When can I introduce Eggs to my baby?
Most pediatric resources agree that egg yolks are fine for baby to eat when baby is around 8 months old. Please keep in mind that the egg whites should not be fed to baby before 1 year old. Eggs, particularly the egg whites, are one of the top 8 of all allergens. Many studies that have been done on infants with egg allergies find that by the time the infant has reached age 5, the allergy has been outgrown! This is good news as the egg is highly nutritious and an important part of ones diet!
If your family has a history of egg allergies, then it is probably best to wait until after 12 months old to introduce egg yolks. Read about Egg Allergies.
The best way to cook Eggs and Egg Yolks:
Eggs may be scrambled and fried or poached and boiled.
A Few Eggs Baby Food Recipes:
Hard Boiled Egg Yolks
1. Hard-boil an egg
2. Peel shell away and cut in half
3. Scrape or pop out the yolk
4. Mash the yolk and mix in formula, breast milk, yogurt, applesauce or whatever you choose that is appropriate for your baby.
Hint - Hard boiled eggs will spin when they are fully cooked!
Egg Yolk Scramble
1. Crack an egg and separate the white from the yolk (you may use the shell for this or use an egg-separator)
2. Warm olive oil or butter in a frying pan
3. Scramble the yolk in a bowl with formula, breast milk, juice or whole milk and transfer to frying pan
4. Cook over medium heat, scrambling constantly, until thoroughly cooked
Egg Yolk Veggie Scramble (or Baby Omelet)
1. Crack a few eggs and separate the white from the yolk (you may use the shell for this or use an egg-separator)
2. Warm olive oil or butter in a frying pan
3. Scramble the yolk in a bowl with formula, breast milk, juice or whole milk and transfer to frying pan
4. Add a tablespoon of pureed veggies or pre-cooked soft dices of veggies, as you are scrambling the yolks
5. Cook over medium heat, scrambling constantly, until thoroughly cooked.
Veggie Eggs & Rice
1 or 2 hard boiled egg yolks
1 cup of cooked brown rice
1/4 cup of pureed or diced soft cooked veggies such as carrots, broccoli or even sweet potatoes
Combine all ingredients and mix well. If needed, puree or mash to your baby's preferred textures.
Variation: Warm a frying pan with a bit of olive oil, crack an egg and separate the white from the yolk. Scramble the yolk in a bowl with formula, breast milk, juice or whole milk and transfer to frying pan. Add the veggies and rice and scramble the mixture; cooking until the yolks are done.
Shaped Egg Yolk Fry-Up
1. Crack a few eggs and separate the white from the yolk (you may use the shell for this or use an egg-separator)
2. Warm olive oil or butter in a frying pan
3. Scramble and add the yolks to a frying pan. Cook them until the yellow begins to change color and harden - flip the yolks (just like you were making whole fried eggs!)
4. Continue to fry the yolks until they are thoroughly cooked
Variation: Use a cookie cutter to cut shapes from the egg yolks.
Transfer the egg yolks shapes to baby's plate and add some soft dices of your baby's favorite fruits as a garnish for baby to eat.
You may also get creative and cook the yolks inside of a metal cookie cutter in the pan. Simply oil the cookie cutter and place in the pan then add the scrambled yolks to the inside of the cookie cutter. There may be some seeping from under the cutter but you should be able to still fry up some shapes!
Ensure the shapes and dices are of a size appropriate for your baby's age and stage!
Egg Yolk Mash
Mash cooked egg yolks, hard boiled or scrambled, and add the following:
Avocado
Cottage Cheese and Banana or Peaches or Pears etc
Peaches
Banana
Carrots
Sweet Potatoes
Eggy Oatmeal Scramble - A yummy finger food
Ingredients
1 cup of cooked oatmeal
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup soft cooked veggies or fruits of your choice
1 teaspoon olive oil
Heat the olive oil in a small frying pan
Whisk the 2 egg yolks in a bowl
Add the oatmeal and fruits or veggies to the warmed frying pan then add whisked egg yolks
Gently scramble and fry until the yolks are fully cooked
Break the Oatmeal Scramble into small pieces that your baby will easily manage and chew.
Fruit Dutch Baby (12months+)
A wonderful light egg souffle, VERY easy to make! These are quick and easy and well loved by every one who we know that has ever been served this!! Apples are the best fruits to use however peaches and bananas do work nicely as well!
1/3 cup butter or margarine
2 medium apples, 1/2 cup peaches or 1 thinly sliced banana
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3 Tablespoons sugar
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Put butter into a 3 to 4 quart frying pan and place in oven to melt. While butter is melting, prepare fruit, then cut them into thin slices.
Remove the pan from the oven and add cinnamon and sugar to the melted butter. Stir in the sliced apples. Return pan to oven for about 3 minutes.
Put the eggs and milk into a blender and whip at high speed for 1 minute. Set the blender to low speed and slowly add the flour until well blended.
Remove the pan from oven and pour egg batter over the butter and fruit. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pancake is raised and golden brown. Cut in wedges and dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.
Yield: enough for 2 adults and 2 children. The quantities can be increased if more servings are desired: Add 1/2 of an apple, 1 Tablespoon sugar, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of flour and a little more butter & cinnamon for each additional serving
Read more about eggs at
American Egg Board (AEB)
Georgia Egg Commission
Whole Foods - Eggs
Egg Nutrition Center
Some Foods Good to Mix With Eggs
Apples
Pears
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Peas
Sweet Potato
Barley
Lentils
Rice
