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    MJ & Hungryman » How To Series

    Best Cheese for Babies and Toddlers

    By Min On May 2, 2023

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    Shredded, mashed, bite-sized, and big strips of cheese.

    Here's everything you need to know about serving cheese to your baby, including the best varieties, when and how to introduce safely, as well as plenty of easy meal ideas and recipes.

    Shredded, mashed, bite-sized, and big strips of cheese.
    Jump to:
    • When can Babies Eat Cheese?
    • Health Benefits
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Best Cheese for Babies
    • Best Cheese for Toddlers
    • How to Serve Cheese to Babies
    • How to serve Cheese to toddlers
    • Baby Food Recipes with Cheese

    When can Babies Eat Cheese?

    Cheese can be offered to your baby as soon as they're ready to start solids, around 6 months. But not all of them are suitable. Look for one that is low in sodium, pasteurized, and made with whole milk.

    It is also important to serve them appropriately as cheese is a common choking hazard.

    Is your baby 6 months old and up?

    Learn all the secrets to starting solids safely while optimizing nutrition!
    I NEED IT NOW!

    Health Benefits

    Cheese, when consumed in moderation, is a wonderful source of many nutrients, including:

    • Protein and fat - provides energy and supports optimal growth and brain development
    • Calcium, vitamin D - supports bone health, muscle function, and immune health
    • Vitamin B12 - important for nervous system development and healthy blood cell

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can babies eat cheese every day?

    Technically yes, BUT it is best to invite other foods into your baby's diet. It is also filling due to its high protein and fat content likely leaving little room for your baby to try other foods.

    Too much dairy can also lead to iron-deficiency anemia as calcium can inhibit iron absorption. Again, this is not to say you shouldn't serve cheese but a reminder to always practice moderation.

    Here are the best iron rich foods for babies that you do want to focus on serving early and often.

    Does cheese cause constipation?

    It can if your baby consumes more than the recommended amount of 1-2 ounces of cheese per day. That's because cheese contains little fiber while being high in fat.

    Keep in mind though that constipation in babies can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of fluids, not getting enough fiber, and changes in diet or routine.

    Why is cheese so high in sodium?

    Salt is used to help control moisture, prevent bacteria growth, and for flavor. The amount of salt used really depends on the variety and the cheesemaker's preference so be sure to always check the labels.

    Is vegan cheese safe for babies?

    This is a great option if your baby is allergic to dairy or your family follows a plant-based diet. Just be sure to look at the ingredient list closely to make sure there aren't too many preservaties and salt.

    Is cheese a choking hazard?

    Yes, it can be if cut into small cubes or thick slices. Cheese strings also should be avoided due to its cylindrical shape. All of these shapes increase the chances of the cheese getting lodged in your baby's airway.

    You also need to avoid thick melted cheese. Just like thick globs of peanut butter, it can get stuck in your baby's airway.

    Do I need to get organic cheese for my baby?

    You don't! Although organic cheese does contain more healthy fats, it is more expensive. If it's in your budget, sure! But whether organic or non-organic, cheese is a nutritious and delicious food to introduce to your baby.

    How much cheese can toddlers eat in a day?

    The official serving size recommendation for dairy is 2-3 servings per day. One serving equals ½ ounce of cheese, so your toddler can have up to 1.5 ounces of cheese a day.

    However, it's important to continue exposing your child to a variety of foods. So try to invite other foods into the rotation.

    Best Cheese for Babies

    Again, the three main criteria are when selecting the best cheese for your baby are: low in sodium (aim for less than 100 mg per serving), pasteurized (higher risk of foodborne illness), and made with whole milk (fat is crucial for optimal brain development).

    Cheese with the lowest amount of sodium are:

    • Ricotta
    • Mascarpone
    • Swiss cheese
    • Creme fraiche
    • Farmer's cheese
    • Goat Cheese
    • Fresh mozzarella (avoid low-moisture mozzarella)
    • Paneer
    • Labneh

    Now this doesn't mean you should totally avoid cheeses that are higher in sodium, like cheddar cheese or parmesan, especially if it's one that your family enjoys.

    For instance, I love to add cheddar cheese to so many of our family dinners. And while you can set aside a portion for your baby and add the cheese at the end for the rest of the family, I just add it knowing that the quantity added is for the whole dish and my baby will only eat a small amount at a time.

    Best Cheese for Toddlers

    The options listed above are still great at this age along with higher sodium cheese in moderation. These include cheddar cheese, gouda, feta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and parmesan.

    I recommend opting for full-fat cheese, but you can select other types after 2 years of age.

    How to Serve Cheese to Babies

    6-8 Months

    Cream cheese served in different ways for babies.

    Soft, spreadable cheeses

    • serve as is with a spoon (this baby spoon is a must-have!)
    • spread onto toast
    • combine with oatmeal, lentils, baby cereal
    • mix with seeds or ground nuts
    • stir in peanut butter
    • Toss with pasta
    • spread onto broccoli, carrots, zucchini, sweet potatoes

    For guidance on specific foods, check out my how to series for babies.

    Shredded

    Add to baked goods or baby and toddler friendly dinners.

    9-11 Months

    Shredded, bite-sized, and big strip of mozzarella cheese.

    In addition to the above options,

    • Thinly sliced
    • Shredded and offer as a finger food now that they are able to pick up smaller pieces of food with their pincer grasp
    • Soft crumbles

    How to serve Cheese to toddlers

    A thin rectangular slice of cheddar and cheese stick.
    • Thin slices or bite-sized pieces but not cubed
    • Thin strands of cheese sticks or string cheese (whole string cheese or round cuts are choking hazards)

    Baby Food Recipes with Cheese

    You can easily swap the cheese to suit your needs and preferences.

    Savory Vegetable Muffins
    Loaded with veggies and packed with flavor these savory vegetable muffins with cheese are perfect for breakfast or school lunches
    Get the recipe
    Two stacked muffins with a bite taken out of the top one.
    Omelette Pizza
    Pizza eggs - your favorite pizza toppings, flavorful sauce, protein-rich eggs, and cheese all cooked to perfection in one pan. Enjoy for breakfast or any time of the day!
    Get the recipe
    Toddler's hand grabbing a slice of pizza eggs.
    Mini Waffles
    These mini waffles are so easy to make with simple, healthy ingredients! They are the perfect size for babies and toddlers and a fun and interactive breakfast or snack option.
    Get the recipe
    Three mini waffles topped with peanut butter and berries.
    Baked Sweet Potato Tots
    These oven-baked sweet potato tots are made with just 4 ingredients and are a healthy snack or side dish for the entire family!
    Get the recipe
    tots plated on a white plate with toddler's hand dipping one into green hummus.
    Savory French toast
    This savory vegetable French toast or eggy bread is an EASY and fun way to use up leftovers. Suitable for babies 6 months and up!
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of baby French toast strips as well as bite-sized pieces on a parchment paper
    Healthy Sweet Potato Patties
    Slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these sweet potato patties are easy to make, flavorful, and nutritious!
    Get the recipe
    A close up overhead shot of baked sweet potato patty.
    Baked Veggie Nuggets
    These baked veggie nuggets are an easy and fun way to get more vegetables into your child's diet! Made with four vegetables, they are perfect for lunch or snack!
    Get the recipe
    A toddler's hand dipping one of the nuggets in beet hummus.
    English muffin pizza (with vegetables)
    English muffin pizza is a super fun and delicious way to encourage even the pickiest eater to eat their vegetables! And if you're looking for a safe and healthy baby pizza recipe, step right up!
    Get the recipe
    four cooked english pizza muffin with one of them sliced into three strips
    Hummus Grilled Cheese
    10 minutes is all you need to whip up this exciting twist on a kid favorite lunch - grilled cheese. The simple addition of hummus will amp up flavor and nutrition.
    Get the recipe
    three stacked hummus grilled cheese.
    Mini crustless quiche
    Packed with protein and vegetables, this mini crustless quiche is so easy to make! Enjoy as a make-ahead breakfast, snack, or pack for lunch boxes.
    Get the recipe
    cooked salmon quiche in a white oval plate with a toddler hand
    Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach
    So simple, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this 20-minute lemon garlic ricotta pasta is an effortless weeknight dinner.
    Get the recipe
    An overhead shot of ricotta pasta in a bowl with cherry tomatoes.
    Creamy Chicken Orzo
    Cozy up with this creamy chicken orzo, a one pot wonder that the whole family will love! It's the perfect easy weeknight dinner.
    Get the recipe
    cooked chicken orzo in a large pot.
    No stir Quinoa Risotto with Mushrooms
    This 30 minute mushroom quinotto or quinoa risotto is much easier to make compared to traditional risotto and requires zero stirring!
    Get the recipe
    Mom, toddler, and baby's plates.
    Homemade Beefaroni
    This beefaroni is the perfect meal that the whole family can enjoy. Made with ground beef, veggies, and pantry staples, it is oh so hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to be on your table in 30 minutes or less!
    Get the recipe
    Cooked pasta in a large dutch oven with fresh parsley and a large orange spatula
    Vegetarian Sweet Potato Lasagna with Quinoa
    This vegetarian sweet potato lasagna with quinoa requires no boiling of noodles and assembly couldn't be easier!
    Get the recipe
    a close up shot of cooked lasagna in the baking pan with fresh basil.

    More How to Series

    • A four image collage of baby meals with chickpeas.
      Chickpeas for Baby (With Recipes)
    • Banana with peel on, banana spears, mashed, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
      Ultimate Guide To BLW Banana (with Recipes)
    • Pancakes in freezer bag.
      How to Freeze Pancakes
    • A plate with pureed, mashed, flattened blueberries and blueberry spread toast.
      Blueberries for Babies (Puree and Baby Led Weaning)

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

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    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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