Prep warning
Use pasteurized string cheese. The firm stick is a top choking hazard, so always grate, melt, or pull it into thin soft strands and never serve it whole or in coin shapes. Whole cow's milk is not a main drink before 12 months, but cheese as a food is fine from around 6 months.
Choking notes
String cheese in its firm cylindrical stick form is a top choking hazard. A bitten-off coin or chunk is round and rubbery and can block the airway. Always grate it finely, melt it, or pull it into thin soft strands, and never let a young child bite from the whole stick. Round, firm, and cylindrical foods remain a risk until about age 4. Always supervise eating.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
String cheese is pasteurized mozzarella, fine as a dairy food from around 6 months but only when the shape is made safe. Finely grate it or melt a little into a dish. Never offer the whole stick or any round, coin, or chunk shape.
Finely grate or melt into a dish. Never whole, in coins, rounds, or chunks.
9-12 months
Keep serving pasteurized string cheese finely grated over food, melted into dishes, or peeled into very thin soft shreds. Round, coin-shaped, and cylindrical pieces are a top choking hazard, so never serve it whole or sliced across.
Finely grate, melt, or peel into very thin shreds. Never whole, in coins, or chunks.
12-18 months
Pasteurized string cheese can be peeled into thin soft strands or coarsely grated for a toddler. Keep pulling it apart into thin shreds rather than offering rounds or the firm stick, which stays a choking hazard until your child chews reliably.
Peel into thin soft strands or coarsely grate. Never the whole stick or in rounds.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Milk is a common allergen. Read Milk guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat String cheese?
Most babies can try String 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.
Track String cheese and every first food in nappi
Log solids, watch for reactions, and get reminders to reintroduce new foods. Free to try.