Jarlsberg Cheese

Consider waiting until a child is at least 12 months of age before introducing Jarlsberg cheese, due to its moderate sodium levels. That said, a small taste here and there before the first birthday won’t hurt.

Jarlsberg is a brand of firm cow’s milk cheese with a nutty flavor, distinctive holes, and a waxy yellow rind. Like emmentaler and swiss cheese, Jarlsberg is made in the alpine style: curds are cooked and pressed to reduce moisture and extend the shelf life, then helpful bacteria are introduced to create holes in the final product. Swiss immigrants brought their alpine cheesemaking techniques to Norway, and as the cheese became a staple, it was distinguished by the name of the nobleman who owned the land where it was produced. While Jarlsberg is trademarked in Norway, the cheese is produced in other parts of the world, including Ireland and the United States.

Not particularly, due to moderate sodium levels, but an occasional taste of Jarlsberg cheese certainly won’t hurt before the first birthday. Sodium is essential for healthy bodily functions, but it should be minimized in meals during the first year of life.Nutritionally, Jarlsberg cheese contains lots of calcium to build strong bones and is particularly concentrated in vitamin K, which is also necessary for bone development. Jarlsberg provides ample vitamin A to power the immune system and aid eyesight and skin health, plus plenty of protein and healthy fats for heathy growth.

★Tip: While some cheeses have edible rinds, the rind of Jarlsberg cheese is inedible, so make sure to cut off the rind prior to serving.

Yes. Cubes of cheese and globs of melted cheese are common choking hazards for babies and children. To reduce the risk, slice Jarlsberg cheese thinly and avoid serving cheese in cubes. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

Yes. Jarlsberg cheese is made from cow’s milk. Cow’s milk is a common food allergen in young children, accounting for about one-fifth of all childhood food allergies in the United States. Keep in mind that dairy products made from other ruminants such as sheep, goat, and buffalo may provoke similar allergic reactions to cow’s milk dairy products. If baby is allergic to dairy, know that it is an allergy that often disappears with time. Research shows that the majority of children with cow's milk allergy will outgrow it by age 6, and many babies with milder symptoms of milk protein allergy (which can show up as painless blood in stool) are able to successfully reintroduce cow's milk as early as their first birthday, with the guidance of their doctors. Note: Aged cheeses generally contain histamines, which may cause rashes in children who are sensitive to them.

Milk is a known cause of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, also known as FPIES. FPIES is a delayed allergy to food protein which causes the sudden onset of repetitive vomiting and diarrhea to begin a few hours after ingestion of the food trigger. Left untreated, the reaction can result in significant dehydration. Thankfully, like other forms of milk allergy, FPIES that presents early in life is generally outgrown by the time the child has reached 3 to 5 years of age. While the exact rates of FPIES are unknown, it is believed to be an uncommon condition (although better recognition of the disease has led to increased reporting in recent years).

For those with older children who are lactose intolerant (keep in mind this is uncommon for infants and toddlers), some good news: compared with milk and certain other dairy products, many cheeses may be better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance, particularly aged cheeses, which have lower lactose content. Note that if a child is lactose-intolerant, it’s important to find calcium-rich foods to consume regularly to ensure a balanced diet and support bone health. Search for naturally low-lactose cheeses and dairy products labeled “lactose-free.”

If you suspect a child may be allergic to dairy products, consult an allergist before introducing other dairy products like cheese. Based on a child’s risk factors and history, an allergist may recommend allergy testing, or may instead advise dairy introduction under medical supervision in the office. If the risk is low, you may be advised to go ahead and introduce dairy in the home setting. As with all common allergens, start by serving a small quantity for the first few servings, and if there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

No. In general, cheese is relatively high in fat and low in fiber, qualities that slow the processes of digestion and pooping. Significant consumption of cheese and milk can be a contributing factor in constipation.  Note that pooping patterns can vary significantly from child to child. Be sure to talk to your pediatric healthcare provider if you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function.