When Can Babies Eat Eggs?

Team AckoFeb 9, 2024

The most frequently asked question by mothers is if they can start giving eggs to their babies from an early stage. The answer is yes. You can start giving fully cooked eggs to your baby from the 6 months. Eggs are a great source of proteins and nutrients. Many medical researchers have started recommending egg yolk as a great first food for babies. Allergy caused due to egg yolk is extremely rare. You can start administering egg whites from the 8th or 9th month. But, if your family has any history of egg allergies, it’s better not to introduce eggs until one year.

Babies usually have a bad reaction when they try egg for the first time. They might probably spit it out; this is not because of an allergy it’s just sensitivity towards solid food. The best egg recipe for babies is, hard boil the egg then peel off the whites and mash the yolk until it is a smooth paste. Later, you can spoon-feed your baby. You can also give your baby foods that contain eggs such as custard, mousse, ice-cream, and mayonnaise. But make sure all these are homemade.

When can babies eat eggs: What is an egg allergy?

The process of allergic reaction to egg happens when your baby’s body mistakes proteins in an egg as a harmful invader. The body releases antibodies called immunoglobulin (IgE) as a reaction. In turn, the “IgE” promotes the body to release chemicals called histamines. When these chemicals are released the body starts exhibiting few symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and skin rashes. Diagnosing an egg allergy in infants is not an easy task. You will have to wait and observe for four days. Not just eggs, before introducing any new foods to your baby, you will have to follow the four-day wait rule.

When can babies eat eggs: Symptoms of egg allergy

Your baby might show any of the following symptoms mentioned as an allergic reaction to proteins present in the egg of a hen. The egg yolk contains proteins called apovitellenins I, apovitellenins VI, and phosvitin; these hardly have any allergic reaction. Usually, the proteins present in egg whites are a possible cause of allergies. Ovomucoid, ovalbumin, ovotransfferin, and lysozyme are the four proteins present in egg whites out of which ovalbumin is a dangerous one it makes fifty percent of the egg. 

• Hives

• Nausea

• Asthma

• Wheezing

• Vomiting

• Allergic rhinitis

• Dermatitis

• Anaphylaxis 

• Gastrointestinal symptoms

• Oral allergy (around the lips, mouth, and throat)

When can babies eat eggs: Egg substitutes for egg allergic bodies

• Banana Mash

• Apple Mash

• Yogurt

• Peanut butter

• Tofu

• For baking and setting purpose, you can use gelatin and other egg replacer products available in the market.

Read: When can your little one start having eggs?

When can babies eat eggs: 6 healthy egg recipes 

Here are a few egg recipes for your baby:

Egg yolk mash

Take a hard-boiled egg, cut it into half remove the yolk and mash it with the help of a fork until it is silky smooth. If you wish you can add half spoon milk for better texture.

Hard-boiled egg

Runny yolk and soft-boiled eggs are not recommended for kids. It is important to hard-boil the egg to kill all the bacteria. Put the egg in water and later bring it to a boil. Boil for 5-6 minutes and let it rest for around 10 minutes. Peel the egg and cut it into halves. You can chop the whites into small pieces and give it your baby, use the yolk for the mash.

Mashes carrots with egg yolk

Boil the carrots until they are super soft. After they are boiled and cooled, mash them using a fork; make sure no lumps are left. Add egg yolk mash to the carrot mash and mix it well. This is a well-nourished meal for your baby. You can do the same recipe with potatoes, sweet potatoes, and avocados.

Scrambled egg yolks

Break an egg into the bowl and separate the yolk. Add little baby milk to the yolks and beat it well with a fork. If your baby is used to pepper you can use a pinch of it. Put little butter into a pan, add the mixture and scramble it until it reaches a smooth consistency. You can start using egg whites in the recipe after 18 months.

Yolk omelet with vegetables

Soft boil your choice of vegetables preferably carrots, broccoli, and potatoes. Mash them into a fine paste or finely chop them.  Mix the egg yolks and vegetables and beat them well. You can add a little bit baby milk as well. Add a pinch of pepper powder and pour it into a pan with a teaspoon of butter. Once it’s cooked well on one side, flip it and make sure the other side is also cooked well.

French toast fingers

Take a bowl, mix eggs and milk by beating them well. Heat some butter in a frying pan. Cut bread slices to fingers and dip them well in the egg mixture. Now, fry the fingers in butter. This is a healthy snack for toddlers. 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.