Starting solids with your infant can be a challenge, from knowing what your baby will like to what they might even be allergic to. To make things more challenging, some common foods are the most common allergens, like eggs, milk, wheat, fish, soy, and peanuts.5 However, eggs are a nutrient-dense, protein-rich food for your baby’s diet. Here, we’ll explain when babies can eat eggs, what to know about an egg allergy, and how you can introduce this food to your baby.6
When You Can Introduce Eggs to Your Baby
Introducing eggs can be a stress-free experience that has significant health benefits for your baby. It’s important not to avoid egg exposure because this can actually increase the chance of an egg allergy.7 You can start introducing your baby to eggs at about 6 months to diversify their diet.4
The Health Benefits of Eggs
Not only are eggs easy to cook and serve to your baby, but they also contain a boatload of nutrients. Eggs are high in protein and fat — two things a growing baby needs a ton of!8 At this age, protein is used for energy and growth, while fat is mainly used for brain development.9 The recommended daily amount of protein for a 6-month-old infant is 11 grams, and the recommended fat intake is about 50% of their total calories.10 One egg contains about 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat, making it a great option to meet your child’s daily needs alongside breast milk or formula.1,11
Eggs are also packed with vitamins and minerals your baby needs. They’re rich in vitamins A, D, E, K, and B, as well as choline, iron, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. The amount of nutrients found in eggs can supplement what isn’t found in breast milk, making this one of the best foods for starting solids.2
What To Know About an Egg Allergy
Eggs are one of the most common allergens, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid giving them to your baby. Only about 2% of children are allergic to eggs, and many outgrow this allergy over time.4
There are a few preferred ways that specialists recommend introducing eggs to babies to help rule out ingredient-specific allergies. Ensure the egg is plain and not accompanied by other ingredients (even seasoning) to prevent any ingredient allergy confusion. Another tip is repeated exposure. This can help with nailing down an allergy if the baby presents with one. For example, maybe they had a rash after eating an egg once, but it could’ve been due to a new laundry detergent rather than the egg.7,12
It’s also critical to be alert and aware of the symptoms of an egg allergy. Egg allergic reactions usually occur within minutes to up to two hours after exposure. Symptoms can include:3,4
- Hives
- Repeated vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Itchy eyes
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Tightness in the throat
In rare cases, anaphylaxis can occur and would require immediate medical attention. If you suspect your child is allergic to eggs (or another common allergen), your doctor or allergist may order testing.3,4
Safe Ways To Serve Eggs to Babies
Eggs are very easy to prep and store for busy days ahead. There are many ways you can prepare and store cooked eggs. Overall, ensure you introduce a plain, fully-cooked egg when offering it to your baby for the first time. Avoid using baked goods with eggs as your introductory food or any extra ingredients, like milk or cheese, when cooking them.
The easiest way to serve eggs to babies is by scrambling or hard-boiling them. Once the egg is fully cooked, you can let it cool to a warm temperature (not hot). Then, cut the egg into strips for your child to hold and feed themselves. Or you can cut them into bite-sized pieces with a fork or spoon. However you cook and serve your baby eggs, you can ensure they’re safe to eat if they’re fully cooked.
As your baby gets older and has tried each individual ingredient without signs of an allergy, you can start introducing eggs with mixed ingredients. For instance, you could prepare a bite-sized veggie omelet or serve an egg with cheese, bread, or avocado.
The Bottom Line: Can Babies Eat Eggs?
Eggs are an excellent first food, packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. While allergies are possible, introducing them early and safely gives your baby the best chance to enjoy their benefits. With your guidance and your doctor’s advice, eggs can become a healthy part of your baby’s diet.
