First foods database

🧀 Cheddar for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies eat cheddar? Yes, from about 6 months, as pasteurised full-fat cheddar. It is a handy source of calcium and protein, though it does contain some salt, so keep portions small.

From 6 monthsAllergen: MilkTake care with shape and texture

Good source of: Calcium, Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12

How to serve cheddar by age

6 to 9 months

Grate cheddar and melt it into mashed vegetables, pasta, risotto or scrambled egg. For finger food, offer thin slices or grated cheese melted onto toast fingers so it is soft and flat.

9 to 12 months

Offer thin slices or small grated pinches for pincer practice, cheese on toast fingers or cheesy vegetable muffins.

12 months and up

Serve in sandwiches, grated over pasta or as thin sticks with fruit and crackers.

Choking safety

Cubes of firm cheese can be a choking risk, so grate, slice thinly or melt it for young children. Avoid chunky cubes.

Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).

Good to know

Introducing it as an allergen

It contains milk, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce milk

Easy ideas

Goes well with

🥦BroccoliFrom 6 months🍝PastaFrom 6 months · Gluten🥚EggFrom 6 months · Egg🍎AppleFrom 6 months

Recipes with cheddar

🌮Black bean and squash cheesy quesadillasFrom 9 months · Lunch · 35 min🥦Broccoli, cheddar and white bean pasta bakeFrom 9 months · Dinner · 45 min🧁Cheddar, sweet potato and spinach frittata muffinsFrom 9 months · Lunch · 35 min🧀Cheese and courgette sconesFrom 10 months · Snack · 30 min🌽Cheesy sweetcorn frittersFrom 10 months · Breakfast · 22 min🧀Chicken and broccoli pasta bakeFrom 9 months · Dinner · 45 min

Weaning with OBubba

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat cheddar?

Can babies eat cheddar? Yes, from about 6 months, as pasteurised full-fat cheddar. It is a handy source of calcium and protein, though it does contain some salt, so keep portions small.

Can babies eat cheese cubes?

Grate or slice cheese thinly instead. Firm cubes can be a choking risk because they do not break down easily, so keep to thin slices and grated cheese until your child chews confidently.

Is cheddar too salty for babies?

Small amounts are fine as part of a varied diet. Mild cheddar tends to be a little lower in salt than mature, and grating makes a small amount go further.

Sources

OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).