Randy Chandler
While cheese can be a nutritious part of a baby's diet, providing calcium, protein, and vitamins, there are several reasons why putting cheese on your baby could be harmful. Firstly, cheese is a common choking hazard for babies, so it should not be given in large chunks or before they are able to chew properly. Secondly, some types of cheese, such as mould-ripened soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, have a higher risk of carrying bacteria called Listeria, which can cause fatal foodborne illness in infants. Thirdly, throwing cheese at a baby's face, as seen in the #cheesed social media trend, has been criticized by experts and commentators as inappropriate and potentially harmful, causing distress to the baby and failing to promote optimal development. Therefore, while cheese can be a healthy food for babies when introduced carefully, putting cheese on your baby in this manner is not advisable.
Why putting cheese on your baby is bad
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Choking hazard | Do not give large chunks of hard cheese to babies. |
| Allergies | If your baby has chronic eczema or a food allergy, talk to their doctor before giving them cheese. |
| Anaphylaxis | Signs of an anaphylactic reaction include throat tightness, breathing problems, wheezing, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness. |
| Lactose intolerance | Babies don't usually have trouble digesting cheese, but wait until they are one year old before giving them cow's milk. |
| Salt content | Babies should not eat much salt as it is not good for their kidneys. |
| Sugar content | Avoid sugary snacks and drinks to prevent tooth decay. |
| Saturated fat | Do not give your child too many foods that are high in saturated fat, such as crisps, biscuits, and cakes. |
| Honey | Do not give honey to children under one year old as it may contain bacteria that can cause infant botulism. |
| Rice drinks | Children under five years old should not have rice drinks as they may contain too much arsenic. |
| Slush ice drinks | Children under four years old should not have slush ice drinks as they may contain too much glycerol. |
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Choking hazard
Cheese can be a choking hazard for babies because they have a limited ability to grind food with their teeth. Babies may try to swallow food without chewing it properly, which puts them at risk of choking. Choking is the leading cause of injury and death among children, especially those under 4 years old. Therefore, it is critical that babies are always supervised while eating meals and snacks.
Babies generally get better at chewing around 9 to 12 months, and this is when they can start practising biting big, soft foods like bananas. By 18 months to 2 years, they may be able to handle thin slices of crunchier foods. However, it is important to note that every child is different, and some may take longer to develop the necessary chewing skills.
To prevent choking, it is recommended to offer softer cheeses to babies, such as ricotta or low-sodium cottage cheese. As babies get older and develop better chewing skills, you can introduce grated or slightly firmer cheeses, such as mild cheddar or Swiss cheese. When serving cheese to babies, it is important to cut it into small, manageable bites or shred it into fine pieces. Avoid giving large chunks of hard cheese that can pose a choking hazard.
In addition to cheese, there are several other foods that are common choking hazards for babies and toddlers. These include hot dogs, whole grapes, raw vegetables, nuts and seeds, popcorn, peanut butter, and hard candies. It is important to closely monitor your child's chewing and swallowing abilities to determine when they are ready to try more challenging textures.
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Allergies
Cheese can be a part of a healthy and balanced diet for babies and young children, providing them with calcium, protein, and vitamins. However, there are some important considerations and potential risks associated with feeding cheese to babies, especially concerning allergies and intolerances.
Firstly, it is crucial to introduce cheese to babies at an appropriate developmental stage. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that an infant's first foods be single-ingredient purees or very soft foods. Once a baby is ready for more textured foods, around 9 to 12 months of age, cheese can be introduced. It is important to ensure that the cheese is grated or cut into small cubes to prevent choking hazards.
When introducing cheese to babies, it is recommended to start with pasteurized, full-fat cheese. Unpasteurized cheeses may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause foodborne illnesses, posing a higher risk to young children due to their less developed immune systems and lower stomach acid levels. Listeria monocytogenes, for example, is a type of bacteria that can be found in unpasteurized cheese, and it can lead to fatal foodborne illness, especially in infants.
While cheese is not one of the top allergenic foods, it can still cause allergies and intolerances in some babies due to the presence of milk protein. The most common food allergy in babies and young children is cow's milk allergy, and most children eventually outgrow it. However, some children may develop an allergy to cheese alone, even if they can tolerate other dairy products. Signs of a food allergy include hives, itchy skin rashes, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pale skin. If a baby exhibits any of these symptoms or has a family history of allergies, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before introducing cheese or any new food.
Additionally, it is worth noting that lactose intolerance is different from a dairy allergy. Lactose intolerance is a digestive response, whereas a dairy allergy is an immune response. People with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme needed to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk. While aged cheese contains less lactose than milk, and babies do not typically have trouble digesting it, intolerance can still cause uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
In conclusion, while cheese can be a nutritious part of a baby's diet, it is important to introduce it at the appropriate developmental stage and in a safe manner. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant in monitoring their babies for any signs of allergies or intolerances and seek medical advice when necessary.
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Digestive issues
Firstly, it is important to note that cheese can be a choking hazard for babies, particularly large chunks of hard cheese. Therefore, it is recommended to start with softer cheeses, such as ricotta or low-sodium cottage cheese, and to offer bite-sized cubes or grated cheese to older babies who are more experienced chewers.
Secondly, the type of cheese given to babies is crucial. Pasteurized full-fat cheese, including hard cheeses like mild cheddar, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, is generally safe for babies from 6 months old. However, unpasteurized cheese made with raw milk should be avoided as it may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous form of bacteria. This type of bacteria can cause a potentially fatal foodborne illness, especially in infants. Mold-ripened soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, and ripened soft blue-veined cheeses, such as Roquefort, are also best avoided due to a higher risk of listeria contamination.
Additionally, while lactose intolerance is different from a dairy allergy, it is still important to consider. Cheese has a low lactose content, so babies typically do not have trouble digesting it. However, cow's milk is more difficult for babies to digest and should be introduced after they turn one year old.
Furthermore, it is important to be mindful of a baby's salt and sugar intake. Processed cheeses, such as American cheese, tend to be high in sodium, so it is advisable to opt for less-processed cheeses that are lower in salt. Similarly, sugar should be avoided in a baby's diet, as it can lead to tooth decay.
Lastly, some babies may have specific dietary restrictions or allergies that impact their ability to digest cheese. If there is a history of food allergies or eczema in the family, it is recommended to consult a doctor before introducing cheese. While cheese is not one of the top allergenic foods, it can still cause allergies due to the presence of milk protein.
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Nutritional value
Cheese can form part of a healthy and balanced diet for babies, offering a range of nutritional benefits. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential choking hazard that cheese poses to young children and to be aware of the risk of foodborne illnesses caused by unpasteurized cheeses.
Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and other important nutrients. A half-cup of full-fat cottage cheese, for example, provides 87 mg of calcium, 167 mg of phosphorus, and 10.2 mcg of selenium. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and healthy fats. Cheese also provides vitamins including B12, zinc, phosphorus, and iodine, which can be particularly hard to get from a dairy-free diet.
For children under the age of two, full-fat cheese is recommended as low-fat varieties are not suitable. Pasteurized, full-fat cheese can be introduced to babies when they are ready to start solids, which is generally around six months of age. However, it is important to introduce cheese in small quantities and to be aware of potential milk allergies or intolerances, as cow's milk is one of the most common food allergies in babies and young children.
Mild cheddar, cottage cheese, and cream cheese are suitable options for babies, as they are pasteurized and made from cow's milk. Soft, mold-ripened cheeses such as brie, camembert, and blue-veined cheeses like Roquefort should be avoided as they may contain Listeria, a harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
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Social media trends
In early March 2019, a viral social media trend known as the "Cheese Challenge" or "#cheesedchallenge" emerged, in which parents filmed themselves throwing slices of cheese at their babies' faces and sharing the videos on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. The challenge originated from a video posted by a man named Charles Amara from Michigan, who posted a video of a baby with a slice of cheese stuck to its face with the caption, "Attack of the cheese Episode 2". The video was then shared and replicated by others, sparking a trend.
The "Cheese Challenge" sparked mixed reactions from the online community, with some finding it funny and entertaining, while others criticised it as a form of abuse or bullying. Some social media influencers and celebrities were among the most vocal critics of the trend, politely asking parents not to participate. The trend also raised concerns among experts, who warned that while it might not constitute child abuse, it could indicate a lack of understanding of the child's needs and developmental stage by the parents.
The "Cheese Challenge" also sparked discussions about the potential impact on a baby's developing brain. While some argued that the presence of a guardian during the challenge could create a "buffer" that reduces stress, others expressed concern about the potential short-term and long-term consequences, especially for children with unknown developmental disabilities.
The trend also led to debates about the role of social media in encouraging such behaviour and the potential for social media sites to become a platform for viral challenges that may not always be positive or harmless. Some commentators noted that the "Cheese Challenge" was just one example of a broader phenomenon of social media users seeking attention through stunts or pranks involving their children.
Overall, while the "Cheese Challenge" may have been a short-lived trend, it sparked intense debates about the ethics of using babies for entertainment, the potential impact on their well-being, and the role of social media in promoting such behaviours.
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Frequently asked questions
The #CheeseChallenge involves throwing a slice of cheese at a baby's face and recording their reaction. This challenge is dangerous as throwing objects at a baby's face can cause harm to the child.
Aside from the physical risks, the #CheeseChallenge also raises concerns about the privacy and security of the children involved. The challenge can be seen as an invasion of the child's privacy and may leave them feeling bewildered and confused.
The consequences of the #CheeseChallenge can vary. While some babies may find it funny, others may cry or be left feeling startled and confused. In some cases, the challenge may lead to invasive situations for the family, as seen in the case of the original video posted by @unclehxlmes.
The ethics of the #CheeseChallenge are questionable. While some may argue that it is a harmless joke, others may see it as disrespectful and an invasion of privacy. The challenge may also be seen as a waste of food, as it involves throwing cheese slices.
