- Babies can start having Dairylea triangles from six to eight months old but in moderation due to high salt content
- Dairylea offers a good source of calcium essential for a baby’s growth, with one triangle containing about 140 grams of calcium
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives are added to Dairylea, making it a safer processed cheese option for babies
- However, Dairylea’s salt content (about 0.2 grams per triangle) is still considered high for young babies
- Dairylea may not be suitable for babies with lactose intolerance as it contains real cheese made from skimmed milk and milk protein
Can Babies Eat Dairylea Triangles?
Would you like to share your tasty cheese snack with your baby but are not sure it’s safe?
Let’s look at some facts.
In general, babies can eat Dairylea Triangles or other brands of processed cheese, such as Laughing Cow.
Typically, around the ages of six to eight months, when weaning has started.
The texture of the triangles is very soft and squishy and easy for a baby to hold.
You may wish to introduce the flavor gradually, such as by adding the cheese to a portion of mashed potato.
You could also spread a thin layer of Dairylea on a small piece of toast.
Dairylea can be seen as being good for a young baby, as it has a lot of calcium and relatively few calories.
A baby aged six months to one year requires approximately 260 grams of calcium per day, and one Dairylea triangle contains around 140 grams.
The triangles also contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, so in that respect, you are not introducing anything harmful to your baby.
Dairylea triangles are also suitable for a vegetarian lifestyle.
Why Should Babies Not Have Dairylea Triangles?
There are a couple of downsides to Dairylea triangles and reasons why you shouldn’t feed them to your baby.
First of all, they do contain salt, approximately 0.2 grams per triangle.
This amount of salt has been reduced over the years since Dairylea triangles were invented in the 1950s.
But it is still relatively high for a young baby.
If you have ever wondered what Dairylea triangles were made of, you may be surprised to learn that they contain real cheese.
Of course, this means they are a dairy product made from skimmed milk, milk fat, and milk protein.
If your baby is showing any signs of lactose intolerance, then Dairylea triangles may harm them.
Cheese for Babies
My Final Thoughts
Babies can eat Dairylea triangles from the age of six months onwards.
The cheese should be introduced gradually by mixing it into mashed potatoes or spreading it on toast.
Dairylea triangles are a good source of calcium.
However, they do have a relatively high salt content.
Also, be aware that Dairylea triangles are made from real cheese and may not be suitable for a baby with lactose intolerance.
Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your baby’s diet.
If you are interested in more facts about triangle snacks, read my article about whether Laughing Cow cheese can melt.
How do you feel about introducing Dairylea triangles to babies as a source of calcium?
Let us know in the comments below!