Can Babies Eat Cheese?

Yes, babies can eat cheese — which is  good news for cheese-loving parents who want to share their favorite foods with their little ones. 

Cheese is a great option because it’s delicious and versatile. But don’t sleep on its nutritional offerings. Cheese is a wholesome food that provides calcium, protein and fat that support growth and brain development.

And let’s be honest, cheese delivers a convenience factor that every busy parent welcomes. It’s likely already in your fridge and you can get the job done without a lot of kitchen gadgets or online research. Just slice it, dice it or shred it and you have introduced your child to a new flavor and texture.

Of course, there are some details to keep in mind when feeding cheese to babies. Not every variety of cheese is suitable, and portion size matters. 

So, let’s walk through the when, what and how of introducing cheese to babies safely with expert-backed tips to help you feel confident along the way.

When Can Infants Have Cheese?

Babies can usually start eating cheese when they begin solid foods. 

“Babies can have cheese starting around 6 months when complementary solid foods are introduced,” says Megan Maisano, senior director of nutrition & regulatory affairs at National Dairy Council. “Cheese is a good first food choice for babies because it provides eight essential nutrients, including calcium, iodine, protein and fat – nutrients that are particularly important for healthy growth and development during this time.”

But don’t toss a cheddar cube on your baby’s highchair tray just yet. Dr. Elizabeth Zmuda, a pediatrician and director of medical education for Doctor's Hospital at OhioHealth, stresses that readiness is everything.

“I tell parents not to worry about solids until the baby can sit up, hold their head up and show interest,” she said. “That usually happens around six months, but it really depends on the baby.”

 The key is to focus on texture and safety:

• Start with yogurt or small-curd cottage cheese once purees are going well.
• Progress to soft cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta as oral skills develop.
• Save firmer cheeses for later toddlerhood and avoid cubes that can be choking hazards. 

And while your child’s gag face might cause parental panic, Zmuda assures, “Just because a baby gags or spits something out doesn’t mean they’re choking. They’re learning how to manage food.”

Best Cheese for Babies?

Not all cheeses are baby-ready. The best types of cheese for babies to start with are mild, pasteurized and lower in sodium. Think mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese and mild cheddar. These melt well, mash easily and won’t overwhelm those tiny taste buds. 

Marina Chaparro, who specializes in pediatric and family nutrition, is all for it.

“Yes, I’m a big believer in introducing a wide variety of foods early on — lots of textures and flavors,” she says. “So when I’m counseling families starting solids, my biggest takeaway is to say yes to most foods, as long as they’re age-appropriate and texture-appropriate, with a few smart modifications. And yes, that absolutely includes cheese.”

Her top picks for babies include:

• Cottage cheese (soft, mild, great with fruit)
• Ricotta (perfectly spreadable)
• Labneh or queso fresco (gentle in flavor, easy to mash)
• Thinly sliced mozzarella (just right for baby-led weaning) 

Chaparro has one caveat: “Some cheeses, like Parmesan, feta or blue cheese, are higher in sodium. It’s fine here and there, but not something I recommend as a regular part of baby’s diet.”

And Maisano touches on the safety angle: “Children under age 4 are at a higher risk for choking, so we want to avoid cubes or globs of cheese during this time – you can grate them or thinly slice them.”

How to Introduce Cheese to Your Baby

Here’s where the fun starts. Because of its versatility, you can sneak cheese into meals in many easy ways. But proceed slowly! If you’re starting to explore how to introduce cheese to your baby, just offer one variety at a time and keep an eye out for an allergic reaction.

“Serve a small portion on its own, watch for any response, and then you can increase the amount over time,” Maisano suggests. 

Thankfully, lactose intolerance is rare in infants and toddlers. If you do suspect an issue, check with your pediatrician about low-lactose or lactose-free dairy food choices.

Learn more about lactose intolerance facts.

Here are some easy ideas to get you started:

• Stir cottage cheese into mashed fruit for a sweet, creamy combo.
• Spread ricotta on a small piece of toast and top with mashed avocado.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on soft veggies or whole-wheat pasta.
• Blend cheese into purees for a silky boost of protein.

Chaparro likes to call cheese a “food bridge.”

“Cheese can help ease children into trying new or more unfamiliar foods,” she says. “Pair broccoli with melted cheese, add mozzarella and tomatoes on a mini pizza, or serve a tomato-basil-mozzarella combo, something that feels new, but anchored by a familiar flavor.”

Zmuda also leans into the fun: “Cheese is easy and most kids like it. You can get creative with shapes or pair it with fruits, which tends to be easier than veggies for infants without many teeth.”

This approach is part of the broader process of introducing milk and yogurt to babies, helping your little one explore different textures and flavors while getting key nutrients from a variety of dairy products.

Why is Cheese a Smart Choice?

We know the many flavors of cheese are “legen-dairy.” And while taste often grabs the headlines, cheese packs so much more that should catch the attention of any parent who has nutrition on their mind.

“Cheese — and dairy in general — provides more bone-building nutrients than any other food group,” Chaparro explains.

Beyond calcium and protein for bones, cheese is also a source of fat, B12, iodine and zinc, which are key for brain development.

“For babies, I always recommend full-fat dairy, including cheese and yogurt,” Chaparro adds. “That fat is essential in supporting brain growth, and sometimes parents overlook it. I like to say, ‘If you want a future Einstein, full-fat dairy matters!’ That usually gets their attention.” 

Zmuda likes to keep perspective with parents: “I tell them to think of it like a toolbox. Cheese, yogurt, milk— they’re all tools with different nutrient profiles. Understanding that helps them look at their child’s diet more holistically, instead of worrying about each item individually.”

And there is a benefit for parents—cheese can help reduce mealtime stress levels. “The less stressed parents are, the more positive the feeding experience,” Zmuda says. “Cheese can be a fun, nutritious, low-stress food.”

Say Cheese!

To sum up, yes, it is A-OK for your baby to eat cheese — and chances are good they probably will love it!

Remember to start around 6 months with pasteurized, mild, low-sodium cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese or mozzarella. Serve them safely (no chunks!), watch for reactions, and let your baby’s culinary exploration begin! Be sure to always check with your pediatrician before introducing new foods. 

“Say yes to cheese! With the right textures and timing, it’s one of the most versatile and helpful foods you can offer your baby,” Chaparro says.

And one more thing—have the camera ready so you can capture your baby’s first cheesy grin!