First foods database
🧀 Edam for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat Edam? Yes, from about 6 months. Edam is a mild, pasteurised semi-hard cheese that grates and melts well, and it gives babies calcium, protein and a gentle cheesy flavour in sauces, mash and on toast.
Good source of: Calcium, Protein, Vitamin B12
How to serve edam by age
6 to 9 months
Grate Edam finely and stir a small handful into warm mashed potato, pasta or lentils so it melts. For finger food, melt thin slices onto toast fingers, or offer thin, flat strips of cheese that squash easily.
9 to 12 months
Offer grated Edam on pasta, in omelettes or in cheesy scrambled eggs. Thin slices or grated piles let babies practise the pincer grip.
12 months and up
Serve thin slices or small sticks with crackers, in sandwiches or alongside fruit. A portion around the size of a small matchbox is plenty.
Choking safety
Cubes of firm cheese are a choking risk for young children. Grate it or cut thin slices rather than chunks. Always remove the red wax coating, which is not edible.
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
- Edam contains milk, a common allergen.
- Cheese contains salt, so keep portions modest for babies.
- Remove the wax rind before serving.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains milk, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce milk
Easy ideas
- Cheesy cauliflower with Edam sauce
- Edam and tomato toast fingers
- Pasta with peas and grated Edam
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat edam?
Can babies eat Edam? Yes, from about 6 months. Edam is a mild, pasteurised semi-hard cheese that grates and melts well, and it gives babies calcium, protein and a gentle cheesy flavour in sauces, mash and on toast.
Is Edam pasteurised?
Most Edam sold in the UK is pasteurised, but check the label. Unpasteurised cheese is only suitable for babies when cooked until steaming hot.
Is Edam salty?
It has a moderate amount of salt: less than halloumi, feta and parmesan, more than ricotta or mozzarella. Small amounts are fine.
Is Edam lower in fat?
It is slightly lower in fat than Cheddar. Babies and toddlers benefit from full-fat dairy, so Edam is a fine choice.
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).