Cheese for babies, when can I start giving them?

Cheese not only has a delicious taste, but is also beneficial for health. Cheese is loaded with protein, fat and vitamins. In addition, cheese is also high in calcium and calories per bite to meet the nutritional needs of the baby. Well, this high amount of calcium and calories is perfect for babies for their growth and development. So, when is the right time for babies to eat cheese?

When can babies eat cheese?

Most babies eat cheese as soon as they get used to chewing, usually between the ages of 6-9 months. Even so, these suggestions do vary considerably.

Most pediatricians recommend at least 8-10 months of age for babies to start eating cheese.

This cheese eating rule especially applies to babies who don't have a family history of food allergies. However, if your baby has a history of food allergies, wait until he or she reaches the age of 12 months.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that in principle cheese for babies can be given after they are accustomed to some original solid foods, aka baby solids.

This baby food or complementary foods can be given while your little one continues to breastfeed or has switched to infant formula.

Take for example solid foods such as meat, vegetables for babies, and fruit for babies. After this, the baby is allowed to try cheese.

Supporting the same, the Mayo Clinic also recommends giving cheese as a finger food or finger food for babies around the age of 8-10 months.

However, if you already know that your baby has eczema or food allergies, you should consult your doctor before giving cheese to your little one.

Cheese is one type of food that has a characteristic allergenic because it contains milk protein. Therefore, for some children it is not recommended to start eating cheese until it is approved by a doctor.

If the baby is allergic to cheese, signs such as swelling of the face (including the tongue and lips) will appear, a rash on the skin, itching, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.

This condition usually makes it difficult for babies to eat, so there is a risk of nutritional problems in babies.

Therefore, it is important to know the child's condition before being given cheese.

Meanwhile, if someone in your immediate family is allergic to cheese or other dairy products, you should be more vigilant.

This is because babies may have similar body conditions that make them experience symptoms of allergies to certain types of food, including cheese.

How to give cheese to a baby for the first time?

When giving cheese to a child for the first time, it's best to give it at home. Avoid giving cheese from outside food, such as from restaurants or other eating places.

This is important to ensure that the cheese given is only real cheese without any mixture.

In addition, like trying a new product, you need to observe whether there is an allergic effect or incompatibility on the child.

Cheese can be served since your baby starts eating solid foods. It is always important to adjust the texture according to the age of your child. Cheese may be given as a food complement, not as a main menu. You also have to keep an eye on any allergic reactions that may occur.

If your child experiences reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, a rash on the skin, abdominal pain, flatulence, it could be that your child is sensitive to dairy products such as cheese.

From here you can also decide to give the child more cheese or need further consultation with the doctor.

In addition, most importantly, to prevent the child from choking, it is best to give cheese in small forms. Cut the cheese to the size of a baby's finger so it can be grasped and chewed easily.

What kind of cheese can be given to babies?

When choosing cheese for the first time, make sure the cheese has been pasteurized, whether the cheese is made from cow's milk, sheep's milk, or goat's milk.

Usually, information about the pasteurization process can be seen on the packaging label for the cheese product. Children can eat pasteurized cheese because it is safer from bacteria that may be in cheese.

Cheese made with unpasteurized (or raw) milk is not allowed for babies as it has the potential for bacterial contamination Listeria monocytogenes.

This is a form of bacteria that can cause fatal foodborne illnesses especially in very young children such as babies.

There are many types of cheese that you can offer your baby, including:

• Cheddar
• Parmesan
• Edam
• Gouda
• Mozarela
• Paneer
• Switzerland
• Colby

Most importantly, give it a light cheese that is not too salty. Give in small sizes and quantities first and see if the child shows signs of an allergic reaction.

Babies can enjoy cheese right from the start, whether it's whole or mixed into the diet.

However, babies may also dislike it at the beginning and refuse to eat cheese until they really like cheese after a few times it is given.

Actually, there is no definite frequency of giving when babies can like cheese. Generally, it takes 10-15 attempts to conclude whether your baby likes cheese or not.

How to prepare cheese for babies that is easy and practical

After it is confirmed that the child can eat cheese safely, there are various ways to process cheese that you can do.

Here are some ways to serve cheese to babies:

• Mix scrambled eggs with cheese.
• Crush cheese with banana or avocado.
• Bake cheese on bread.
• Melt the cheese over the vegetables. Make sure the cheese is not too hot when served.
• Add grated cheese on top of the food.

Basically, cheese for babies can be processed into the main diet or a snack menu or snacks for babies.

Based on the Indonesian Pediatrician Association, the frequency of main food for babies is generally three times a day, namely breakfast (breakfast), lunch and dinner.

Meanwhile, baby snacks or snacks are usually given about 1-2 times a day depending on the child's appetite.

The schedule for babies to eat a snack or snack is after breakfast but before lunch and in the afternoon.

A little difference, the main food should ideally contain a variety of nutrients including carbohydrates for babies, protein, fat, and fiber for children.

This includes micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins for babies that your little one must also fulfill.

Meanwhile, snacks for babies, such as cheese processed with other food ingredients, can only contain certain types of nutrients.

On the other hand, make sure you pay attention to the process of storing cheese for babies so that it is preserved and of good quality.

It is recommended that you store the cheese in a cool place such as a refrigerator to prevent the cheese from getting too dry or damp.

Cheese that is not stored in a suitable place will open the way for mold and bacteria to grow.

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