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
Full-fat, low-sodium, pasteurized. Shred or melt. Firm cubes are a choking risk. Milk is a top-9 allergen; introduce on a low-stress day.
Finely shredded over food, or melted into eggs, pasta, vegetables.
9-12 months
Shredded, melted, or thin slices of soft cheese.
Shreds or thin small pieces.
12-18 months
Soft cheeses in strips; string cheese is fine if pulled into strings, not bitten as rounds.
Strips, never coins.
18-24 months
Full-fat, low-sodium, pasteurized. Shred or melt. Firm cubes are a choking risk. Milk is a top-9 allergen; introduce on a low-stress day.
Finely shredded over food, or melted into eggs, pasta, vegetables.
2 years and up
Full-fat, low-sodium, pasteurized. Shred or melt. Firm cubes are a choking risk. Milk is a top-9 allergen; introduce on a low-stress day.
Finely shredded over food, or melted into eggs, pasta, vegetables.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Milk is a common allergen. Read Milk guidance
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
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