Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium for babies, but it's important to be aware of the different types of cheese and their nutritional value. Some cheeses are high in sodium and offer less nutrition, so it's best to stick with those that are lower in sodium and high in protein and calcium. It's also important to check labels to ensure that the cheese you are giving your baby has been pasteurised, as this kills harmful bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Mascarpone, Quark, Creme Fraiche, Farmer's Cheese, Swiss, American, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Mild Goat Cheese |
| Nutritional Value | High in protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B12 and A |
| Sodium Content | Low |
| Pasteurisation | Yes |
| Age | Over 2 |
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What You'll Learn
The best types of cheese for early eaters
Cheese is a healthy food for babies as it is a good source of protein and calcium, as well as phosphorus and vitamins B12 and A. However, it is important to be aware that cheese is a common choking hazard for babies, so it is best to avoid giving them large chunks of hard cheese to eat.
When choosing cheese for your baby, opt for full-fat cheeses that are pasteurised for safety. It is also a good idea to start with mild varieties before moving on to stronger cheeses. You should also seek out whole cheeses rather than "cheese food products", like Velveeta, which contain added ingredients.
Some good options for early eaters include fresh mozzarella, ricotta, mild goat cheese, mascarpone, quark, creme fraiche, and farmer's cheese. These cheeses tend to be mild in taste and versatile. They are also usually spreadable, which makes them easier for babies to eat.
It is best to avoid soft, aged, or mold-ripened cheeses, like brie, Camembert, and bacteria-ripened goat cheese, as these may contain Listeria, a harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Blue-veined cheeses, like Roquefort, should also be avoided for the same reason.
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How to feed cheese to your baby
Cheese is a healthy food for babies, providing a good source of protein and calcium, as well as phosphorus and vitamins B12 and A. However, it's important to be cautious when feeding cheese to babies, as it can be a choking hazard.
When choosing a cheese to feed your baby, opt for a low-sodium, high-nutrition option. Full-fat cheeses are best for babies under the age of two, as they need the fat to help their bodies and brains develop. Avoid soft, aged, or mould-ripened cheeses, like brie, Camembert, and bacteria-ripened goat's cheese, as these may contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria. Instead, go for mild varieties of pasteurized cheese, such as fresh mozzarella, ricotta, mild goat's cheese, mascarpone, quark, or farmer's cheese. Harder cheeses like cheddar can be introduced once your baby has more experience chewing.
When feeding cheese to your baby, start with small amounts to ensure they don't have any adverse reactions. Cut the cheese into small pieces or shred it to reduce the risk of choking. You can also melt the cheese to make it softer and easier for your baby to eat. Always supervise your baby when they're eating cheese, and ensure they're seated and not lying down to reduce the risk of choking.
It's important to read labels when buying cheese for your baby. Check that the cheese has been pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria. This is typically not an issue for hard cheeses like Swiss, American, and cheddar. Avoid processed cheeses, as they tend to be high in sodium and offer less nutrition.
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The nutritional benefits of cheese
Cheese is a healthy food for babies, offering a range of nutritional benefits. It is a good source of protein and calcium, as well as phosphorus and vitamins B12 and A. When choosing cheese for a baby, it is important to opt for varieties that are low in sodium and high in nutrition. Processed cheeses, like American cheese, tend to be high in sodium and offer less nutrition, so it is best to stick with less-processed varieties.
Full-fat cheeses are recommended for babies, as the fat helps their bodies and brains to grow. Mild varieties are a good place to start, before moving on to stronger cheeses. Spreadable cheeses like mascarpone, quark, creme fraiche, and farmer's cheese are often low in salt and have a mild taste, making them a good option for babies. Fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and mild goat cheese are also suitable for early eaters, as they are soft and less of a choking hazard than hard cheeses.
Harder cheeses like cheddar can be introduced once a baby has more experience chewing. It is important to ensure that any cheese given to a baby has been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli. Soft, aged, or mold-ripened cheeses like brie, Camembert, and bacteria-ripened goat cheese should be avoided, as they may contain Listeria. Blue-veined cheeses like Roquefort should also be skipped due to the potential presence of Listeria.
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Pasteurised cheese
It is important to feed your baby pasteurised cheese to avoid harmful bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli. The pasteurisation process kills these bacteria, making the cheese safe for consumption by young infants. In the United States, most cheese is made with pasteurised milk, but it is still important to check the labels to ensure the cheese you are giving your baby is safe.
Hard cheeses such as Swiss, American, and cheddar are typically made with pasteurised milk and are safe for babies to eat. However, it is important to note that hard cheeses can be a choking hazard for babies, so it is recommended to cut them into small pieces or shred them before serving.
Some processed cheeses, like American cheese, are high in sodium and offer less nutrition, so it is best to stick with less-processed, pasteurised cheeses that are lower in sodium. Examples of suitable pasteurised cheeses include mascarpone, quark, creme fraiche, and farmer's cheese. These spreadable cheeses usually have no added salt and are a great option for babies.
When introducing cheese to your baby, it is recommended to start with mild varieties before moving on to stronger cheeses. Fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and mild goat cheese are good options for early eaters. Full-fat cheeses are also recommended for babies under the age of two, as the fat helps their bodies and brains grow.
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Cheese to avoid
It is important to check labels to ensure that the cheese you are giving your baby has been pasteurized. This is typically not an issue for hard cheeses such as Swiss, American, and cheddar. However, harder cheeses like cheddar can be introduced once your baby is a more experienced chewer.
Cheeses to avoid include soft aged or mold-ripened cheeses, like brie, Camembert, and bacteria-ripened goat cheese varieties. Blue-veined cheeses, like Roquefort, should also be avoided. These types of cheese may contain Listeria, a harmful bacteria that can make your baby sick with food poisoning.
Some processed cheeses (like American cheese) are high in sodium and offer less nutrition, so try to stick with less-processed cheese that's lower in sodium. Cream cheese tends to have more sodium in it and not much protein or calcium, so it is not recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese for babies is low in sodium and high in nutrition. Fresh mozzarella, ricotta, mild goat cheese, mascarpone, quark, creme fraiche, and farmer's cheese are all good options.
Avoid soft aged or mold-ripened cheeses, like brie, Camembert, and bacteria-ripened goat cheese varieties. The same goes for blue-veined cheeses, like Roquefort, as these may contain Listeria, a harmful bacteria that can make your baby sick with food poisoning. Processed cheeses like American cheese are also high in sodium and offer less nutrition.
Cheese is a healthy food for babies – it's a good source of protein and calcium. It also has phosphorus and vitamins B12 and A. Babies under age 2 need the fat in full-fat cheeses to help their bodies and brains grow.
The milk for most cheese produced in the United States undergoes a pasteurization process to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present. It is, therefore, important to check labels to ensure that the cheese you are giving your baby has been pasteurized.
