Kamil Perry
Cheese is a great source of nutrients for toddlers, including protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and fat, which supports optimal growth and brain development. However, it is important to choose the right type of cheese and serve it appropriately, as cheese can be a choking hazard. When selecting cheese for toddlers, it is recommended to choose varieties that are low in sodium, pasteurized, and made with whole milk. Soft cheeses such as ricotta, goat cheese, and shredded cheeses are ideal for younger toddlers, while older toddlers can enjoy small pieces of diced cheese, cheese slices, and cheese sticks. Full-fat cottage cheese and creamy cheeses like ricotta and cream cheese are also good options, but they are higher in lactose and may be harder for lactose-intolerant individuals to digest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended daily serving | 1/2-1.5 ounces |
| Nutritional benefits | Fat, protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 |
| Pasteurization | Yes |
| Whole milk | Yes |
| Sodium content | Low |
| Choking hazard | Yes, if served in cubes or large chunks |
| Lactose intolerance | Less likely with aged cheeses |
| Safe options | Soft cheeses, thinly sliced semi-firm cheeses, melted or crumbled hard cheeses |
| Unsafe options | Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, goat cheese, blue-veined cheeses |
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What You'll Learn
Best cheeses for nutritional value
Cheese is a nutritious and wholesome food for toddlers, offering a range of health benefits that support their growth and development. It is a valuable source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and healthy fats.
When selecting cheese for toddlers, it is important to consider the sodium content and opt for lower-sodium varieties. Pasteurized cheese is also recommended to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Full-fat cheese provides essential nutrients for growth and development, but it is important to offer cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Some recommended cheeses for toddlers include:
- Mozzarella: A versatile cheese that can be added to pizzas, salads, pasta, or sandwiches. Its stringiness adds a fun factor for toddlers.
- Cheddar: A crowd favourite that is widely enjoyed by children. It has a high protein content, with one ounce containing approximately eight grams of protein.
- Monterey Jack: This cheese has a creamy texture and melts easily, making it a good option for cooking.
- Swiss Cheese: A convenient option to add to your child's lunch box, pairing well with fruits or fruit juice.
- Babybel: Made from 100% pure cheese without added salt, Babybel is rich in protein and calcium, promoting healthy bone development and growth. Its tangy flavour and creamy texture make it appealing to toddlers.
- Labneh: A Lebanese "yogurt cheese" that is low in salt, high in protein and healthy fats. It can be easily added to snacks like toast and crackers or used as a dip.
It is important to introduce cheese in a safe and age-appropriate way, being mindful of choking hazards. Cheese should be served in small pieces or grated/melted when toddlers are learning to eat solids.
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Age-appropriate serving suggestions
Cheese is a great source of nutrients for toddlers, including protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and fat, which supports optimal growth and brain development. When selecting cheese for your toddler, choose varieties that are low in sodium, pasteurized, and made with whole milk.
Soft cheeses
Soft cheeses such as ricotta, goat cheese, cottage cheese, and shredded cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar are great options for toddlers. You can spread soft cheeses on toast sticks or offer them to your toddler on a baby spoon. As they get older, you can offer shredded cheeses or small pieces of diced cheese.
Semi-firm cheeses
Semi-firm cheeses like Swiss cheese can be thinly sliced or melted and served on bread, eggs, or vegetables. You can also fold them into grain or bean dishes. Just make sure to avoid large cubes or chunks of cheese, as they can pose a choking hazard.
Hard cheeses
Hard cheeses such as cheddar can be grated or crumbled and melted. You can add them to dishes like pasta, sandwiches, or tortillas. Again, avoid serving large chunks of cheese to toddlers to reduce the risk of choking.
Cooked dishes
Cheese can be incorporated into cooked dishes such as mac n cheese, cheesy rice, or cheese waffles. You can also add shredded or melted cheese to vegetables or bean dishes.
Snacks
Cheese can be a great snack option for toddlers. Offer small slices or blocks of cheese with some fruit or fruit juice. Cheese sticks or string cheese can also be a convenient and portable snack option.
It is important to introduce cheese gradually and in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Always supervise your toddler while they are eating, and be mindful of any potential allergies or intolerances.
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Choking hazards to avoid
Cheese is a common choking hazard for toddlers. Even when cut into small pieces, cheese can still pose a choking hazard. This is because cheese can easily become wedged in the back of a child's throat, blocking their airway.
To reduce the risk of choking, cheese should be prepared and served in an age-appropriate way. For example, thin strands of cheese sticks or string cheese are choking hazards and should be avoided. Instead, offer soft cheeses, melted or thinly sliced semi-firm cheeses, or melted, crumbled, or grated hard cheeses in a variety of ways: on bread, eggs, vegetables, or folded into grain or bean dishes. Always ensure the child is in a safe eating environment and never serve cheese on-the-go in a stroller, in a car seat, or when your toddler is running around.
It is also important to note that cheese is often made from cow's milk, which is a common food allergen in young children. Lactose intolerance can sometimes be mistaken for an allergy, as it can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and other discomforts. Aged cheeses, which have lower lactose content, may be better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance. If your baby is allergic to dairy, there are nut-, oil-, pea-, and soy-based vegan cheeses available.
Other common choking hazards to avoid for toddlers include:
- Popcorn: Hard and crunchy foods like popcorn can easily get stuck in a child's throat, even for competent eaters.
- Marshmallows: Although soft, marshmallows can stick together and expand in the throat. Cut them into small pieces with scissors and always supervise children while they eat marshmallows.
- Bread: White bread can form large pasty textures in the throat and get stuck. Cut the bread into small pieces and lightly toast it to make it safer.
- Raw fruits and vegetables: Raw fruits and vegetables are oddly shaped and hard, increasing the risk of choking.
- Jelly cubes: Raw jelly cubes can pose a choking hazard for babies and young children. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when making jelly from raw jelly cubes.
- Shellfish: Raw or lightly cooked shellfish, such as mussels, clams, and oysters, can increase the risk of food poisoning and should be avoided.
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Pasteurised vs unpasteurised
When selecting cheese for toddlers, it is important to consider the type of milk used and the process of pasteurization. Pasteurization is the process of heating raw milk to a high enough temperature to kill potentially harmful bacteria. This process has been used since the early 1900s, and most cheeses available today are pasteurized.
Unpasteurized cheese, also known as raw milk cheese, is made by heating milk to a lower temperature of around 30° C (86° F). This initiates the fermentation process, and the resulting cheese retains the bacterial compounds that give it a stronger flavour. While some believe that the enzymes in raw milk cheese aid digestion and that the traditional method has been used safely for centuries in Europe, there are concerns about the potential health risks of consuming unpasteurized cheese, particularly on a large scale.
In Canada, domestic or imported unpasteurized cheese can be sold but must be aged for at least 60 days before retail. Heat-treated cheese is produced by heating milk to approximately 55° C (131° F) for about 15 seconds, which strikes a balance between pasteurized and unpasteurized methods by killing dangerous bacteria while preserving most of the flavour.
When choosing cheese for toddlers, it is recommended to select pasteurized cheese to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. However, it is important to note that lactose intolerance, which can cause digestive issues, should not be confused with a milk allergy. Aged cheeses, which have lower lactose content, may be better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance.
To summarize, while the choice between pasteurized and unpasteurized cheese involves considerations of flavour, tradition, and safety regulations, pasteurized cheese is generally recommended for toddlers due to reduced health risks.
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Lactose intolerance and allergies
Lactose intolerance, which is when the body has difficulty processing lactose, the sugar found in milk, can sometimes be mistaken for an allergy. This is because it can cause bloating, gas, diarrhoea, nausea, and other discomfort. However, lactose intolerance is uncommon in toddlers, and many cheeses may be better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance due to their lower lactose content, particularly aged cheeses.
If you suspect that your toddler may be lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before introducing cheese or other dairy products. They can advise on allergy testing or the gradual introduction of dairy under medical supervision.
When introducing cheese to toddlers, it is recommended to start with small quantities and monitor for any signs of intolerance or allergy. Cheese can be introduced around six months when toddlers start eating solids. Soft, lower-sodium cheeses such as ricotta, cottage cheese, or fresh mozzarella are good options. Shredded cheese, thinly sliced semi-firm cheese, or melted cheese are also suitable for toddlers. However, it is important to avoid raw or unpasteurized cheese and cheese cubes as they pose a choking hazard.
For toddlers with confirmed lactose intolerance or milk allergies, dairy-free cheese can be a good alternative. Vegan cheese, for example, can add variety to meals and provide additional calories and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins if fortified. It is important to be mindful of the salt content and balance it with other meals. Dairy-free cream cheese can be used as a spread or sandwich filling, while grated dairy-free cheese can be sprinkled on pasta dishes or jacket potatoes.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft cheeses such as ricotta, farmer’s cheese, goat cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and shredded cheeses are great options for toddlers. You can also give them thinly sliced semi-firm cheeses or melted, crumbled, or grated hard cheeses.
The recommended serving size for dairy is 2-3 servings per day. One serving equals half an ounce of cheese, so your toddler can have up to 1.5 ounces of cheese per day.
Some sources say it’s safe to offer cheese as early as 6 months, while others recommend waiting until between 7 to 10 months. It's important to introduce new foods gradually and watch for any signs of intolerance or allergic reactions.
Cheese can be a choking hazard for toddlers, especially if it's in large chunks or cubes. It's important to serve cheese in an age-appropriate way and supervise your toddler while they're eating. Additionally, dairy products are common allergens, so there is a risk of lactose intolerance or milk allergy. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
