Eggs are very nutritive, making them a great first food for babies. But it’s also a common allergen, so let’s see how to safely introduce babies to eggs. 

Egg Is a Common Allergen

Eggs can be introduced to babies as soon as they start their solid food journey – at 6 months. However, be mindful that eggs are a common allergen. To help prevent food allergies in your baby, introduce eggs in their diet early (6 months onward).

Early and sustained introduction of allergenic foods, as we have mentioned earlier, helps reduce the risk of allergies in babies. The goal is to offer these foods in a gradual manner in small quantities but at a consistent pace. (More information on how to serve eggs is given below.

 

CAUTION: A form of intolerance is also called FPIES (that is, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome). This is a delayed gut allergic reaction to a food, which occurs very rarely. Even small quantities of egg can cause intolerance or allergic reaction. If your child has any kind of allergic reaction (rash or discomfort) after eating eggs, speak to your doctor immediately.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Babies are at a higher risk for developing an allergy if they already suffer from eczema or asthma, or if any immediate family member has an allergy.

 

Research shows that babies who have a food allergy tend to outgrow it by the time they turn 2. Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns or your baby is at higher risk for allergies.

Why Are Eggs a Superfood?

Eggs contain choline, which is a vital nutrient for brain, cognitive, and neurological development of your baby. Eggs are also rich in omega-3 fat, zinc, iron, folate, phosphorus, selenium, as well as vitamins A, D, E, and B12. Eating eggs can help support a baby’s eye health, immune system, healthy cell development, metabolic development, and bone health.

Eggs are also a complete protein, which is well absorbed by the body. They contain all essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of the body.

There are different types of eggs, like chicken, quail, or duck eggs. The most common variety consumed in India are chicken eggs, which is what we will focus on in this article.

If You’re a Vegetarian…

WE SUGGEST: Make an informed decision based on what food habits work for you and your preferences/lifestyle/religion.

 

If you know for sure that when your child grows up, they will NOT eat eggs, then it’s okay to not give them eggs now. But if you feel that your baby may become an eggetarian when they’re older, then it’s a good idea to introduce eggs to your baby’s diet 6 months onwards.

If you’ve decided to introduce eggs to your baby: Make sure it’s not a one-time meal. Babies should be exposed to egg dishes consistently, so they don’t get an allergy later in life. 

Are Eggs a Choking Hazard?

Most forms of eggs (scrambled, bhurji, omelet) are not choking hazards, but boiled eggs can be a choking risk at 6 months of age due to the slippery-ness of the egg whites and the dry, sticky texture of the cooked yolk.

To avoid this, you can mix the boiled egg yolk with some water to give it a smoother, creamier consistency. Or on the safer side, serve your baby egg items like bhurji, scrambled, or omelet until they’re 9 months old. By then, they will be better able to handle eggs and their texture. Then you can start offering them sliced or quartered boiled egg whites.

TIP: Eggs can cause gagging in babies initially until they get used to the taste and texture. To help babies get comfortable, ensure they’re sitting in one place and are upright. You can offer sips of water in between to help them handle the food better.

 

Tips for Serving Eggs to Babies

• Start introducing eggs in very small quantities. Observe how your baby is tolerating it. Then gradually increase portions if they are fine after eating it.
• Try to offer eggs 3-4 times a week, to gradually increase exposure and reduce risk of developing allergy.

• Eggs should always be very well cooked, especially the yolk. It should never be runny or half cooked. Yolks can contain harmful bacteria; hence, raw yolks can cause digestive problems in babies.

• To avoid a choking risk, offer eggs in the form of very lightly seasoned bhurji, scrambled, or omelet. Omelets can be cut into 2-inch wide strips and offered as handheld food.
• Eggs can also be used in baking foods, which can then be offered to babies.

Can Babies Eat Eggs Every Day?

Although eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition, we don’t recommend that babies eat them every day. This is true not just for eggs. Serving any one specific food every day could lead to your baby developing picky eating habits in the future. That’s why, variety and balance are key when it comes to growing babies’ diets!

EGGS: AGE-WISE RECIPES

6 to 8 months	1) Serve in a spoon: Blend a hard-boiled egg with breast milk, baby formula, or water until the consistency is as desired. Serve the pureed egg on a spoon.    2) Thick, scoopable consistency: Mash a hard-boiled egg by hand/fork and serve it with breastmilk/formula or mixed into another porridge like oats or millet porridge. Make it a thick mixture so your baby can scoop it up with their hands and eat.   3) Scrambled/bhurji: Make egg bhurji by adding a dash of  breast milk, formula, or water and scramble the egg in a pan. Add finely cut veggies and a pinch of spices like haldi, jeera, and dhania. Cook it until it is firm enough to be picked up by hand. Make slightly larger chunks that your baby can pick up and eat.   4) Omelet: Serve your baby a thoroughly cooked egg omelet. It’s safe to add a pinch of spices and finely cut veggies. Cut the omelet into thick rectangular strips (about 2 fingers wide), so your baby can hold it and eat independently.
9 to 11 months	1) Hard boiled eggs as is or from egg curries can be cut into quarters or slices and offered to your baby. Avoid adding salt on top the egg or into curries before offering.   2) Bhurji/omelet can be offered in the form of smaller bite-size pieces, as your baby begins to develop their pincer grasp.   3) Egg parathas/pancakes can be offered by cutting small bite-size pieces or 1-inch pieces and dipping them into a curry or curd. This can encourage self-feeding in babies.   4) Egg pulao/biryani: Lightly mash the rice and egg by hand or fork, so it sticks together. Offer it to your baby in a soft, scoopable form.
12 to 24 months	Experiment and add as much variety as you can!   Offer eggs in many different forms. Introduce the concept of flavors and spices.  Egg biryani, egg curries, various types of omelets, egg toast, egg fried rice, egg noodles, egg bhurji, egg dosa, egg paratha, egg sandwich, egg kheema, egg pancakes, egg muffins, etc.    1) Mash the rice varieties slightly so they stick together, and your baby can easily scoop this up. It’s completely okay if they’re not using spoons now; they will eventually learn, so encourage them to dive in with their hands!   2) Cut egg dosa into long or small strips, dip them in sambhar or less spicy chutney, curd, veggie/egg /chicken gravy, and offer to your baby.   3) Cutlets/burger/patties/fritters: Eggs are sometimes used to coat soft hand-held patties or cutlets. Break them into bite size pieces so your baby can pick and eat. Cutlets and patties can be shallow fried or baked to avoid serving deep fried foods for your little one.   4) Encourage your baby to dip chapatis/parathas into egg curries or scoop up bhurji with chapati.   5) Whole boiled eggs can be offered; ensure the yolk is fully boiled/cooked.