It’s common for parents to speculate if eggs for babies are safe. An egg is rich in high-quality lean proteiniXA protein source low in saturated fat. and 13 essential vitamins that can effectively support a baby’s growth and development. However, it is also one of the most common allergens (1) (2). So, is it safe for babies to eat eggs? Understanding this is vital to ensure you introduce the egg to your baby at the right age and in the right portions. Read on as we tell you more about the possible health benefits of eggs for babies and their side effects. We also present some baby-friendly egg recipes you can try preparing at home.
When Can Babies Eat Eggs?
In the past, pediatricians recommended egg only after the baby turned one to avoid any possible risk of allergy. But the revised recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggest that you may include eggs as soon as the baby starts eating solids. This is crucial as there is no evidence to suggest that waiting to introduce baby-safe, allergy-causing foods, such as eggs, beyond four to six months of age could prevent food allergy (3). It could also be selected as one of the first foods for baby provided you stay alert about the possible allergic reactions that egg consumption might trigger. AAP further states that the introduction of cooked eggs at four to six months of age might protect against egg allergy, irrespective of family, or personal history of allergy (4).
Possible Risks Of Egg For Babies
The possible allergic reactions, which could be severe, are believed to be triggered by proteins found in the egg white. Though rare, egg yolk can trigger an allergy too (2). Studies show that by the age of 16, children usually outgrow egg allergies. Watch for signs of allergy whenever you introduce egg. If anyone in your family is allergic to egg, consult a pediatrician before including egg in your baby’s diet. Also, if your baby has eczemaiXAn inflammatory skin condition causing dryness, irritation, and itching. , exercise caution while giving them eggs, as there is a relation between this skin condition and food allergies.
Signs Of Egg Allergy Or Sensitivity
Symptoms of egg allergy could range from mild allergic reactions to anaphylaxis. The common symptoms that you should check in case of an egg allergy are (2):
Vomiting Stomach cramps Indigestion Diarrhea Wheezing Repetitive cough Tightness in throat, hoarse voice Hives
A more severe allergy could show the following symptoms and warrant an emergency medical intervention.
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing Weak pulse Pale or blue coloring of the skin Swelling, can affect the tongue and/or lips Dizziness Confusion
The extent of severity of the allergy depends on the baby’s immune system, and a severe form of an allergic reaction such as anaphylaxisiXSevere, generalized allergic reaction. is seldom seen in babies.
Nutritional Value Of Egg
Below is the nutritional value of a whole, raw egg. Source: USFDA (5)
Benefits Of Eggs For Babies
Egg contains proteins, fat, and other nutrients such as iron, zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, fatty acids, vitamins D, B12, E, choline, and folate (5). Eggs have the second highest-quality protein found in any food, the first being human milk that has lactalbuminiXA protein obtained from whey. protein. Here is how eggs can benefit your baby in more than one way: Trivia: Egg whites contain more than half (four of the six grams) of an egg’s protein. They are low in calories and free of carbohydrates and fats. However, both the egg white and yolk are highly nutritious.
How To Introduce Eggs To Babies?
Introduce one food at a time. This would help watch probable reactions that a food could cause. So follow a three to five-day wait rule (9). If you notice any allergic reaction or sensitivity during these days, contact your baby’s pediatrician or an allergist. However, to prevent allergic reactions to egg, you can try one trick. Introduce egg yolk before egg white, as egg yolks are considered to be less allergenic than egg whites. You can do so in the following ways:
To start simple, take the yolk out from a hard-boiled egg. Add breast milk or formula milk to it and mix everything. Serve it to your baby as egg yolk puree.
Another way is egg yolk omelet. To prepare, separate the yolk from a raw egg, beat it well. Meanwhile, heat a frying pan with some oil. Spread the beaten yolk on the pan and cook from both sides until golden brown. With the same recipe, you can make a scrambled egg as well.
Once your baby looks comfortable with egg yolk, you can try adding it with other pureed fruits and vegetables. This could help you prepare sumptuous egg soups with vegetables.
You can also try adding an egg yolk to cereals, grains, and other food items to make recipes such as egg and oats pancake or egg rice (mashed), etc.
As your baby turns one, you can consult your pediatrician and try more egg recipes such as waffles, pastries, and other baked items that include more egg whites. Also, you can try serving finger foods such as hard-boiled egg wedges and egg sandwiches to your baby. Note: Do not feed infants raw or partially cooked eggs or food items that contain them, such as homemade ice cream or mayonnaise (10). Below are some delicious egg recipes for babies. Try them out!
Simple Egg Recipes For Babies
They are easy to make and tasty to eat.
1. Hard-Boiled Egg Yolk Mash
Preparation time: 5min You will need:
1 egg boiled
How to: Foods good to mix with eggs are peas, pears, apples, sweet potato, carrots, cauliflower, rice, lentils, barley, etc.
2. Scrambled Eggs
Preparation time: 10min You will need:
1 egg ¼ cup whole milk 1tsp butter or oil Grated cheese (optional)
How to: Note: If you want to add cheese, ensure that you select cheese suitable for your baby’s age.
3. Omelet
Preparation time: 5 min You will need:
1 egg ¼ cup whole milk Pepper 1tsp butter or oil
How to:
4. Spanish Omelet
Preparation time: 10min You will need:
1 egg ¼ cup potatoes or tomatoes or bell peppers (chopped) 1tsp olive oil ¼ cup whole milk Salt
How to:
5. Egg Sandwich (8-9 months)
Preparation time: 15 min You will need:
1 egg 1 brown bread slice Salt Pepper Butter fruit (avocados)
How to:
6. Egg Dosa
Preparation time: 5 min You will need:
1 egg Dosa batter Salt Pepper 1tbsp oil
How to: Note: Do not spread the dosa batter too thin.
7. Egg Custard
Preparation time: 35 min You will need:
2 cup whole milk 1tsp vanilla extract 1tbsp multigrain flour 4 egg yolks 5tbsp brown sugar (optional)
How to:
8. Ghee Rice and Boiled Egg Yolk for Babies
Preparation time: 5 min You will need:
1/2 cup rice (cooked) 1tsp ghee Salt for taste Pepper (pinch) 1 egg yolk (boiled)
How to: Mash cooked rice in a bowl and add a spoon full of ghee, pepper, and salt. Mix and mash, it well. Serve with egg yolk.
9. Egg Pudding
Preparation time: 15 min You will need:
1 egg 1/2 cup whole milk 2 drops vanilla essence A pinch of cinnamon
How to:
10. Steamed Egg
Preparation time: 35 min You will need:
2 eggs 6 halved eggshells of boiled water Sesame oil (for taste)
How to:
11. Veggie Egg Rice
Preparation time: 10 min You will need:
1 hard-boiled egg 1 cup cooked brown rice ¼ cup soft-cooked veggies like carrots, broccoli, spinach, peas, capsicum, and sweet potato Oil (for frying)
How to:
