String Cheese (Mozzarella) for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve string cheese (mozzarella) to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve String Cheese (Mozzarella) to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
String cheese poses a significant choking risk when offered as a stick or chunk; for babies at this age, avoid offering string cheese in whole pieces. Instead, shred or finely grate the mozzarella to create a light, airy pile that baby can easily grab and gum. Alternatively, melt small amounts of grated cheese onto lightly toasted bread or vegetables to help it adhere and reduce slipperiness. Always offer in small portions—no more than 15 g (1/2 oz)—as part of a balanced meal with iron-rich foods, soft vegetables, and fruit.
Serving Instructions
For babies beginning solids, string cheese should be served only grated or finely shredded, never as a whole piece due to choking risk. Start with a small amount—around 15 g (1/2 oz)—as part of a meal balanced with iron-rich foods and soft-cooked veggies or fruit. Cheese can provide calcium, protein, and healthy fats, but remember it is low in iron. Pair with iron-fortified cereal, beans, or lentils for optimal nutrition. Make sure cheese is pasteurized and unsalted. Always supervise while eating.
How to Serve String Cheese (Mozzarella) to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
At this stage, continue to avoid serving string cheese as a whole stick, as it can still pose a choking risk. Instead, offer string cheese by pulling it into thin, individual strings no thicker than your pinky finger, or continue to grate or shred it. These strands are easier for your child to manage. String cheese can also be diced into pea-sized pieces, but always supervise closely. Serve small amounts (15-20 g, ~1/2-3/4 oz) as part of a complete meal including grains, vegetables, and protein sources.
Serving Instructions
Now you can offer string cheese in thin strands or small pieces, but still avoid serving it as a full stick until your child consistently chews and swallows well. Provide about 15-20 g (1/2–3/4 oz) as part of a varied meal with grains, protein, veggies, and fruits. Cheese is rich in protein and calcium, though it remains low in iron. Continue to pair with iron-rich foods for balance. Be mindful of added salt in processed cheese and serve plain varieties when possible. Always supervise closely.
How to Serve String Cheese (Mozzarella) to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
Many children are ready to handle a whole stick of string cheese by this age, but choking is still possible if large chunks are bitten off. Offer string cheese as a whole stick only if your child shows confidence in biting and chewing thoroughly, and always supervise. You may still prefer to pull the cheese into thin strips or slice it lengthwise. Limit to 20-25 g (3/4–1 oz) as part of a meal with fruits, veggies, grains, and iron-rich foods.
Serving Instructions
Most children at this age can safely manage a whole stick of string cheese if they reliably bite and chew thoroughly. Offer 20-25 g (3/4–1 oz) alongside fruits, vegetables, grains, and iron-rich foods for a balanced meal. String cheese continues to be an excellent source of protein and calcium, yet is still low in iron, so balance with iron-rich sides. Opt for pasteurized, plain cheese and supervise eating, as large bites still pose some risk.
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