When Can Babies Eat Eggs?
Introducing eggs to your baby’s diet is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel daunting, especially if you’re worried about potential egg allergies. Here’s what you need to know about when babies can start eating eggs, the nutritional benefits of eggs, egg allergy risks and symptoms, and how to prepare eggs for babies and toddlers.
When Is It Safe For Babies To Eat Eggs?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting solid foods when your baby has good head and neck control, can sit upright, shows interest in foods, and has doubled their birth weight, which is typically between 4 and 6 months old. The AAP and other health organizations state eggs can be one of your baby’s first foods along with iron-fortified cereals, pureed fruits and vegetables.
Specifically, the AAP suggests introducing egg yolks as one of your baby’s first foods around 6 months, and egg whites around 8-10 months. Egg whites contain proteins that are more likely to cause allergic reactions in babies, so delaying egg whites helps reduce allergy risks.
Cesar Sauza, RD, recommends starting with just a small amount of egg yolk around 6 months. “Scrambled eggs are the safest preparation for babies starting solids. Well-boiled eggs are also possible if mashed with a fork into a puree.”
What Are The Nutritional Benefits Of Eggs For Babies?
Eggs are packed with important vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and proteins to support your baby’s growth and development. Here are some of the top nutrients in eggs:
- Protein – Eggs contain 6 grams of protein per large egg, providing building blocks for muscle growth.
- Choline – Eggs are one of the richest sources of choline, which supports brain and nervous system development.
- Vitamin A – Eggs contain 150 IU vitamin A per large egg. Vitamin A is crucial for eye health and vision development.
- Folate – Eggs have 22 mcg folate per large egg, which assists in producing new cells and preventing birth defects.
- Vitamin B12 – With 0.6 mcg vitamin B12 per large egg, eggs help form red blood cells and maintain healthy nerve function.
- Iron – Eggs contain 0.6 mg iron per large egg, which helps prevent anemia and aids in cognitive development.
- Omega-3s – Egg yolks contain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA to support eye and brain health.
What Should Parents Know About Egg Allergies?
Egg allergies affect around 1-2% of young children. Symptoms usually appear within minutes to hours after eating eggs and may include:
- Hives, itching, eczema rash
- Runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes
- Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
- Swelling of the lips, face, throat
- Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness
- Anaphylaxis (life-threatening reaction affecting breathing)
If your baby already has severe eczema or known food allergies, talk to your pediatrician before introducing egg yolks. Stop feeding your baby eggs and call your pediatrician immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms.
How Should You Prepare Eggs For Babies?
When cooking eggs for your baby:
- Cook egg yolks and whites thoroughly until solid. Undercooked eggs may contain harmful bacteria.
- Scramble, boil or puree eggs to reach the proper texture.
- Avoid added salt and spices, which can harm baby’s kidneys.
As your baby learns to self-feed around 8-10 months old, you can serve small pieces of scrambled egg they can pick up. For toddlers, add grated cheese or herbs to make eggs more enticing.
Key Takeaways
- Most babies can try egg yolks around 6 months and egg whites at 8-10 months as one of their first foods. Wait until your baby meets developmental readiness signs like sitting up and bringing objects to their mouth.
- Eggs provide protein, vitamins and minerals to support growth. However, around 1-2% of babies develop egg allergies.
- Cook eggs fully and avoid added salt and spices. Puree or scramble eggs for early eaters. Let older babies and toddlers practice picking up soft pieces.
- If your baby already has eczema or known food allergies, check with your pediatrician before introducing eggs. Stop feeding eggs if your baby experiences concerning symptoms.
With the latest expert recommendations, you can confidently incorporate eggs into your baby’s diet at the appropriate stage as they advance to solid foods. Pay attention to any reactions, and consult your pediatrician with any concerns. With care and supervision, eggs can become a healthy part of your child’s balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Babies Eating Eggs:
- How can I introduce eggs to my baby?
Start with a small amount of very thoroughly cooked egg yolk around 6 months old. Scramble, boil, or puree the eggs to an appropriate consistency. Only introduce well-cooked egg whites after 8-10 months once your baby tolerates yolks without reaction.
- What if my baby is allergic to eggs?
Stop feeding your baby eggs if they develop concerning symptoms like hives, vomiting, wheezing or swelling. See an allergist who may do a blood test or supervised oral food challenge to confirm an egg allergy. Work with a dietician to ensure your baby still gets proper nutrition without eggs.
- Can I put egg in my baby’s bottle?
No, do not put any solid foods like egg in a baby’s bottle. Only breastmilk or formula should go in a bottle to avoid choking risks. Introduce egg yolks and whites by spoon once your baby is ready for solid foods around 6 months old.
- How do I know if baby is ready for eggs?
Signs your baby is ready for eggs include:
- Good head and neck control
- Ability to sit upright
- Interest in foods
- Doubled birth weight
- Around 6 months old
Consult your pediatrician if you are unsure if your baby is ready to start solids like eggs. Only introduce eggs and other new foods when your baby meets developmental milestones.
- Can I feed my baby raw eggs?
No, raw or undercooked eggs may contain salmonella or other bacteria that can make your baby very sick. Always cook eggs fully until both the yolk and white are solid. Do not serve raw, runny, or poached eggs to babies or young children.
- How often can babies eat eggs?
Once introduced, the AAP recommends feeding eggs to babies 1-2 times per week as part of a varied diet. Avoid serving eggs every day, as overly frequent egg exposure may increase allergy risk. Introduce other iron-rich foods like meat, beans, and fortified cereal.
- When should I stop spoon-feeding eggs?
Once your baby masters pincer grasping around 8-10 months, they can start feeding themselves small pieces of egg and other finger foods. Make eggs easier to pick up by steaming or finely chopping them. Closely supervise self-feeding to prevent choking.
- What kind of eggs should I feed my baby?
For babies, plain chicken eggs are best. Avoid duck, quail or other specialty eggs, which may trigger allergies. Choose eggs fortified with omega-3s and vitamin D when possible for added nutrition. Organic and free-range eggs are fine but not necessary.
- Can I freeze extra egg puree?
Yes, you can cook egg yolks, mix with breastmilk or formula, then freeze 1-2 ounce portions in an ice cube tray for later use. Thaw frozen egg cubes in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. Clearly label cubes with the contents and date.
- When can toddlers start eating fried eggs?
Wait until your child is around 3 years old to introduce fried eggs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding fried foods for children under age 4 due to choking risks. Stick to boiled, scrambled, and thoroughly cooked plain egg dishes for babies and young toddlers.