Dairy Food Library
When can babies have edam cheese?
Can babies have edam cheese?
Babies can have pasteurized edam cheese from about 6 months, finely grated and melted into warm foods, with thin slices and melted cheese on toast from 7–8 months. Edam is moderately salty, so offer it in small amounts. Edam is made from cow's milk and counts as a dairy allergen.
How to serve edam cheese by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Grate pasteurized edam very finely and stir a little into warm smooth mashed vegetables, lentil puree or oatmeal so it melts in completely. Offer it on a spoon, in small amounts because of the salt.
7–8 months
Stir grated edam into lumpier mashes or soft scrambled egg, or melt a thin layer onto a soft toast strip. You can also offer a very thin, wide slice that baby can munch on, but avoid cubes and thick sticks.
9–12 months
Offer small shreds or thin pieces about the size of a pea, or sprinkle grated edam over soft pasta and cooked vegetables. Avoid cubes and thick sticks.
12 months +
Toddlers can have thin slices, matchstick-thin strips or melted edam in sandwiches and quesadillas. Cut cubes very small and teach your toddler to sit while eating.
Why it’s good
Edam cheese gives babies protein, calcium and phosphorus for bones and teeth, plus vitamin B12, vitamin A and fat for energy and growth. Edam has a mild, nutty flavor that many babies accept easily. It contains a fair amount of sodium, so small portions are best.
Safety notes
- Cubes, chunks and thick sticks of firm cheese like edam are a high choking risk. Grate it, slice it paper thin or melt it thinly instead.
- Melted edam can form a large, stretchy glob. Spread melted cheese thinly and let it cool before serving.
- Choose edam made with pasteurized milk. Check labels on imported and specialty cheeses.
- Edam has moderate sodium. Keep portions small and balance salty cheeses with fresh, unsalted foods.
- Remove the red or yellow wax coating fully before serving. The wax is not food and can be a choking hazard.
Introduce edam cheese on its own, then keep it in
Edam cheese is a dairy food, and cow's milk is one of the Top 9 allergens, so start with a small amount and watch for hives, vomiting, swelling or wheezing. If your baby has eczema or a known allergy, check with your pediatrician first, and keep dairy in the diet regularly once tolerated.
Edam cheese for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about edam cheese for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have edam cheese?
Babies can have edam cheese from about 6 months, as long as the edam is pasteurized and finely grated into warm foods. Thin slices and thin layers of melted edam can follow at 7–8 months. Small amounts are best because edam contains moderate sodium.
Can babies have edam cheese?
Yes, babies can eat pasteurized edam cheese in small amounts from 6 months. Edam is mild and melts well, which makes it an easy first cheese to grate into other foods.
Is edam cheese a choking hazard for babies?
Edam cheese can be a choking hazard for babies when it is served in cubes, chunks or thick globs of melted cheese. Grate edam, slice it very thinly or spread it thinly when melted, and always stay with your baby during meals.
Is edam cheese a common allergen?
Yes, edam cheese is a common allergen because it is made from cow's milk, one of the Top 9 food allergens. Introduce a small amount of edam first and watch for signs of an allergic reaction.
How do I serve edam cheese to a 6 month old?
To serve edam cheese to a 6 month old, finely grate pasteurized edam and stir it into a warm, smooth food like mashed sweet potato or oatmeal, then offer it on a spoon. Melted edam on a soft toast strip or very thin slices can follow at 7–8 months. Avoid cubes and thick slices.
Is edam cheese too salty for babies?
Edam cheese is moderately salty, so it is fine for babies in small amounts but should not be an all-day snack. Lower-sodium cheeses like fresh mozzarella, ricotta and Swiss are good choices for everyday cheese.
When can babies have Babybel cheese?
Babies can have mini Babybel style edam cheese from about 6 months if it is finely grated into warm food, and as very thin slices from about 7–8 months. A whole mini round is a choking risk for babies and young toddlers, so never serve it whole and always remove the wax.
Should I remove the wax from edam cheese?
Yes, always remove the wax from edam cheese before serving it to a baby or toddler. The wax coating is not meant to be eaten and is a choking hazard, so keep wax pieces out of reach.
Is edam cheese pasteurized?
Most edam cheese sold in supermarkets is made from pasteurized milk, but some imported or farmhouse edam may not be. Always check the label for the word pasteurized before serving edam cheese to a baby.
The takeaway
- Babies can have pasteurized edam cheese from about 6 months, finely grated and melted into warm foods, with thin slices and melted cheese on toast from 7–8 months.
- Grate pasteurized edam very finely and stir a little into warm smooth mashed vegetables, lentil puree or oatmeal so it melts in completely.
- Choking risk is medium. Dairy is one of the Top 9 allergens: offer a small amount first, watch for a reaction, then keep it in the diet regularly.
Read next
Sources
This guide follows current advice from these organizations.
- Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Prevention American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- The Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW; American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2019;143(4):e20190281
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Updated November 2026. Reviewed by our dietitians. Based on AAP, CDC and NIAID guidance. Written for healthy, full-term babies; not a substitute for your pediatrician. If your baby was born early, has a medical condition, feeding difficulties or a known allergy, check with them first (medical disclaimer). Always stay with your baby while they eat.