When Can You Introduce Cheese To A Baby?

Any new parent probably knows that they can’t give their baby every single food yet. There is a timeline for introducing new foods and some of it depends on physical development, such as motor skills and having teeth, while other elements depend on safety. Introducing cheese involves both of these things.

Why Wait

When babies are first born, they find it very difficult to digest cow’s milk. That’s why formula is suggested instead of cow’s milk if breastfeeding is not an option. Despite this, cheese isn’t as much of a concern as other dairy products, such as milk. That is due to the method by which cheese is cultured as it reduces lactose and makes it easier to digest the milk protein.

When It’s Safe

Most pediatricians will recommend that you wait until your baby is about six months old to start introducing cheese into his diet and this is about the time that you will start introducing other foods as well. Other pediatricians will suggest waiting a bit longer, such as eight to ten months, so you should always ask your child’s doctor before introducing it.

Special Considerations

If your child has shown any signs of a milk or cheese allergy (such as through accidental contact) or there is a family history of these problems, his pediatrician may suggest waiting a bit longer to introduce cheese. No matter whether or not there is a family history of allergies, always be careful to make sure your baby doesn’t have a negative reaction. Watch him closely for wheezing, diarrhea, swelling, rashes, or other symptoms of food allergies and wait to introduce a new food for at least three days.

How To Introduce It

Although you can introduce your baby to cheese starting at around six months of age, you should wait longer to give him softer or unpasteurized cheese as these varieties will have more bacteria present. Instead, start with American, Jack, Colby, or cottage cheese. Don’t be surprised if your baby simply wants to play with his cheese the first time you give it to him, but be patient. Make sure you cut it into pieces the sizes of a finger-tip so he doesn’t choke. You can also try grating some cheese into some mashed avocado or banana or some scrambled eggs. You can also add some finely diced fruit to the cheese, especially if you are introducing cottage cheese.