Quick answer
Babies can have pasteurised full-fat cheese from around 6 months, once they've started solids and show signs of readiness.
The key with cheese for babies is choosing the right type. Mild, pasteurised, lower-salt cheeses (mild cheddar, mozzarella, ricotta, mascarpone, cream cheese, and paneer) are ideal, while very salty, processed, or unpasteurised soft cheeses are best avoided in the first year.
Cheese is a common allergen because it's a cow's-milk product. Introduce it the same way as other allergens — a small amount at home, then build up gradually while watching for any reaction.
When babies can eat cheese
Babies can have pasteurised full-fat cheese from around 6 months, once they've started solids and show signs of readiness.
Choose mild, lower-salt, pasteurised cheeses: mild cheddar, mozzarella, ricotta, cream cheese, mascarpone, and paneer are all good early choices.
Avoid mould-ripened soft cheeses (brie, camembert), blue-veined cheeses, and any unpasteurised cheese until after 12 months — these carry a small risk of listeria, a bacteria that can make babies seriously ill. Cooked until piping hot, these cheeses can still be used in recipes.
Cheese counts towards your baby's dairy intake but shouldn't replace breast milk or formula, which remain the main drink under 12 months. Cow's milk as a main drink is only from 12 months.
See our first foods for baby guide for more ideas.
Nutritional benefits for babies
- 💚Calcium — supports the rapid bone and tooth development of the first years.
- 💚Protein — high-quality complete protein for growth and tissue repair.
- 💚Healthy fats — energy-dense, supporting weight gain and brain development (always choose full-fat for babies).
- 💚Vitamin B12 — important for nerve function and healthy red blood cells.
- 💚Vitamin A — supports vision and immune health.
- 💚Iodine and phosphorus — support thyroid function and bone mineralisation.
How to serve cheese for babies
6–9 months: Offer finely grated cheese (easy to pick up and it melts in the mouth) or a soft cheese like ricotta or cream cheese stirred into vegetable purées, mashed potato, or scrambled egg.
6–9 months (BLW): Melt grated cheese onto soft toast fingers or stir into omelette strips and savoury muffins so it isn't a standalone choking risk.
9–12 months: Thin slices or matchsticks of soft cheese (mozzarella, mild cheddar) as the pincer grasp develops. Avoid firm cubes and stringy cheese strings, which can be a choking hazard.
12+ months: Small cheese cubes, cheese sauce over vegetables or pasta, or grated into family meals. Use cheese as a flavour rather than the main ingredient to keep salt low.
How to cut cheese for BLW
For safe shapes and sizes by age, see our detailed How to cut cheese for BLW guide.
Also check how to cut food for baby-led weaning for general BLW cutting tips.
Cheese recipes for babies
Broccoli Cheese Patties
Mini Veggie Quesadilla
Mini Veggie Pasta Bake Bites
Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bites
Cottage Cheese & Pear Mash
Cottage Cheese & Peach
Cottage Cheese + Pear Mash
Zucchini Cream Soup
Pumpkin + Rice + Ricotta Cream
Italian Carrot Cream Baby Pasta
Cottage Cheese Soft Muffins
Pear Ricotta Toast Strips
Peach Ricotta Breakfast Cream
Pumpkin Ricotta Morning Bowl
Cream Cheese Apple Toast Fingers
Spinach Ricotta Pancake Strips
Tomato Ricotta Pasta
Broccoli Ricotta Pasta
Cauliflower Cheese Baby Pasta
Ricotta Pea Pasta Stars
Zucchini Ricotta Rice Bowl
Ricotta Apple Mini Cakes
Cream Cheese Cucumber Toast Fingers
Carrot Cheese Mini Muffins
Raspberry Ricotta Bowl
Apple Cheese Soft Squares
Spinach Cheese Mini Muffins
Pear Cottage Toast Bites
Pumpkin Ricotta Dip
Mini Red Pepper Egg Muffins
Mango Cottage Cheese Bowl
Kiwi Ricotta Mash
Mini Mushroom Egg Bites
See all cheese recipes for babies. Explore baby breakfast recipes, baby-led weaning recipes and first foods for baby for more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can babies eat Cheese?
Yes. Babies can eat Cheese starting around 6 months when they begin solid foods. It should be served in a safe texture and size for babies.
When can babies eat Cheese?
Babies can eat Cheese from around 6 months when starting solids. Babies can have pasteurised full-fat cheese from around 6 months, once they've started solids and show signs of readiness. Choose mild, lower-salt, pasteurised cheeses: mild cheddar, mozzarella, ricotta, cream cheese, mascarpone, and paneer are all good early choices. Avoid mould-ripened soft cheeses (brie, camembert), blue-veined cheeses, and any unpasteurised cheese until after 12 months — these carry a small risk of listeria, a bacteria that can make babies seriously ill. Cooked until piping hot, these cheeses can still be used in recipes. Cheese counts towards your baby's dairy intake but shouldn't replace breast milk or formula, which remain the main drink under 12 months. Cow's milk as a main drink is only from 12 months.
Is Cheese a choking hazard for babies?
Cheese can be a choking hazard if served in unsafe shapes. Choose full-fat, pasteurised cheese — babies need the fat, and pasteurisation removes the listeria risk. Pick lower-salt cheeses and use them sparingly; babies under 12 months should have less than 1g of salt (0.4g sodium) a day, and cheese is naturally salty. Avoid unpasteurised, mould-ripened (brie, camembert), and blue cheeses until 12 months unless thoroughly cooked. Grate or thinly slice rather than serving firm cubes or cheese strings, which can be a choking hazard for young babies. Introduce as you would any allergen — a small amount first, at home, watching for signs of a cow's-milk allergy reaction (rash, vomiting, swelling). Don't offer cheese as a substitute for breast milk or formula, which remain your baby's main source of nutrition under 12 months.
Is Cheese a common allergen?
Some babies may be allergic to Cheese. Introduce Cheese carefully when babies start solids and watch for reactions.
How should Cheese be served to babies?
6–9 months: Offer finely grated cheese (easy to pick up and it melts in the mouth) or a soft cheese like ricotta or cream cheese stirred into vegetable purées, mashed potato, or scrambled egg. 6–9 months (BLW): Melt grated cheese onto soft toast fingers or stir into omelette strips and savoury muffins so it isn't a standalone choking risk. 9–12 months: Thin slices or matchsticks of soft cheese (mozzarella, mild cheddar) as the pincer grasp develops. Avoid firm cubes and stringy cheese strings, which can be a choking hazard. 12+ months: Small cheese cubes, cheese sauce over vegetables or pasta, or grated into family meals. Use cheese as a flavour rather than the main ingredient to keep salt low.
What nutrients does Cheese provide for babies?
Cheese provides nutrients like vitamin A, healthy fats, calcium, protein that support babies' growth and development.
How long can I store Cheese for babies?
Cook Cheese to a safe temperature and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze in single-serving portions for up to 1 month to preserve nutrients.
Should I buy organic Cheese for my baby?
Organic Cheese isn't strictly necessary for babies, but some families prefer to reduce pesticide exposure. Wash conventional produce thoroughly. Variety and freshness matter most.
How should I introduce Cheese for the first time?
Offer a small amount of Cheese in an age-appropriate texture when your baby is hungry but not starving, ideally early in the day so you can watch for any reactions over several hours.
Is Cheese a good finger food for babies?
Yes. Cheese can be an excellent finger food for babies when cut into strips or soft pieces they can grasp. Make sure the texture mashes easily between your fingers.
What foods pair well with Cheese for baby?
Cheese pairs well with mashed fruit, oatmeal, granola crumbs, or a swirl of nut butter for a creamy, nourishing baby meal.
Should I cook Cheese before serving it to my baby?
Yes. Cook Cheese until tender and easily mashable before serving it to your baby. Steaming, boiling, or roasting softens it enough to be safe.
How much Cheese can a baby eat?
There's no fixed amount. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of Cheese from around 6 months and let your baby regulate intake. Breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition in the first year.
Should I peel or remove the pit from Cheese for my baby?
For Cheese, peeling or pitting is usually not required, but wash it well and serve in a size and texture safe for your baby.
How should I store Cheese fresh for my baby?
Store fresh Cheese in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator crisper drawer, depending on the food. Wash just before preparing and use it when ripe and firm for the best quality for your baby.
Safety tips
- ✓Choose full-fat, pasteurised cheese — babies need the fat, and pasteurisation removes the listeria risk.
- ✓Pick lower-salt cheeses and use them sparingly; babies under 12 months should have less than 1g of salt (0.4g sodium) a day, and cheese is naturally salty.
- ✓Avoid unpasteurised, mould-ripened (brie, camembert), and blue cheeses until 12 months unless thoroughly cooked.
- ✓Grate or thinly slice rather than serving firm cubes or cheese strings, which can be a choking hazard for young babies.
- ✓Introduce as you would any allergen — a small amount first, at home, watching for signs of a cow's-milk allergy reaction (rash, vomiting, swelling).
- ✓Don't offer cheese as a substitute for breast milk or formula, which remain your baby's main source of nutrition under 12 months.
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verifiedSources & References
This guide is informed by current guidelines from leading health organizations: