Dairy Food Library
When can babies have Jarlsberg cheese?
Can babies have Jarlsberg cheese?
Toddlers can have Jarlsberg cheese from about 12 months, thinly sliced or shredded. Before then, lower-sodium cheeses like fresh mozzarella, ricotta or plain Swiss are better everyday choices. Jarlsberg is made from cow's milk, so it is a common dairy allergen.
How to serve Jarlsberg cheese by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Hold off on Jarlsberg for now. If you want to introduce dairy, offer plain whole-milk yogurt or smooth ricotta on a spoon, which are softer and lower in sodium.
7–8 months
Keep waiting on Jarlsberg and use milder, lower-sodium cheeses instead, such as ricotta stirred into mashes or thin, soft slices of fresh mozzarella your baby can hold.
9–12 months
Keep using lower-sodium cheeses in small shreds or thin slices for pincer practice. Jarlsberg can wait until after the first birthday.
12 months +
Offer thin slices of Jarlsberg about the size of two adult fingers, or shred it into eggs, pasta or a grilled cheese cut into strips. Avoid cubes, which are firm and can block the airway.
Why it’s good
Jarlsberg cheese gives toddlers protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin B12 to support bones and growth. Jarlsberg has a mild, nutty flavor that many children enjoy. Like most aged cheeses, Jarlsberg contains sodium, so small portions are best.
Safety notes
- Firm cheese cubes and thick chunks are a choking hazard. Slice Jarlsberg thinly or shred it.
- Melted Jarlsberg can form sticky strings and globs. Let it cool and spread or cut it into thin strips.
- Jarlsberg is made from pasteurized milk. If you buy other Swiss-style cheeses, check that they are pasteurized.
- Keep portions small to limit sodium, and rotate with lower-sodium cheeses.
- Light or reduced-fat versions are not needed for toddlers, who benefit from the fat in full-fat dairy.
Introduce jarlsberg cheese on its own, then keep it in
Jarlsberg cheese is made from cow's milk, which is one of the Top 9 allergens. If dairy is new to your child, introduce a small amount and watch for hives, vomiting, swelling, coughing or wheezing.
Jarlsberg cheese for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about Jarlsberg cheese for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have Jarlsberg cheese?
Babies can have Jarlsberg cheese from about 12 months, served thinly sliced or shredded. Before 12 months, lower-sodium cheeses are a better choice.
Can babies have Jarlsberg cheese?
Babies under 12 months are better off with milder, lower-sodium cheeses, and Jarlsberg can be added after the first birthday. Jarlsberg cheese is pasteurized, so it is safe for toddlers when cut thin.
Is Jarlsberg cheese a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, Jarlsberg cheese can be a choking hazard when cut into cubes or thick pieces. Thin slices and shreds are much safer for toddlers.
Is Jarlsberg cheese a common allergen?
Yes, Jarlsberg cheese is a common allergen because it is made from cow's milk. Introduce Jarlsberg in a small amount if dairy is new to your child.
How do I serve Jarlsberg cheese to a 6 month old?
Jarlsberg cheese is best saved until 12 months, so a 6 month old can have smooth ricotta or plain yogurt on a spoon instead. These options are softer and lower in sodium, and thin slices of fresh mozzarella can follow at 7–8 months.
Is Jarlsberg the same as Swiss cheese?
Jarlsberg is a Norwegian cheese with holes, similar to Swiss cheese but sweeter and nuttier. Jarlsberg and Swiss cheese can be served to toddlers in the same way.
Is Jarlsberg cheese high in sodium?
Jarlsberg cheese has a moderate amount of sodium, similar to many sliced cheeses. A slice or two at a meal is plenty for a toddler.
Can Jarlsberg cheese cause constipation in toddlers?
Jarlsberg cheese has no fiber, and lots of cheese can lead to firmer stools in some toddlers. Serve Jarlsberg cheese with fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and offer water with meals.
The takeaway
- Toddlers can have Jarlsberg cheese from about 12 months, thinly sliced or shredded.
- Offer thin slices of Jarlsberg about the size of two adult fingers, or shred it into eggs, pasta or a grilled cheese cut into strips.
- 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)
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- 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
Track every new food in your baby’s passport
Track the first 100 foods and the Top 9 allergens. 7 days free.
More dairy foods for babies
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.