Egg

Egg can be offered from about 6 months, once baby is ready for solids. Egg is a common allergen, so start with a small amount. Serve the white and yolk together, fully cooked.

Nutrition

Egg is a good source of protein and fat. It has DHA, an omega 3 fat. It carries vitamins A, B12, and D, plus choline, iodine, iron, selenium, zinc, and folate. It also holds lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. These nutrients support growth, brain development, blood cells, immunity, and bones.

Eggs every day

A child can eat egg every day. If you serve it the same way too often, your child may get bored. Vary the forms. Recent research shows that cholesterol from food does not raise heart risk.

Give a small amount of well cooked egg the first time. Watch for 5 to 10 minutes after the first bite. If there are no signs, give the rest. Omelet strips, mashed scrambled egg, and well cooked boiled egg all work. For scrambled egg and baked goods, whisk the yolk and white until fully blended. This spreads the protein evenly so it cooks evenly.

Well cooked egg usually means 71 degrees C inside. For boiled egg, simmer 15 minutes. Stir scrambled egg until no runny part is left.

Dry yolk of boiled egg is hard for small babies to move in the mouth. After 9 months you can serve quarters or slices. To serve it earlier, mash the egg with water, breast milk, formula, or yogurt.

Egg carries a low choking risk. Dry yolk can stick to the tongue and palate and cause gagging. Offer a little water, breast milk, or formula in an open cup. Stay with your child during meals.

Egg is a common allergen. About 2% of children are allergic to egg. The good news: about 70% of them outgrow it before adulthood. About two thirds of children with egg allergy tolerate cooked egg.

The old advice was to wait until age 2. Today there is evidence that giving well cooked egg early and often in infancy may help prevent allergy. Ovalbumin, a main egg allergen, is sensitive to heat. In baked, boiled, steamed, or fully scrambled egg, most of it breaks down.

A family history of food allergy is usually not a reason to delay egg. Severe eczema or another food allergy in the baby raises the risk. If that fits your baby, ask the doctor before starting. The doctor may suggest a test or a trial with an allergist.

Once your child tolerates egg, keep it in the diet regularly. Some babies react strongly to even a tiny amount. Reactions range from mild to anaphylaxis. Make sure you know the signs before you start.

Egg is also a known cause of FPIES. FPIES brings repeated vomiting and diarrhea a few hours after eating. Untreated, it can cause fluid loss. FPIES that starts early usually passes by age 3 to 5.