Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a nutritious food that can be served to babies in a variety of ways, but it's important to take certain precautions to ensure their safety. Cheese is a common allergen, so it's recommended to introduce it to babies in small quantities and monitor for any adverse reactions. Soft cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, and goat cheese are ideal for babies as they are easier to gum and pose less of a choking hazard. As babies develop their pincer grasp, cheese can be offered in bite-sized pieces or shredded and melted into other foods. It's important to avoid serving cheese in cube shapes or large melted portions, as these increase the risk of choking. Additionally, parents should opt for pasteurized cheese to minimize the risk of foodborne illness and be mindful of the sodium content in certain cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Babies can start eating cheese around 6 months when they start solids |
| Type of cheese | Soft and easily shreddable cheese, such as ricotta, cottage cheese, mozzarella, Swiss, goat cheese, or farmer's cheese |
| Texture | Similar in texture to thick baby foods |
| Serving size | Small amounts, around 1 to 2 servings a day |
| Allergies | If the baby is allergic to milk, consult an allergist before introducing cheese |
| Choking hazard | Avoid cheese cubes or large melted globs as they pose a high choking risk |
| Sodium content | Choose low-sodium options, especially for babies under 12 months |
| Pasteurization | Choose pasteurized cheese to minimize the risk of foodborne illness |
| Dietary benefits | Cheese is a good source of protein, fat, calcium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A and B12 |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese as a first food
Cheese can be a great first food for babies, offering protein, fat, calcium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A and B12. It is also energy-dense, making it a good choice to keep your baby full. However, there are some important things to consider when introducing cheese to your baby.
Firstly, dairy is a common allergen, so it is recommended to introduce cheese after your baby has tried several less-allergenic foods, such as fruits, vegetables, or baby cereal. If you suspect your baby may be allergic to milk, consult an allergist before introducing cheese. If the risk is low, you can introduce cheese at home in small quantities and monitor your baby for any adverse reactions.
Secondly, some cheeses are high in sodium, so it is important to choose low-sodium options and serve cheese in moderation. Babies under 12 months should consume less than 400 milligrams of sodium per day. Soft, lower-sodium cheeses such as ricotta, cottage cheese, fresh mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or goat cheese are recommended as they are easier for babies to gum and pose less choking hazard.
When serving cheese to your baby, it is important to create a safe eating environment and stay within arm's reach during meals. Avoid serving cheese in cubes or large chunks as they can be a choking hazard. Instead, offer shredded cheese, or thinly sliced or bite-sized pieces of pasteurized semi-firm cheese, such as cheddar. Cheese can also be melted over bread, tortillas, pasta, beans, or vegetables, but make sure it is not too hot.
As your baby's eating skills develop, you can introduce mixed dishes such as grilled cheese or quesadillas, and offer a variety of cheeses and recipes that include cheese, such as cheesy rice, cheese waffles, quinoa patties, or cheese crackers.
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How to prepare cheese for babies
Cheese is a great source of calcium and protein for your baby. However, dairy is a common allergen, so it should not be the very first solid food you feed your baby. Once your baby has tried and tolerated several less-allergenic foods, like fruits or vegetables, it is okay to introduce cheese.
If you suspect your baby may be allergic to milk, consult an allergist before introducing dairy products like cheese. If the risk is low, you may be advised to introduce cheese at home in small quantities. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals. If you have already introduced milk and ruled out an allergy, cheese can be introduced as desired.
When shopping, choose pasteurized cheese to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Cheese made from raw milk, especially soft cheeses, can be contaminated with listeria and make your baby sick. If a label doesn’t specify that a cheese is pasteurized, don’t serve it. Full-fat cheese is preferable, as the fat and cholesterol are good for your baby’s growing body.
Pay attention to sodium levels. Babies under 12 months should consume fewer than 400 milligrams of sodium per day. High-sodium cheeses like feta or parmesan should only be served occasionally. The key is serving cheese as part of a balanced menu and picking simple cheese made from real ingredients over processed cheese.
To reduce the risk of choking, prepare and serve cheeses in an age-appropriate way. Always stay within arm’s reach of your baby during meals. For older babies, cut cheese into small, bite-sized cubes or strips. For younger babies, stick with very soft cheeses in pieces or clumps that they can grab or palm, like thin strips of mozzarella or little mounds of ricotta or cottage cheese. You can also melt shredded cheese into other foods, but sprinkle sparingly to avoid large globs that increase the risk of choking.
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Cheese recipes for babies
Cheese is a great source of calcium, protein, fat, and vitamins for babies. It can be introduced when the baby is ready for solids, usually around 6 months of age. Before introducing cheese, it is important to assess the baby's risk factors and family history of allergies. If there is a concern for dairy allergies, consult an allergist before giving cheese to the baby.
When serving cheese to babies, it is important to reduce the risk of choking. Avoid serving cheese in cube shapes or large melted portions, as they can pose a choking hazard. Instead, offer bite-sized pieces cut from a flat slice of pasteurized semi-firm cheese, such as cheddar. Shredded cheese can also be served on its own or melted into other foods, but sprinkle sparingly to avoid creating large clumps. Soft cheeses like ricotta or cottage cheese are also suitable for babies and can be served in small cubes or spread thinly on toasted bread.
- Scrambled eggs with cheese: Grate some cheddar or mozzarella cheese and mix it with scrambled eggs.
- English muffin pizza: Top a whole wheat English muffin with tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella. Cut the muffin into strips or quarters for easy gripping.
- Cheesy veggie melt: Steam broccoli or cauliflower florets until soft, chop them into small pieces, and top with grated Swiss or cheddar cheese. Broil until the cheese melts.
- Fruit and cheese plate: Offer shredded cheese with thinly sliced strawberries, halved blueberries, or grated apple.
- Vegetable fritters: Prepare small vegetable fritters with the addition of grated cheddar cheese.
- Broccoli macaroni and cheese gratin: A staple recipe that includes broccoli and cheese, a great combination for babies to enjoy.
- Homemade cream cheese: Mix milk, lemon, and curd to make a simple homemade cream cheese. This can be served with pureed or mashed fruits, as a spread on plain bread, or added to pastas.
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Allergies and intolerances
If you suspect your baby may be allergic to milk, it is recommended to consult an allergist before introducing dairy products like cheese. An allergist may advise allergy testing or suggest introducing dairy under medical supervision. If the risk is assessed to be low, you may be advised to introduce cheese in small quantities at home and gradually increase the amount if there is no adverse reaction.
It is important to note that a milk allergy is different from lactose intolerance. A milk allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies milk proteins as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction. This can lead to mild symptoms such as wheezing, vomiting, hives, and digestive problems, or severe symptoms like anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Lactose intolerance, on the other hand, is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. It typically causes GI symptoms such as bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea.
To avoid a potential allergic reaction, it is crucial to read food labels carefully and be mindful of hidden sources of milk and milk products in commonly eaten foods. Additionally, when introducing cheese to your baby, start with soft, easily shreddable cheeses that are lower in sodium, such as ricotta, fresh mozzarella, Swiss cheese, young cheddar, or goat cheese.
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Nutritional benefits
Cheese is a nutritious food to offer to babies, providing a range of health benefits. It is a good source of protein, which is crucial for the growth and development of children, aiding in building and repairing various body tissues, including bones, muscles, and organs. For example, just one ounce of cheddar cheese contains approximately eight grams of protein.
Cheese is also a rich source of calcium, which is essential for bone health and strengthening teeth. Calcium helps to prevent issues like fractures and cavities. One ounce of cheddar cheese contains about 200 milligrams of calcium.
Cheese provides other valuable vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B12, A, and K, selenium, zinc, and riboflavin. Vitamin B12 is vital for red blood cell formation, vitamin A supports eye health, and vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting.
Full-fat cheese is preferable as the fat and cholesterol are good for a baby's growing body. Cheese also contains some sodium, which supports hydration, movement, and the balance of electrolytes in the body. However, as cheese is naturally higher in salt, it should be offered in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Cheese can be a great finger food for babies who are starting solids, whether through baby-led weaning or the introduction of solid foods in the form of purees. It is important to note that cheese can pose a choking hazard, so it should be served in thin slices or grated, and cubes or large chunks should be avoided. Soft cheeses or shredded cheese are easier for babies to gum and pose less of a choking hazard.
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Frequently asked questions
Around 1 to 2 servings of cheese per day is appropriate for babies. However, it is important to introduce a variety of different foods to your baby.
Babies can start eating cheese when they begin eating solid foods, usually around 6 months of age. Cheese can be a great source of protein and fat for babies, but it should be served sparingly to young babies due to its sodium content.
Soft cheeses such as ricotta, cottage cheese, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, and goat cheese are recommended for babies because they are easier to gum and pose less of a choking hazard. Pasteurized cheese should be chosen to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
Cheese can be served in small, shredded pieces or thinly sliced to reduce the risk of choking. It can also be melted and spread on toast sticks or served on a pre-loaded spoon.
