Quark

Pasteurized quark can be offered once baby is ready for solids, around 6 months. It is naturally low in sodium and a great first cheese for babies.

Quark is a fresh cow's milk cheese that is not aged. Across northern Asia and Europe it also goes by kvarg, ser biały, séré, topfen and twaróg. Milk is warmed and cultures are added. When curds form they are drained. Traditionally it was made from unpasteurized milk. Today most is made from pasteurized milk with citric acid or rennet. Texture can be creamy, crumbly or whipped.

Nutrition

Quark brings protein for cell growth, vitamin B12 for the nervous system and some calcium for bones. Probiotics help gut health. Quark made from whole milk, cream and buttermilk contains more phospholipids, which are the fats that build cell membranes. It carries much less sodium than most cheeses.

When buying cheese for a baby, choose pasteurized. Look for under 100 mg sodium per serving. Whole milk is ideal.

At 6 months spread it thin or mix it into dishes. At 9 months give a bowl for dipping fruit and vegetables. After 12 months it can go into any meal.

Try to avoid added sugar until the second birthday. Quark tastes great in desserts, but do not add syrup or honey. Honey is never given before 12 months.

Quark is a soft spreadable cheese and does not carry a high choking risk. In theory any food can cause choking. Stay beside baby during meals.

Milk is a common allergen in young children. In the United States about one in five childhood food allergies comes from milk. The good news is that milk allergy often passes with time. Most children with cow's milk allergy outgrow it by age 6. Many babies with mild milk protein allergy symptoms can restart cow's milk around the first birthday, with a doctor's guidance. Sheep, goat and buffalo milk products may trigger a similar reaction to cow's milk.

FPIES

Milk is one known cause of FPIES, short for food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome. FPIES is a delayed allergy. A few hours after eating, it brings sudden, repeated vomiting and diarrhea. Left untreated it leads to serious fluid loss. FPIES that starts early is usually outgrown by age 3 to 5. Exact rates are unknown and it is thought to be rare.

If you suspect baby has a milk allergy, talk to an allergist before giving cheese. Depending on risk, the allergist may suggest testing or a supervised trial in the office. When the risk is judged low, you may be told to begin at home. Give a small amount at the first servings. If there is no reaction, raise it slowly.

Lactose intolerance is uncommon in babies. Quark has less lactose than milk but more than aged cheeses. For a lactose-intolerant child, build in other calcium-rich foods as a regular habit.