BabyJoy
Mozzarella for babies
When and how to serve mozzarella at every stage of starting solids.
- Introduce from
- 6–9 months
How to prepare mozzarella by age
6–9 months
Pasteurised mozzarella only. Offer thin strips or shreds of fresh mozzarella, or grate the firmer block type; spread melted cheese thinly, as warm stringy cheese is hard to manage. Cut mini mozzarella pearls into thin strips — never whole.
9–12 months
Thin strips, grated, or small soft pieces; melted in a thin layer on soft vegetables or flatbread.
12 months+
Strips, small cubes, or melted on pizza and pasta. Keep quartering mini mozzarella pearls.
Choking hazard
Mozzarella can be a choking hazard for babies and young children. Prepare it exactly as described for your baby’s age, seat your baby upright and always supervise meals.
Gagging (loud coughing, watery eyes, a red face) is a normal part of learning to eat. Choking is silent: your baby cannot cough, cry or breathe and needs immediate help. Learn infant CPR and choking rescue.
Common allergen
Contains cow's milk (dairy) , one of the 9 common food allergens.
Contains milk, a common allergen. Offer a small amount mixed into a familiar food first and watch for any reaction. Choose products made from pasteurised milk only.
First time with cow's milk (dairy): Offer dairy in food, such as full-fat plain yogurt or cheese, or milk used in cooking. Cow's milk should not be the main drink before 12 months.
If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, talk to your pediatrician before introducing allergens.
Nutrition highlights
- Calcium rich
- Protein rich
- Vitamin B12
Serving ideas
- Thin strips of fresh mozzarella
- Grated over soft pasta
- Melted thinly on toast fingers with tomato
Prepare these as described above for your baby’s age.
Choosing and storing
Storage: Fresh: refrigerate in its liquid and use within 3 days of opening. Block: refrigerate, wrapped, for up to 2 weeks after opening.
Sources
This guide is based on published guidance from:
