Prep warning
Skip unpasteurized (raw-milk) cheeses and high-sodium processed cheese for young children.
Choking notes
Firm cheese cubes and rounds (string cheese bitten whole) are a top choking risk. Shred, melt, or cut into thin strips.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Pasteurized only. Use whole-milk soft cheeses (cream cheese, ricotta, labneh) or semi-firm slices like cheddar or swiss. Skip mold-ripened types like brie or camembert.
Spread soft cheese thinly on toast, or offer long flat strips of semi-firm cheese baby can grasp. Never serve cubes or thick chunks at this age.
9-12 months
Continue pasteurized soft and semi-firm cheeses. Shredded cheese can be melted sparingly into eggs, pasta, or vegetables.
Cut bite-sized pieces from a thin flat slice for pincer-grasp practice, or stay with long flat strips. Still no cubes or thick chunks.
12-18 months
Pasteurized soft, thinly sliced semi-firm, or melted, crumbled, or grated hard cheeses. Remove any large globs of melted cheese before serving.
Thin slices and strips, melted layers on top of food, or grated and crumbled portions. Still avoid cubes; only serve seated and supervised.
2 years and up
Pasteurized cheeses still preferred. Continue avoiding mold-ripened or smear-ripened varieties; model chewing fully with molars before swallowing.
Cheese cubes are okay only if the toddler takes accurate-sized bites without stuffing the mouth. Always seated, never while walking or in a car seat.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Milk is a common allergen. Read Milk guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat Cheese?
Most babies can try Cheese from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
Track Cheese and every first food in nappi
Log solids, watch for reactions, and get reminders to reintroduce new foods. Free to try.