Cheese For Babies: What Types Are Safe?

Cheese is a great source of calcium and protein for babies. It can be introduced when they are ready to start solids, usually around six months of age. However, as cheese is a common allergen, it should not be the very first food a baby tries. It is best to wait until they have tried and tolerated several less-allergenic foods first. When choosing a cheese for a baby, it is important to select one that is low in sodium, pasteurized, and made with whole milk. Soft, spreadable cheeses are a good option for younger babies, while older babies can try firmer cheeses in small cubes or thin strips.

When to introduce cheese to babies

Cheese is a great source of calcium and protein, and it can be introduced to babies as soon as they are ready to start solids, which is usually around 6 months of age. However, dairy is a common allergen, so it is recommended to introduce cheese to babies after they have tried and tolerated several less-allergenic foods first. Once your baby is ready for more textured foods, at around 9 to 12 months of age, you can start offering cheese in small amounts.

When introducing cheese to your baby, it is important to choose pasteurized, full-fat cheese to optimize nutritional value and minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Soft and lower-sodium cheeses such as ricotta, cottage cheese, mozzarella, Swiss, young cheddar, or goat cheese are good options for babies as they are easier to gum and won't deliver a salt overload. You can also try spreading soft cheese on toast strips or offering it on a preloaded spoon. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can offer grated or diced cheese cubes, but it is important to avoid giving your baby chunks of cheese to prevent choking hazards.

It is also important to be mindful of the sodium content in cheese, especially for babies under 12 months old. High-sodium cheeses like feta or parmesan can be offered occasionally as part of a balanced diet, but they should not be consumed daily. Additionally, cheese made from cow's milk is a common allergen, so it is recommended to introduce it early in the day and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction.

Overall, cheese can be a healthy and delicious addition to your baby's diet, providing important nutrients such as protein, fat, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Just be sure to introduce it gradually and in age-appropriate forms to ensure your baby's safety.

How to serve cheese to babies

When introducing cheese to your baby, it's important to ensure it's pasteurized to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Cheese can be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, which is usually around 6 months of age. Here are some tips on how to serve cheese to babies:

Types of Cheese

Soft cheeses are a good starting point as they are similar in texture to thick baby foods. Options such as ricotta, blended cottage cheese, farmer's cheese, and creamy goat cheese are ideal. You can spread these onto toast sticks or offer them on a spoon. Once your baby is ready for finger foods, you can introduce soft shredded cheeses like mozzarella and mild cheddar, as well as soft goat or feta cheese crumbles. Eventually, you can move on to little pieces of cheese or cheese slices, but always ensure the cheese is diced into small pieces to avoid choking hazards.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese can be served in a variety of ways to babies:

• Spread soft cheeses on toasted bread or other finger foods.
• Offer soft cheese in a bowl for your baby to scoop.
• Provide long, flat pieces of semi-firm cheese, such as Swiss cheese, for your baby to grab, hold, and munch.
• Shredded cheese can be melted into various foods, but use sparingly to reduce the risk of choking.
• Mix soft cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese into dishes such as pancakes or pasta.
• For babies over 12 months, offer very small diced pieces of cheese.
• Once your baby is over 16-18 months, they may be able to take bites from a cheese stick.

Sodium Considerations

Cheese is often high in sodium, so it's important to monitor your baby's intake. Opt for lower-sodium cheeses like goat cheese, whole-milk mozzarella, and Swiss cheese. These cheeses typically have around 50-100 mg of sodium per serving.

Food Safety

Always ensure the cheese is pasteurized to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Avoid unpasteurized or raw cheese, as they pose a high risk of foodborne illness, especially for babies. Also, refrain from giving your baby string cheese or cheese sticks unless they are cut or broken into smaller pieces to prevent choking.

Types of cheese to avoid

When introducing cheese to your baby's diet, it is important to be cautious and avoid certain types of cheese. Here are the types of cheese that should be avoided:

Unpasteurized Cheese

Unpasteurized cheese, also known as raw cheese, poses a high risk of foodborne illnesses, especially Listeria, Salmonella, and Listeriosis. These bacteria can cause serious harm to babies and young children. To minimize the risk of foodborne illness, always choose pasteurized cheese for your baby. Make sure to check the labels or ask the producer if the cheese is pasteurized, especially when buying from a local farmer's market or a roadside stand.

High-Sodium Cheese

Cheeses like feta, parmesan, and cheddar tend to be high in sodium content. While an occasional taste is fine, it is recommended to avoid introducing high-sodium cheeses until after your baby turns one year old. Sodium intake should be limited for babies as it can affect their kidneys. Instead, opt for low-sodium cheeses like fresh mozzarella or ricotta.

Soft, Aged, or Mold-Ripened Cheeses

Soft cheeses like brie, Camembert, and bacteria-ripened goat cheese should be avoided. These cheeses have a higher risk of carrying Listeria, a harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning in infants. Similarly, blue-veined cheeses like Roquefort should also be avoided for the same reason.

Processed Cheese

Processed cheese products such as cheese spreads, cheese in squeeze bottles or cans, and individually wrapped cheese slices are best avoided. These often contain high levels of salt, preservatives, and other added ingredients that are not recommended for babies. They are also less nutritious compared to real cheese.

Low-Fat Cheese

Babies need full-fat cheese to support their growth and development. Low-fat cheese may deprive your baby of essential nutrients, so it is recommended to opt for whole milk cheese instead.

When introducing cheese to your baby, always remember to cut or shred it into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. Additionally, if there is a history of food allergies in your family, consult your doctor or healthcare provider before introducing cheese to your baby's diet.

Nutritional benefits of cheese for babies

Cheese is a nutritious food to offer your baby, providing a range of health benefits. It is a valuable source of protein, calcium, and essential vitamins, including vitamins B12, A, and K.

Protein is crucial for the growth and development of children, aiding in building and repairing body tissues, bones, muscles, and organs. Just one ounce of cheddar cheese contains approximately eight grams of protein.

Calcium is essential for bone and teeth health, helping to strengthen bones and prevent issues like fractures and cavities. Cheese is rich in calcium, with one ounce of cheddar cheese containing about 200 milligrams.

Cheese also provides vitamins like B12, which is vital for red blood cell formation, vitamin A, which supports eye health, and vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting.

In addition to these nutrients, cheese also contains healthy fats that can contribute to improved heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol levels. It also provides selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and iodine, which can be particularly hard to get from a dairy-free diet.

When introducing cheese to your baby, it is important to start with soft cheeses that are similar in texture to thick baby foods, such as ricotta, blended cottage cheese, or farmer's cheese. As babies get older, you can introduce soft shredded cheeses like mozzarella and mild cheddar, and then move on to small pieces of cheese or cheese slices. It is recommended to start with mild varieties of pasteurized, full-fat cheese and gradually increase the amount and variety offered to your baby.

Safety precautions when feeding cheese to babies

When introducing cheese to your baby's diet, there are several safety precautions to keep in mind. Here are some detailed guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy experience:

Age and Development

It is generally recommended to introduce cheese to babies when they are ready to start solids, which is typically around 6 months of age. However, some sources suggest waiting until the baby is between 8 and 10 months old. Always consult your paediatrician or healthcare provider for personalised advice based on your baby's unique development.

Choking Hazards

Cheese can pose a choking hazard for babies due to its firm and sticky texture. Avoid giving large chunks or cubes of cheese. Instead, offer thinly sliced or grated cheese in small amounts. As your baby gets older and develops better chewing skills, you can gradually increase the size of the cheese pieces.

Pasteurization

Always choose pasteurized cheese to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Unpasteurized or raw cheese can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious health issues in babies. Make sure the cheese is labelled as "'made from pasteurized milk' or ask the producer if it's not clear from the packaging.

Sodium Content

Some cheeses are high in sodium, so it's important to monitor your baby's intake. Opt for lower-sodium options like goat cheese, whole-milk mozzarella, or Swiss cheese. High sodium intake is not recommended for babies as their sodium needs are generally low.

Allergies and Intolerances

Cow's milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in babies and young children. Be vigilant for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching or tingling around the lips and mouth, coughing, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, or anaphylaxis. If you observe any symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, watch out for signs of lactose intolerance, such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, bloating, or gas. Consult your paediatrician if you suspect any intolerance or allergy.

Preparation and Serving

When preparing cheese for your baby, opt for softer cheeses at first, such as ricotta, cream cheese, or cottage cheese. As your baby gets older, you can introduce shredded or crumbled cheeses like mozzarella and mild cheddar. Always serve cheese in a safe eating environment and stay within arm's reach of your baby during meals. Avoid serving cheese when your baby is on the go, such as in a stroller or car seat.

Frequently asked questions