How to serve Cheese For Babies

Cheese is a nutrient-packed food to include in your little one's diet when they start solids. It adds flavour and provides a range of important nutrients, but there are a few things to consider when choosing and serving it.

Can babies eat cheese?

Yes. Babies can eat cheese from around 6 months once they are ready for solids. Choosing the right type of cheese and serving it safely is important.

Is cheese an allergen?

Yes. Cheese is typically made from cow’s milk, which is a top 9 allergen.

Introduce dairy in an age-appropriate way and monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction.

Is cheese a choking hazard for babies?

Yes. Cheese can be a choking risk due to its firm and sometimes rubbery texture.

To reduce risk:

• Grate or thinly slice firm cheeses
• Avoid large chunks or cubes
• Be cautious with melted cheese (can become stretchy and rubbery)
• Always supervise eating

How to serve cheese for babies

6–9 months

• Soft cheeses (e.g. cottage cheese, mascarpone) served as is
• Spread on toast or mixed into meals
• Finely grated or thinly sliced cheese

Choose lower sodium options where possible when first introducing.

9–12 months

• Continue soft cheeses and grated options
• Introduce slightly firmer cheeses in small amounts
• Add into family meals and recipes

As you approach 12 months, moderate sodium cheeses can be included occasionally.

12+ months

• Cheese can be served more freely in meals
• Continue to avoid cubes, sticks or large chunks. "Cheese sticks" should be sliced lengthways into quarters.
• Focus on safe shapes and sizes

Mould-ripened cheeses (like brie or blue cheese) are best introduced after 12 months, and later if preferred.

Nutritional benefits of cheese for babies

Cheese provides vitamin A, B12, zinc, calcium and protein. It’s a great way to boost both nutrition and flavour in meals.

What to look for when choosing cheese

• Pasteurised — most cheeses in Australia are, but always check labels
• Full fat — low-fat options are not suitable before age 2
• Lower sodium — aim for cheeses closer to 120mg per 100g where possible

Some naturally lower sodium options include mozzarella, bocconcini and cottage cheese.

A note on sodium: Cheese is high in sodium because salt is added when it is being made to prevent bacteria from growing, reduce the moisture, enhance the taste and texture. Some varieties are much higher in sodium than others. Under the age of 1 we are trying to minimise the sodium in bub's diet. Most cheese will not fit the sodium content above. Aim for something close to 120mg is great and less than 400mg (which is high sodium).  

Keep in mind that foods do not boil down to one nutrient. Cheese is higher in sodium but filled with a lot of other great nutrients. We also aren't serving very much to little one's when they start solids so a small amount of higher sodium cheese occasionally as part of a meal or recipe isn't something to get worried about either

Easy ways to offer cheese

• Spread soft cheese on toast
• Add to breakfast dishes
• Use as a dip with fruit or vegetables
• Sprinkle grated cheese into meals
• Mix into pasta or savoury dishes

Frequently asked questions

Can babies eat cheese every day?
Yes, in small amounts as part of a balanced diet.

What cheese is best for babies?
Full-fat, pasteurised and lower sodium options are ideal.

Is cheese too high in salt for babies?
Cheese does contain sodium, but small amounts within a balanced diet are fine.

Can babies eat melted cheese?
Yes, but avoid large melted clumps as they can be rubbery and harder to manage.

Expert tip

Grating cheese finely is one of the easiest ways to make it safer for babies while still adding flavour and nutrition to meals.