavored yogurt since they are much easier for on the go. But when you pick those off the shelf, don't be fooled by the packaging. Just because it says it is for children does not mean it is the best choice for kids.
The best ones are the ones with the live and active cultures seals on it. It should have no more than 180 calories per 6 oz servings, no more than 30g of carbohydrates, it should have close to 0g of saturated fat and no added sweetners. Bottom line is that if you can stick to the plain natural yogurt, and add your own fruits it will be the best choice. Not only for children, but also for the entire family! Using plain natural yogurt and even if you add some fruit, nuts and your own sugar, usually you are still better off than the store brand that is packed with sugar.
Get creative! - you can use the plain natural yogurt mixed with fruits to make popsicles for the entire family. Also you may use yogurt as a dipping for fruits on the go instead of caramel or chocolate.