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According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies can start having cheese as early as 6 months of age, provided that they are able to tolerate solid foods.
This is typically around the time when babies start eating solid foods in addition to breast milk or formula.
It’s important to introduce new food which are common allergens one at a time and wait a few days before introducing another new food to ensure that the baby doesn’t have an allergic reaction or adverse reaction to the food.
Dairy products are common allergens, therefore when you first give your baby cheese you should give a small amount and watch your baby for signs of allergy.
What Are The Signs Of Dairy Allergy In A Baby?
If a baby is allergic to dairy, their immune system may react to proteins in the milk, leading to a variety of symptoms.
Here are some signs of a dairy allergy that you may observe in a baby after eating dairy products:
- Skin rash: A baby with a dairy allergy may develop a rash on their skin, often around their mouth or on their face. The rash may be red and bumpy or have small, fluid-filled blisters.
- Digestive problems: A baby with a dairy allergy may experience digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach cramps. They may also have gas or bloating.
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- Respiratory problems: A baby with a dairy allergy may experience respiratory problems such as wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing.
- Fussiness or irritability: A baby with a dairy allergy may be fussy or irritable after eating dairy products. They may also have trouble sleeping or be restless.
- Colic-like symptoms: A baby with a dairy allergy may experience colic-like symptoms, such as excessive crying, fussiness, and difficulty settling down.
- A sudden change in bowel habits
If you suspect that your baby may be allergic to dairy, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician. They can help diagnose the allergy and provide guidance on how to manage it.
In some cases, a baby may need to avoid dairy products altogether or switch to a hypoallergenic formula if they are bottle-fed. If your baby is breastfed and has a dairy allergy, you may need to eliminate dairy products from your own diet.
It’s important to follow your pediatrician’s guidance and not remove dairy from your baby’s diet without consulting with them first, as dairy is an important source of nutrients for growing babies.
What Types of Cheese Are Safe for Babies?
When it comes to choosing cheese for babies, it’s important to select types that are safe and appropriate for their age.
Some types of cheese, such as soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, should be avoided because they have a higher risk of containing harmful bacteria such as Listeria.
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Here are some types of cheese that are safe for babies:
- Cheddar: This mild cheese is a popular choice for babies and is a good source of calcium and protein.
- Mozzarella: This cheese is low in sodium and high in protein, making it a healthy choice for babies.
- Colby: This cheese is similar to cheddar and is another good source of calcium and protein.
- Cottage cheese: This soft cheese is a good source of protein and can be easily mashed or pureed for babies who are just starting to eat solid foods.
- Cream cheese: This soft cheese can be spread on toast or bagels for older babies who are able to handle finger foods.
It’s important to note that cheese should always be given to babies in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Cheese is a high-calorie food, and consuming too much of it can contribute to excess weight gain.
Additionally check for the sodium/salt content in cheese. Cheese given to your baby should be low sodium or less than 140mg of sodium per serving.
How To Serve Cheese To A Baby?
if your baby has recently started weaning and is over 6 months old, you can offer any pasteurized cheese to your baby. However, cheeses can vary in texture and ease for your baby to break down.
If you are starting with mashed or pureed food then the easiest way would be to mix a soft cheese with another food they have already eaten and enjoyed such as sweet potato or avocado.
This way if your baby has an allergy you can be more clear that its the cheese product creating the reaction in your child if it occurs.
How To Introduce Cheese With Baby-led-weaning And Finger Foods?
Low salt soft cheese on wholemeal bread (without seeds) cut into thick finger strips is a great easy way to introduce cheese to a baby six months or older if they have already been introduced to wheat products.
Or alternatively, mixing with vegetables to make a tasty dip. Try our home tested recipe.
For a non none-sense and easy to follow book on weaning I highly recommend Baby-Led-Weaning The Essential Guide by Gill Raphey PHD and Tracey Murkett. They are original health professional researchers who coined the phase. It really helped me to support countless parents with their weaning difficulties and to enjoy this season with my own two children.
How Much Cheese To Give A 6 Month Old Baby?
At 6 months you can give baby about 1-2 onzes of cheese per serving for part of a healthy balanced diet.
Can An 8 Month Old Eat Cheese?
By 8 months your baby can tollerate a little more cheese. At 8-10 months the portion size can be doubled to 2-4 onces per serving. At this age your baby should still be getting the majority of their nutritional needs through breast or formula milk.
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Introducing cheese at this stage is about exposing baby to a wide variety of foods to reduce allergy and also encourage your baby to have a healthy balanced diet.
Bottom Line
Babies can start having cheese as early as 6 months of age, provided that they are able to tolerate solid foods.
When choosing cheese for babies, it’s important to select types that are safe and appropriate for their age, such as cheddar, mozzarella, Colby, cottage cheese, and cream cheese.
As with any new food, it’s important to introduce cheese to babies slowly and one at a time to monitor for any adverse reactions