The Short Answer
Babies can eat pasteurized cheese from around 6 months old. Like yogurt, cheese is a dairy product that is safe before the age when cow's milk as a drink is introduced. Choose full-fat, pasteurized varieties.
Nutritional Benefits
Cheese is a nutrient-rich food for growing babies:
- Calcium - essential for strong bones and teeth
- Protein - supports growth and tissue repair
- Vitamin A - important for vision and immune function
Cheese also provides phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin B12.
How to Prepare Cheese for Different Ages
6 to 8 Months
Baby-led weaning (BLW): Offer thin, flat strips of cheese (about the size of your finger). You can also grate cheese finely over warm foods like pasta or vegetables, where it melts and becomes easier to eat.
Puree approach: Melt a small amount of mild cheese into vegetable purees (broccoli, sweet potato, or cauliflower) for added flavor and nutrition.
9 to 12 Months
Cut cheese into small cubes or thin slices for pincer grasp practice. Offer grated cheese on top of soft foods. Cheese on toast strips is an easy and popular finger food.
12+ Months
Serve cheese as part of meals and snacks. Grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese quesadillas, cheese sauce on pasta, and cheese with crackers are all toddler favorites.
Which Cheese to Choose
Safe Choices for Babies
- Cheddar - mild, widely available, melts well
- Swiss/Emmental - mild, slightly sweet
- Mozzarella - soft, mild, easy to melt
- Cottage cheese - soft, high protein (choose full-fat)
- Cream cheese - spread thinly on toast or crackers
- Ricotta - soft, mild, mixes well into pasta
Cheese to Avoid for Babies
- Unpasteurized cheese (raw milk cheese) - risk of Listeria and other bacteria
- Mold-ripened cheese (Brie, Camembert) - avoid until 12 months (Listeria risk)
- Blue cheese (Roquefort, Gorgonzola) - avoid until 12 months
- Very high-sodium cheese - choose lower-sodium options when possible
Always check the label to confirm cheese is made from pasteurized milk. In the US, nearly all commercially sold cheese is pasteurized. In Europe, raw milk cheeses are more common at farmers markets.
Allergen Info
Dairy (cow's milk protein) is one of the top 9 allergens:
- Introduce cheese in a small amount and wait 2 to 3 days before trying another new food
- Watch for signs of allergy: hives, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, or blood in stool
- If your baby has cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA), avoid all dairy including cheese
- A dairy allergy is different from lactose intolerance, which is uncommon in infants
Choking Hazards
- Avoid large cubes or thick slices that could block the airway
- Cut cheese into thin, flat strips or small cubes for younger babies
- Melted or grated cheese is generally safer than solid pieces
- String cheese can be pulled into long strips that pose a risk. Cut into short pieces.
- Always supervise your baby during meals
Frequently Asked Questions
Can babies eat processed cheese?
While safe to eat, processed cheese (like American cheese singles) is higher in sodium and lower in nutrition than natural cheese. Choose natural, full-fat cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella when possible.
How much cheese can a baby eat per day?
About 1/2 to 1 ounce (15 to 28 grams) of cheese per day is appropriate for babies 6 to 12 months. This is roughly the size of two dice. Cheese should be part of a varied diet, not the sole source of dairy.
Why can babies have cheese but not milk?
Like yogurt, cheese contains concentrated nutrients and has undergone processing (culturing, aging) that partially breaks down proteins and lactose. Cow's milk as a drink is not recommended before 12 months because it lacks sufficient iron and can stress immature kidneys when consumed in large amounts.
Explore More
Use our SmartStart Food Guide to check which foods are safe for your baby's age. For a complete guide to starting solids, read our Baby-Led Weaning Complete Guide.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - Starting Solid Foods
- NHS - Foods to Avoid Giving Babies
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Complementary Feeding