Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a nutritious food that can be given to children as part of a healthy, balanced diet. It is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins, and other important nutrients. However, it is important to introduce cheese to children gradually and in moderation, as some children may have dairy intolerances or allergies. It is also crucial to choose the right types of cheese, as some varieties, such as mould-ripened soft cheeses, are not recommended for young children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins A, D, B12, riboflavin, and calories. |
| Health benefits | Cheese can help prevent tooth decay and osteoporosis, and is important for the development of healthy teeth and bones. |
| Allergies and intolerance | Cow's milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in babies and young children. Symptoms of intolerance include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. |
| Age appropriateness | Babies can eat pasteurized full-fat cheese from 6 months old. |
| Choking hazard | Cheese should be shredded or cut into small strips to prevent choking. |
| Daily limit | It is recommended that babies do not exceed 30-40 grams of cheese per day. |
| Salt content | Cheese can be high in salt, which is not good for babies' kidneys. |
| Sugar content | Cheese does not contain sugar, which can help prevent tooth decay. |
| Saturated fat | Cheese contains saturated fat, but it is not listed as a food to avoid like crisps, biscuits, and cakes. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals
Cheese is a nutritious food that can be given to babies and young children as part of a healthy, balanced diet. It is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for growth and development.
Cheese is rich in calcium, which is necessary for the development of healthy teeth and bones. Regular consumption of calcium helps prevent tooth decay and bone problems such as osteoporosis, making it beneficial for children during their developmental years when they are building bone mass and growing stronger.
It is also a good source of protein, which is crucial for supporting the rapid growth and development of children. Protein-rich cheese, when paired with fiber-rich vegetables, can help children feel full faster and consume fewer calories, thereby preventing childhood obesity. In addition, cheese contains vitamins A, D, B2 (riboflavin), and B12, which are important for various bodily functions. For example, vitamin D is necessary for building the body, and vitamin B2 helps convert protein, fat, and carbohydrates into energy.
Certain types of cheese, such as cottage cheese, provide additional nutrients and healthy fats. Just half a cup of full-fat cottage cheese can give your baby 87 milligrams of calcium, 167 milligrams of phosphorus, and 10.2 micrograms of selenium. It also provides a boost of vitamin A, vitamin B12, and riboflavin, along with healthy fats.
When introducing cheese to babies, it is recommended to start with pasteurized full-fat cheese from around six months of age. This includes hard cheeses like mild cheddar, cottage cheese, and cream cheese. It is important to cut the cheese into small strips or melt it to address choking hazards. Additionally, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider if you have any concerns about dairy intolerance or allergies, as cow's milk allergy is common in babies and young children.
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Babies can eat pasteurised full-fat cheese from 6 months old
Cheese is a nutritious food that can be given to babies as part of a healthy, balanced diet. It is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins. In fact, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has deemed cheese as one of the proper sources of calcium for children, giving it the "Kids Eat Right" label.
When introducing cheese to your baby, start with small amounts and gradually increase the portion size. It is recommended to shred or melt the cheese or cut it into small strips to address the potential choking hazard. Always supervise your baby while they are eating. In addition, it is important to be mindful of any potential dairy intolerance or allergies. Cow's milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in babies and young children, so it is advisable to introduce cheese slowly and monitor for any symptoms of intolerance, such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
Cheese can be incorporated into a variety of foods, making it a versatile option for babies and young children. It can be added to breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack time. Examples of cheese that are suitable for babies include cottage cheese, which is a good source of calcium, protein, and other important nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and healthy fats. Other options include mild cheddar cheese and cream cheese.
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Cheese should be cut into small strips to prevent choking
Cheese is a nutritious food that can be given to babies and young children as part of a healthy, balanced diet. It is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamins, and other important nutrients. However, when introducing cheese to babies, it is important to cut it into small strips or shreds to prevent choking.
Cheese can be a choking hazard for babies due to its texture and size. Cutting the cheese into small strips or shredding it helps to reduce the risk of choking by making it easier for babies to chew and swallow. Small pieces of cheese also melt faster in the mouth, which further reduces the risk of choking.
It is recommended to start with small amounts of cheese and gradually increase the amount as the baby gets used to it. Babies can eat pasteurized full-fat cheese from around six months old, including hard cheeses such as mild cheddar, cottage cheese, and cream cheese. It is important to avoid mould-ripened soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, as they may pose a risk of listeria.
In addition to cutting cheese into small strips, parents can also melt the cheese to make it safer for babies to consume. Checking the labels and offering pasteurized cheese varieties can also help ensure safety. It is always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician or a doctor if there are any concerns about introducing cheese or other solid foods to a baby's diet.
Overall, cheese can be a healthy and nutritious food for babies and young children when consumed in moderation and when appropriate precautions, such as cutting it into small strips, are taken to prevent choking.
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Cheese is highly processed and contains many additives
Cheese slices are no longer allowed to be called "real cheese" and are now labelled "cheese products" due to the numerous chemicals and additives they contain. These additives are used to make the cheese slices hold up better on sandwiches.
Kraft cheese singles, for example, contain a long list of ingredients, including cheddar cheese (milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), whey, water, protein concentrate, milk, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, milkfat, gelatin, salt, sodium phosphate, lactic acid (as a preservative), annatto and paprika extract (colour), enzymes, Vitamin A palmitate, cheese culture, and Vitamin D3.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has deemed cheese slices as one of the proper sources of calcium for children, and they have been given the “Kids Eat Right” label. However, critics argue that these cheese products are highly processed and that there are healthier, plant-based sources of calcium, such as collard greens, dried figs, Swiss chard, kale, spinach, oranges, and almonds.
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Cheese can be part of a healthy, balanced diet for kids
When introducing cheese to babies, it is recommended to start with pasteurized full-fat cheese from around six months of age. Examples include mild cheddar, cottage cheese, and cream cheese. These varieties provide a range of nutrients and healthy fats, supporting the baby's overall health. It is important to cut cheese into small strips or melt it to prevent choking hazards.
While cheese can be a nutritious option, it is crucial to be mindful of potential allergies and intolerances, as dairy is a common allergen in babies and young children. Additionally, some types of cheese, such as mould-ripened soft cheeses (brie or camembert) and soft blue-veined cheeses, are not recommended for young children due to the risk of listeria.
It is worth noting that highly processed cheese products, often marketed as cheese slices or cheese "products," contain numerous additives and chemicals. These are not considered healthy options for children despite being recognized as sources of calcium by organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Instead, natural sources of calcium, such as collard greens, dried figs, kale, and tofu, are recommended as highly nutritious alternatives for building strong, healthy bodies.
In conclusion, cheese can be a nutritious and tasty addition to a child's diet when consumed in moderation and in its natural form. It provides essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins, contributing to overall health and development. However, it is important to be mindful of potential allergies, intolerances, and the consumption of highly processed cheese products.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese can be a nutritious food for kids, offering calcium, protein, vitamins, and other important nutrients. However, some kids may have dairy intolerances or allergies, so it's important to introduce cheese gradually and monitor for any negative reactions.
Cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for developing healthy teeth and bones. It also contains protein, vitamins, and healthy fats, which contribute to overall growth and development. Cheese can be a convenient and tasty snack for kids, helping them feel full and reducing their calorie intake.
Pasteurized full-fat cheeses, such as mild cheddar, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, are generally safe for babies and young children. Soft, mould-ripened cheeses like brie and camembert should be avoided, as they may pose a higher risk of foodborne illness. It's also important to choose lower-salt varieties and limit cheese intake to around 30-40 grams per day.
