If you’re wondering how to serve cheese to your baby you’ve come to the right place. Cheese is an excellent form of protein and can be served in a multitude of ways to help your baby develop and grow. Find out here how to serve cheese to your baby, the answers to other commonly asked questions and a list of our favourite recipes that use cheese including muffins and pasta!
How to Serve Cheese to Baby
Cheese can be introduced to babies around 6 months old, after they have started solids and are able to tolerate dairy. Here’s how you can serve cheese to your baby:
Selection: Choose mild and soft varieties of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella. Avoid cheeses with strong flavours or those that are made from unpasteurized milk.
Preparation: Cut the cheese into small, bite-sized pieces or shred/grate it for easier chewing.
Serving: Offer the cheese pieces to your baby as a finger food or incorporate them into meals like omelettes or pasta dishes. Ensure the cheese is served at an appropriate temperature and supervise your baby while they are eating.
What are the Health Benefits of Offering Cheese to Your Baby?
Offering cheese to a baby can provide several essential nutritional elements that contribute to their overall health and development. Here are some key benefits:
- Protein: Cheese is a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
- Calcium: Cheese is rich in calcium, promoting strong bones and teeth formation. Adequate calcium intake during infancy is crucial for proper skeletal development.
- Vitamin B12: Cheese contains vitamin B12, which plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
- Healthy Fats: Cheese offers healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain development and cognitive function in infants.
- Vitamin D: Some cheeses, such as cheddar or Swiss, contain small amounts of vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium and supports bone health.
- Probiotics: Certain types of cheese, like yogurt cheese or cottage cheese, contain probiotics that promote a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion and potentially boosting immune function.
Our favourite baby led weaning products
Can I offer cheese as a finger food to my baby?
Yes, you can cut cheese into small cubes or sticks for your baby to hold and eat as a finger food. Make sure the cheese is soft and suitable for your baby’s age.
Should I choose low-fat or full-fat cheese for my baby?
Full-fat cheese is recommended for babies as they need the healthy fats for their growth and development.
Can I melt cheese and serve it with other foods?
Yes, you can melt cheese and serve it with vegetables, pasta, or spread it on bread. Ensure it cools down to a safe temperature before offering it to your baby.
Our Favourite Recipes for Babies Using Cheese
Author: Nicola Hughes
Nicola has weaned both of her boys using the baby led weaning method. She loves nothing better than creating simple recipes that anyone can recreate, using as few ingredients as possible. All of her recipes have been tried and tested by both Dexter and Felix and have their seal of approval!