Prep warning
Choose plain, pasteurized cottage cheese with no added salt or sugar. It is a source of milk, one of the common food allergens.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Cottage cheese is soft and spoonable, which makes it an easy early food. Use a plain, pasteurized, full-fat tub with no added salt or sugar. Serve it on its own by the spoon, or stir it into vegetable or fruit purée. A smaller-curd style is smoothest at this age.
Spoonable as is, or stirred into purée; no cutting needed.
9-12 months
Plain, pasteurized, full-fat cottage cheese stays an easy food as your baby practises self-feeding with a spoon. Serve it on its own, or fold it into mashed fruit, soft grains, or a scoop of vegetable mash. Keep it unsweetened and unsalted.
Spoonable on its own or mixed into other soft food; no cutting needed.
12-18 months
Cottage cheese works as a quick meal or snack, on its own or mixed into fruit, soft grains, or a vegetable dish. Use a plain, pasteurized, full-fat tub and keep added salt and sugar low. Larger curds are fine now that your toddler is chewing more.
Spoonable on its own or mixed into food; no cutting needed.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Milk is a common allergen. Read Milk guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat Cottage cheese?
Most babies can try Cottage cheese from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
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