Choosing the right complementary foods for your little one requires special attention. One food ingredient often chosen by mothers is cheese. However, do you know the right portion of cheese for complementary feeding? Let’s discuss the complete guide to giving cheese to your baby.
Why Choose Cheese for Complementary Feeding?
Cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium for baby’s growth and development. Cheese’s soft texture and easy digestibility make cheese a practical choice for complementary feeding. Additionally, its savory taste can help babies explore new flavor variations during their eating development stage.
Benefits of Cheese for Babies
As a source of protein and calcium, cheese offers several benefits for babies, such as:
- Excellent calcium source for bone and teeth development
- Contains high-quality protein for muscle development
- Rich in vitamin B12, essential for nervous system development
- Contains zinc that supports the immune system
- Contains probiotics beneficial for digestive health
Safe Cheese Types for Babies
Now that you know the benefits of giving cheese to your baby, if you’ve decided to use cheese in complementary feeding, always ensure to choose pasteurized cheese. Here are safe cheese types along with their characteristics:
| Type of Cheese | Characteristics |
| Cream Cheese | Texture: Very soft and creamy
Fat content: 30-40% Benefits:
|
| Cottage Cheese | Texture: Soft with small curds
Sodium content: Low (about 300mg per 100g) Benefits:
|
| Cheddar Cheese | Texture: Firm but can be finely grated
Choose variant: Mild Benefits:
|
Read more: Low-Fat Cheeses
Recommended Cheese Portions
Here’s a guide for cheese portions in complementary feeding based on age:
- Age 6-8 months: 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 grams) per day
- Age 9-11 months: 2-3 teaspoons (10-15 grams) per day
- Age 12 months and above: 3-4 teaspoons (15-20 grams) per day
Feeding tips:
- Start with small portions to check for allergic reactions
- Give cheese in the morning or afternoon
- Combine with vegetables or other foods
- Ensure cheese is fresh
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, cheese can be introduced to babies starting at 6 months, provided they have no history of cow’s milk allergy. However, always consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby.
To start your complementary feeding journey with cheese, you can try cheese products like The Laughing Cow Belcube Cheese, Kiri Cream Cheese or Babybel. Our cheese products have undergone pasteurization and have suitable textures for babies. Start with small portions and observe your baby’s response to the cheese given.
Remember that every baby has different nutritional needs. Always watch for signs of allergies and consult with your pediatrician to get more personalized recommendations based on your little one’s condition.
