Babies starting solids with a baby led weaning approach and babies in the finger food stage can have cheese, BUT you should follow some guidelines for safety. Learn the best cheeses for baby led weaning and how to serve cheese safely to babies.

This post has been written and medically reviewed by Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist).
If you are starting baby led weaning with your little one, or even if you're spoon feeding and starting to introduce finger foods, you may be confused about whether or not your baby can eat cheese. There is conflicting information about if and when babies can have cheese, and what kinds are appropriate. Today I'm clearing up the confusion around introducing cheese to your little one!
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Can Babies Have Cheese?
Short answer: Yes, but not just any cheese. Once babies are developmentally ready for solids, usually around 6 months, they can eat some cheeses in moderation, especially if you are using a baby led weaning approach. Cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, fat and energy for little ones, and can certainly be part of a healthy diet for babies.
Cheeses vary widely in texture, processing method and sodium content, so not all of them will be appropriate for little ones just starting solids from 6-12 months. It's best to choose a cheese that is a safe, soft texture for baby led weaning babies and babies in the finger food stage. You should also make sure you serve cheese in a developmentally appropriate shape or method to avoid choking risks - keep reading for the exact what and how.
Some other potential issues with cheese are sodium content and pasteurization. Imported cheeses (for those in the US) are not usually made with pasteurized milk, so for babies under 1 year old, it's best to avoid unpasteurized soft cheeses, which carry a higher (though still low) risk of food borne illness. Finally, many cheeses available here in the US are high in sodium, so it might be best to limit or avoid higher sodium options until baby reaches 1 year of age, especially if other foods you offer contain a moderate amount of sodium.
Is Cheese a Choking Hazard?
Semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and part-skin mozzarella, as well as melting cheeses like Oaxaca and fontina, can be a considerable choking risk for babies, especially if they are not offered in an appropriate shape. For these cheeses, if you choose to offer them, stick to finely grated shreds, or a small amount melted onto something that is also an appropriate shape for baby. These cheeses should not be offered cold in a finger-shaped strip, chunks, or sticks (string cheese). As always, you should supervise baby closely at any eating occasion.
Softer cheeses, such as whole milk fresh mozzarella, soft goat cheese, and ricotta are safer textures that you can serve in the normal BLW style shape/on a spoon as appropriate. Hard cheeses like aged parmesan can be finely shaved onto baby's food without issue, but shouldn't be given in chunks or strips.
Is Cheese a Common Allergen?
Most cheese is made form cow's milk, which is a common allergen. If you've already introduced cow's milk to your baby safely, you can offer small amounts of cheese without worrying about allergies. Many cheeses are low in lactose, so may be okay for those with lactose intolerance, but it varies by the type.
Read More: Introducing Allergens to Babies
The Best Cheeses For Babies
The best cheeses for babies are soft and mild. My top picks for baby led weaning babies 6 months and up, and babies in the finger food stage are:
- Ricotta
- Fresh, whole milk mozzarella (or burrata)
- Soft goat cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Swiss
How To Serve Cheese for Baby Led Weaning 6 Months +
Ricotta
Ricotta cheese is low in sodium, a good source of protein and calcium, and a great texture for little ones. You can offer ricotta on a preloaded soft spoon, or dollop a little bit on a plate or bowl for baby to scoop up with his hands. Try it with a little lemon zest or chopped fresh herbs to introduce new flavors to your baby, or serve a little bit with pasta.
Whole Milk Fresh Mozzarella (or Burrata)
Fresh mozzarella (the kind sold in a ball) is another low sodium, high protein cheese that is a soft texture for little ones. You can cut this kind into very thin, finger-shaped strips. If you're offering it melted onto something, be sure it is shredded first, as large blobs of mozzarella can get caught up in baby's mouth and pose a choking risk. Burrata, which is a creamier version of mozzarella is also appropriate for babies. You can offer them a small piece torn into a thin strip with the creamy inside for them to scoop up with their hands.
Soft Goat Cheese
Soft goat cheese (sold in a log) is a good, soft texture for babies. Let it sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften up, and offer in long pieces or large crumbles. Avoid small, round crumbles, especially pre-crumbled, since these could be a choking risk.
Cottage Cheese
While cottage cheese is higher in sodium, it is also a great source of protein that's super easy. The texture is great for babies and the neutral flavor allows other interesting flavors to be blended in, such as fruit puree, powdered peanut butter, or fresh herbs and spices. Serve cottage cheese on a pre-loaded spoon, or allow baby to scoop it up with his hands from a rimmed plate or bowl. Opt for whole milk cottage cheese when possible, since higher energy foods are better for babies, and limit cottage cheese to a couple of times a week.
Swiss
If you're going to offer a firm cheese, Swiss is a good option since it is lower in sodium. Make sure it is shredded. Avoid chunks or strips.
Cheeses to Avoid
As mentioned above, it's best to steer clear of cold semi-hard cheeses (the kind widely available here in the US) such as cheddar, part skim mozzarella, gouda, or jack cheese to avoid choking, and if you do offer them, make sure they are finely shredded and/or melted into something. Definitely no cubes or cheese sticks.
Unpasteurized soft cheeses like blue cheese should be avoided for babies under 1 year due to the slight risk of food borne illness.
Finally, processed cheese products like American cheese are high in sodium and additives, and are not a good texture for babies, and so they should also be avoided.
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Other FAQ
Babies under 1 year of age (or still breast feeding) CAN have milk, they just should not have it as a beverage, since it could displace more nutrient-dense breast milk or formula. It is safe to give them milk in other dishes. Read more about cow's milk for babies here.
Once baby demonstrates strong eating skills like taking small bites, chewing food well, and not overstuffing the mouth (usually around 12-18 months), you can offer harder cheeses in thin slices (think sandwich slices). Chunks of hard cheese continue to be a choking risk through the toddler years, so when you start to offer them, it's best to eliminate any cube or round shape by cutting or tearing into smaller, thinner pieces.
While it is fine to offer a little bit of cheese as part of a dish on a daily basis, do keep in mind that many cheeses are high in sodium. Too much cheese can also be filling and push out other, nutrient dense foods, as well as cause constipation. If you notice constipation or if you child has a limited diet that includes high amounts of cheese, consider reducing the amount of cheese given or eliminating it completely for a short period.
While macaroni and cheese is usually just fine for babies texture and shape-wise, it is best to avoid highly processed boxed mac and cheese until baby is at least 1 year old due to the high sodium content and additives. It is fine for baby to eat a little bit of homemade macaroni and cheese (avoid shells!) every once in a while.
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