One of the most common questions regarding babies’ diets is, “Can I give my baby cheese?” As mothers navigate the complexities of feeding their infants, this query often arises, especially after the 6-month milestone. Along with concerns about cow’s milk, parents wonder why cheese or cottage cheese is considered acceptable when cow’s milk isn’t. Let’s delve into this important question and shed light on the topic of introducing cheese to your baby’s diet.
‘No’ to cow’s milk but ‘Yes’ to cheese, paneer and curd – Why?
Even though cheese and yogurt are made from cow’s milk, they are structurally different. In cheese and yogurt, lactose is broken down to smaller protein molecules by the curdling enzymes, making it easily digestible. Besides, no Mom would think of replacing breast milk with cheese and yogurt!
If you find yourself asking, “Can I give my baby cheese?” and your baby has a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, it’s generally advised to avoid all dairy products, including cheese, curd, and paneer, until they reach 12 months of age. While some experts argue that these foods are safe due to the breakdown of lactose, when it comes to young babies, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. It’s important to prioritize your baby’s health and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance tailored to your baby’s specific needs.
When can I give my baby cheese?
If you’re wondering, “When can I give my baby cheese?” the current recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that cheese can be introduced as early as 6 months of age. However, it is worth noting that traditionally, cheese was advised to be introduced between 7 to 8 months of age.
As with any new food, it’s important to introduce cheese gradually and observe your baby for any signs of allergies or intolerances. Start with small portions and monitor their reaction closely. If you have any concerns or questions, consult with your pediatrician for guidance specific to your baby’s needs.
Remember, every baby is different, and individual developmental factors should also be taken into consideration when introducing new foods. Prioritize your baby’s well-being and follow the recommended guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey of exploring different foods.
What kind of cheese can be given to babies?
It is best to introduce our own paneer or Indian cottage cheese. Always use homemade paneer or get it fresh from a good hygienic local vendor that you trust.
If you wish to feed your baby other kinds of cheese, always go for fresh varieties like the following:
- Goat Cheese
- Mozzarella
- Cream Cheese – Made from cream instead of milk
- Crème Fraîche
Avoid any kind of cheese with mold, such as blue cheeses.
How much cheese can I give my Baby?
A small cube of paneer is enough for a 6-8 month old baby and as the baby grows, you can feed him a maximum of 2 to 3 small cubes, 3 to 4 times a week. Start small and watch out for any reactions to the cheese or paneer.
Nutritional benefits of Paneer for Babies
- Paneer is a rich source of animal protein available at a comparatively lower cost than meat and forms an important source of animal protein for vegetarians.
- Over and above its high protein content and digestibility, the biological value of protein in paneer is in the range of 80 to 86 .
- In addition, paneer is a valuable source of fat, vitamins and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
Paneer Recipes for Babies and Toddlers
Plain Sauteed Paneer
Cut homemade paneer into small cubes and saute them lightly in ghee. Then cut again into small bite-sized pieces that the baby can hold and eat as finger food.
Khichdi, Purees & Porridges
Paneer can be crumbled and sprinkled on khichdi, purees & porridges. You can try out these recipes with paneer:
1. Bulgur Wheat and Paneer Pulao for Babies
2. Homemade Paneer Wheat Biscuit for Babies
3. Paneer Kheer Recipe for Babies above 1 year
If your child has no problem with cheese or paneer, it is still possible that she may have an intolerance to milk. So do follow the regular rules for introducing new foods when beginning milk for your toddler as well. Till then, let her enjoy the protein in cheese and grow big and strong!
References
- Shrivastava and Goyal 2007
- Paneer Production and Benefits
Hi, doctor, my baby is 9 month old can i give Paneer to him if yes. how can i introduce paneer to him
Hi Sunitha,
Yes, paneer can be given for 9 month old baby. Complete details and recipes are given in the above article dear.
Hello Doctor,
Can we give just crumbled panner to 1 yr old, like topping the crumbled panner over the food..
And when and how can we start giving milk??
Also advice on giving egg whites please
My son is 1 yr 1 month old..
Hi Devi,
It is better if you could roast the crumbled paneer and then feed it to your toddler. The baked/roasted paneer will add a nice crunch and taste to it.
You can start feeding cow’s milk to your toddler daily 250-400 ml per day in 2 servings. You can add health drinks in it, dry fruits powder, golden latte milk,milkshake,smoothies.
Egg you can feed the whole egg to your toddler. You can feed it as hard boiled egg,scrambled egg etc. There are some of the egg recipes in the given link that you can try feeding it to your little one.
https://goo.gl/oGhaRg
Hello Dr my baby is going to complete 8 months still I’m giving completely mashed food in the food processor(like paste)..I’m scared to give her semi solid food like wen v make it with d hand masher..can I start giving her semi solid food now???
Yes dear, its time you start with semi solids, the gums are rather strong and babies are able to chew their food with it. Always be around when you introduce new food as there is a fear of choking. Here’s some help https://www.mylittlemoppet.com/7-easy-ways-to-help-your-toddler-chew-food/
https://www.mylittlemoppet.com/?s=starting+solids
Dr Hema can i give my 11month old a slice of maul cheese slice in her food?
You can avoid that for now and start once the baby turns 1 as the salt content is there.
Look for these options
Goat Cheese
Mozzarella
Cream Cheese – Made from cream instead of milk
Crème Fraîche
Hello may i give cheese to my 10 months baby girl … how much and suggest me some cheese recipes plz
Yes dear, you can give cheese. Here are some recipes https://www.mylittlemoppet.com/?s=cheese. Please give according to your little one’s age and always start with small portions.
Madom may i give cheese to my 17months old baby boy&how much& suggest me some cheese receipes
Yes dear you can give cheese. https://www.mylittlemoppet.com/easy-cheese-corn-balls-recipe/ or you can give with soft paratha.
Dr Hemapriya my daughter is having patchy skin under the eyes now a days .she is 1yr old and has lots of food cravings .iv given a dose of antiworming but still its not going.
Jhilmil, you can share the photos of patchy skin on the facebook page (message box with me, please for understanding it better) https://www.facebook.com/MyLittleMoppet/
Secondly, what is the age of your daughter, appetite is an individual specific matter and hence what may be enough for one child could be less for another.
Hi Mam
My baby is 15 months old. I’m giving processed cheese to her.Can I include processed cheese daily. If not suggest some brand or type of cheese to feed her ?? How to add cheese to her diet ?? Presently im giving potato with cheese . She is bored of eating cheese with potato ..Can yu suggest some dishes or fruits or porridges to add cheese over it ??
Thanks in advance !!!
This link is sure going to be of great help to you, please check https://www.mylittlemoppet.com/?s=cheese
My baby is 6.5 months… What is the best time to give paneer to hin
Yes, you can start giving in small quantities.
Hi mam can amul processed cheese be give weekly 5 days in scramble egg… My pediatrician adviced me to give egg weekly 5days.. as my boy is not eating hard-boiled eggs.. she advised me to give scramble egg … Wt cheese to give.. slices or cubes…he is 20months
Dear Dharani,
It is better to restrict processed chees twice a week, you cna give scrambled egg with veggies
Hi,
Today I have given my 7 months old baby amul butter and later I read here its not safe. I am now scared, my baby will able to digest it or not.
Good afternoon Doctor
My baby is 8 months old.
Can I give her Amul cheese? Is it safe?
Hi,
You can start with homemade cottage cheese and give processed cheese after 1 year