First foods database
🧀 Paneer for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat paneer? Yes, from about 6 months. Paneer is a fresh, pasteurised cheese that holds its shape when cooked. It is mild in flavour and usually lower in salt than hard cheeses like cheddar or halloumi.
Good source of: Protein, Calcium, Fat, Vitamin B12
How to serve paneer by age
6 to 9 months
Grate or crumble paneer into dal, spinach or mashed vegetables. For finger food, cut into long, thin strips and warm gently in a pan so it softens.
9 to 12 months
Offer small pieces of soft cooked paneer in mild curries, scrambled with egg and tomato, or mixed into rice with peas.
12 months and up
Serve paneer in family dishes like palak paneer or matar paneer, seasoned with mild spices and no added salt. Grilled paneer pieces are a good protein for vegetarian toddlers.
Choking safety
Firm, cold cubes of paneer are squeaky and can be hard for young babies to bite through. Cut into thin strips or crumble, and warm it so it softens.
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
- Milk is a common allergen.
- Choose pasteurised paneer, which is standard in UK supermarkets.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains milk, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce milk
Easy ideas
- Crumbled paneer stirred into spinach
- Paneer and pea curry (mild)
- Warm paneer strips with roti
Goes well with
Recipes with paneer
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat paneer?
Can babies eat paneer? Yes, from about 6 months. Paneer is a fresh, pasteurised cheese that holds its shape when cooked. It is mild in flavour and usually lower in salt than hard cheeses like cheddar or halloumi.
Is paneer suitable for babies?
Yes. Pasteurised paneer is a good mild cheese from about 6 months and is a handy protein for vegetarian families.
Is paneer salty?
Most paneer is low in salt compared with hard and brined cheeses, but brands vary, so check the label.
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).