Key takeaways: Eggs can be introduced around 6 months, and the AAP says there’s no reason to delay them to prevent allergy. Some research suggests early regular egg introduction may lower the risk of egg allergy. Always cook eggs fully. Babies with severe eczema or known food allergies should see their doctor before starting eggs.
Eggs are nutritious, affordable, and easy to prepare for babies.
Nutrition
Eggs provide protein, choline, vitamin D, B12, and other nutrients.
When to Start
Around 6 months, when your baby is ready for solids. The AAP’s 2019 report found no evidence that delaying allergenic foods like eggs prevents allergies.
Allergy Prevention
Some studies suggest that introducing cooked egg early and regularly may lower egg allergy risk, though evidence isn’t as strong as for peanut. Once introduced, keep offering egg regularly.
If Your Baby Is Higher Risk
Talk to your doctor before introducing eggs if your baby:
- Has severe eczema.
- Has another food allergy.
- Has had a reaction to egg.
Safe Preparation
- Cook fully: yolks and whites should be firm. Raw or runny eggs carry a risk of Salmonella.
- No raw egg in homemade foods.
Serving Ideas
- Around 6 months: hard-boiled egg mashed with breast milk or formula; strips of well-cooked omelet.
- 7 to 9 months: scrambled eggs; egg mixed into vegetables.
- 9 to 12 months: small pieces of scrambled egg, egg muffins without added salt.
Allergy Signs
- Hives or rash around the mouth.
- Vomiting.
- Swelling of the face or lips.
- Coughing or wheezing.
- Sudden sleepiness or floppiness.
Call 911 if your baby: has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, or repeated vomiting with lethargy after eating egg.
The Bottom Line
Eggs are a great early food. Introduce well-cooked egg around 6 months, keep offering it regularly, and talk to your doctor first if your baby is high risk.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW; Committee on Nutrition; Section on Allergy and Immunology. The effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children. Pediatrics. 2019;143(4):e20190281.
- Fleischer DM, Chan ES, Venter C, et al. A consensus approach to the primary prevention of food allergy through nutrition: guidance from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; and the Canadian Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021;9(1):22-43.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Egg safety: what you need to know. https://www.fda.gov
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
