Parmesan for babies

When can babies have parmesan?

From around 6 months, finely grated in small amounts as a seasoning. Traditional Parmigiano Reggiano is made with unpasteurised milk but is aged well beyond 12 months, which is generally considered to make it safe — check with your doctor if your child is immunocompromised.

How do you serve parmesan to a baby?

The shape is what makes a food safe, and it changes as your baby’s grip and chewing change. Find your baby’s age band.

1. 1

   6–8 months

   A light grating over pasta, vegetables or risotto. A teaspoon, not a portion.

2. 2

   9–11 months

   Grated over food as a seasoning.

3. 3

   12–18 months

   Grated over pasta and vegetables. Watch the daily salt total.

4. 4

   18–24 months

   As the family uses it, in moderation.

Is parmesan a choking hazard for babies?

Finely grated parmesan poses no risk. Chunks and shavings of hard parmesan are firm and should not be given to a baby — this is a very hard cheese.

Whatever you serve, stay within arm’s reach, keep your baby upright in a supportive seat, and never let them eat in a moving car, buggy or carrier. Gagging is loud and normal. Choking is silent.

Is parmesan a common allergen?

Parmesan is a milk product. Traditional Parmigiano Reggiano is unpasteurised but aged over 12 months, which is generally accepted as safe for babies; ask your doctor if your child is immunocompromised.

Is parmesan healthy for babies?

Parmesan is extraordinarily dense in calcium and protein, and a teaspoon carries a lot of flavour. Used as a seasoning it makes vegetables more appealing without adding salt from a shaker — a genuinely useful trick when a baby is rejecting greens.

Common questions about parmesan

Reference material

Guidance on this page follows the sources listed below.

• • NHS — Foods to avoid giving babies and young children
• • CDC — Foods and Drinks for 6 to 24 Month Olds
• • USDA FoodData Central — nutrient values