Frederic Melton
Cheese is a nutritious food for babies, offering protein, calcium, and other important nutrients. However, it is important to be cautious when introducing cheese into a baby's diet. Some sources recommend introducing cheese when the baby is 6 months old, while others suggest waiting until they are between 8 and 10 months old. It is always best to check with a doctor before offering cheese to a baby. When introducing cheese, it is important to start with small amounts and choose pasteurized, full-fat, and low-sodium varieties to avoid potential allergies and choking hazards. Processed cheese slices are not recommended due to high salt and preservative content. Instead, soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, or thinly sliced semi-firm cheeses are good options. As babies get older, small pieces of cheese or cheese slices can be introduced, but it is important to avoid hard or large chunks of cheese to reduce the risk of choking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional benefits | Good source of calcium, protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats |
| Choking hazards | Cheese slices can be a choking hazard for babies. Instead, cut into small strips, shred, or melt the cheese. |
| Pasteurization | Only offer pasteurized cheese to babies. Unpasteurized cheese may be contaminated with listeria. |
| Sodium content | Babies under 12 months should consume less than 400 milligrams of sodium per day. Choose lower-sodium cheeses like goat cheese and whole milk mozzarella. |
| Allergies and intolerances | Watch for signs of dairy intolerance or allergy, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash. |
| Age | Most sources recommend introducing cheese to babies between 6 and 10 months of age. |
| Amount | Start with 1 to 2 ounces of cheese per day for 6- to 8-month-old babies. For 8- to 10-month-old babies, offer 2 to 4 ounces per day. |
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What You'll Learn
Babies should only eat pasteurized cheese
Cheese is a nutritious food to offer your baby, but it's important to ensure that it's pasteurized for safety. Pasteurization is a heat treatment process that kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause foodborne illnesses, such as food poisoning. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to food poisoning because their immune systems are still developing, and they produce less stomach acid to fight off these harmful pathogens.
Unpasteurized cheese can contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause foodborne illnesses. Listeria, for example, is a harmful bacterium that can be found in unpasteurized cheese and can make your baby sick with food poisoning. Additionally, young children are more susceptible to dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea, which can be caused by foodborne illnesses.
When introducing cheese to your baby, it's recommended to start with mild-flavored, full-fat, pasteurized varieties. Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, cream cheese, or cottage cheese, can be spread on finger-sized toast sticks or offered on a pre-loaded spoon for baby-led weaning. You can also try soft cheese crumbles or shredded cheese as early finger foods when your baby is around nine months old.
It's important to cut the cheese into small strips or melt it to reduce the risk of choking. Always check the labels to ensure the cheese is made with pasteurized milk. If you're unsure, don't give it to your baby. Additionally, watch for signs of intolerance or allergic reaction, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash, when introducing any new food, including cheese.
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Cheese is a good source of calcium
Cheese is a nutritious food to offer your baby, and it is a good source of calcium. Calcium is a must for building strong, healthy bones, muscles, and teeth, and it doesn't take much to meet the daily requirement. Just 1.5 ounces of cheddar or Swiss cheese provides about 250 milligrams of calcium.
When introducing cheese to your baby, it is important to start small and gradually increase the amount. For babies between 6 and 8 months old, start with 1 to 2 ounces of cheese per day. As they get older, between 8 and 10 months, they can have 2 to 4 ounces. It is also important to cut the cheese into small strips or shred it to prevent choking hazards. Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, cream cheese, or cottage cheese, are good options for younger babies, as they can be easily spread on finger-size toast sticks or offered on a pre-loaded spoon.
As your baby gets older, you can introduce shredded or crumbled cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese. These can be offered as finger foods or melted on other foods. When your baby is around 12 months old, you can offer very small diced pieces of cheese. Continue to avoid large chunks of cheese to reduce the risk of choking.
It is also important to choose the right type of cheese for your baby. Pasteurized, full-fat cheeses are recommended, as they are safer and provide more nutritional benefits. Processed cheese slices, packaged cheese spreads, and sauces should be avoided, as they often contain artificial ingredients and high amounts of sodium. Additionally, pay attention to the salt content of the cheese, as babies under 12 months should consume less than 400 milligrams of sodium per day.
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Choking hazards of cheese
Cheese is a nutritious food to offer your baby, but it's important to be aware of potential choking hazards. Choking can occur when babies are learning to chew and swallow food, and even when they are feeding themselves. To reduce the risk of choking, it is recommended to cut cheese into small pieces or melt it.
Soft cheeses such as ricotta, cream cheese, and cottage cheese are generally considered safe for babies and can be spread thinly on finger-sized toast sticks or offered on a pre-loaded spoon. Soft cheese crumbles or shredded cheese can be introduced around 9 months as early finger foods. However, it is important to avoid large chunks of cheese, including cubes and sticks, as they can pose a choking hazard.
Melted cheeses like mozzarella can also be a choking hazard if not cut into small pieces. Large globs of melted cheese should be avoided. Instead, offer thin layers of melted cheese on foods such as open-faced sandwiches or pieces of toast or tortilla.
As babies develop their pincer grasp, you can offer bite-sized pieces cut from flat slices of pasteurized semi-firm cheese or long, flat slices of cheese for them to practice picking up and biting into. It is important to supervise your baby during mealtimes and ensure they are sitting up while eating, not lying down, crawling, or walking.
In addition to cheese, there are other foods that should be avoided or modified to prevent choking. These include hot dogs, large chunks of meat, whole grapes, hard candies, raw vegetables, and popcorn. It is always advisable to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider for specific guidelines and to address any concerns or questions regarding your baby's diet and safety.
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Lactose intolerance and allergies
Cheese is a nutritious food for babies, offering protein, fat, calcium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A and B12. However, it is important to be aware of potential lactose intolerance and allergies when introducing cheese to a baby's diet.
Lactose intolerance in babies is rare. It is a genetic condition where the body does not produce enough lactase, an enzyme that helps digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. While it is uncommon in infants and toddlers, older children with lactose intolerance may find that they can tolerate cheese better than other dairy products, especially aged cheeses with lower lactose content.
Milk allergy, on the other hand, is one of the most common food allergies in young children. It occurs when the child's immune system reacts to the protein in milk, and it can cause a range of symptoms, including digestive problems, wheezing, vomiting, hives, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Milk allergy can be mistaken for lactose intolerance, as both can cause similar digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. However, it is important to distinguish between the two because milk allergy can be life-threatening.
When introducing cheese to a baby, it is recommended to start with small quantities and monitor for any signs of intolerance or allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. It is also important to avoid unpasteurized cheese due to the risk of foodborne illnesses. Soft, shredded, or melted cheeses are generally safer options for babies, as they reduce the choking hazard.
If you suspect your baby may have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, consult a healthcare professional for guidance. They can advise on the best course of action, which may include allergy testing or introducing dairy under medical supervision.
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Nutritional benefits of cheese
Cheese is a nutritious food that can be given to babies in small quantities. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and other important nutrients. For example, just half a cup of full-fat cottage cheese provides 87 milligrams of calcium, 167 milligrams of phosphorus, and 10.2 micrograms of selenium. It also gives your baby a boost of vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, as well as a dose of healthy fats.
Cheese can be a good source of protein for children, with just one ounce of cheddar cheese containing approximately eight grams of protein. Calcium is essential for the health of children's bones and teeth, and cheese is a rich source of calcium. The same amount of cheddar cheese contains about 200 milligrams of calcium. Cheese also provides valuable vitamins like B12, A, and K, which are beneficial for children. Vitamin B12 is vital for red blood cell formation, vitamin A supports eye health, and vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting.
Cheese is also a good source of calories, which can provide energy for babies throughout the day. It is also good for teeth and can help prevent tooth decay. Certain types of cheese, such as cottage cheese, contain a variety of nutrients and healthy fats that can contribute to a baby's overall health.
When introducing cheese to a baby's diet, it is important to start with small quantities and monitor for any signs of intolerance or allergic reaction, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash. It is recommended to wait 3 to 5 days between offering any new foods to a baby. It is also important to choose pasteurized cheeses and cut them into small pieces or melt them to reduce the risk of choking.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for building strong, healthy bones, muscles and teeth. It is also a great way to give your baby an easy protein boost, and will help them stay fuller for longer.
It is recommended that babies can start eating cheese from 6 months old, but some sources suggest waiting until 8-10 months. It is important to wait 3-5 days between offering new foods to your baby, so you can watch for signs of intolerance or allergic reaction.
Babies should not be given unpasteurised cheese or mould-ripened cheese. It is also recommended to avoid high-sodium cheeses, and to opt for minimally processed cheese that is nutritionally dense. Hard cheeses and large chunks of cheese should be avoided due to the risk of choking.
