When can babies have eggs?

Babies can have eggs from about 6 months of age, as soon as they are ready for solids, as long as the egg is fully cooked. Babies at higher risk of allergy, such as those with severe eczema, may be advised by their pediatrician to start earlier under guidance.

Yes, babies can eat eggs from around 6 months when the egg is well cooked. Start with mashed or blended egg on a spoon, and from about 7–8 months, omelet strips and quartered hard-boiled eggs work well for self-feeding.

Egg carries a moderate choking risk, so prepare it with care. Fully cooked egg served soft, such as scrambled, omelet strips or mashed yolk, is easiest for babies. Dry hard-boiled yolk can be crumbly and sticky, so mash it with a little liquid and avoid large firm chunks of white.

Egg is a common allergen and one of the Top 9 food allergens. Introducing well-cooked egg early and serving it regularly, a few times a week, may help lower the risk of egg allergy.

To serve egg to a 6 month old, cook it fully, then mash hard-boiled egg with breast milk or formula until smooth, or blend set scrambled egg, and serve it on a spoon. Thin omelet strips and quartered hard-boiled eggs can follow at 7–8 months.

Egg yolk and egg white can be introduced together as a whole cooked egg. Most egg allergies are to proteins in the white, so offering whole egg gives baby exposure to the important allergens; there is no need to start with only the yolk.

Babies and toddlers can eat eggs every day as part of a varied diet. Eggs are nutritious and affordable, and once egg is tolerated, serving it at least a few times a week helps keep it in the diet.

Runny or soft-boiled eggs are best avoided in babies and young children because of the risk of Salmonella. In some countries, eggs from schemes certified as low risk for Salmonella are considered safe soft-cooked; otherwise, keep yolks firm, and ask your pediatrician if unsure.

An egg allergy reaction in a baby usually appears within minutes to two hours and can include hives, redness around the mouth, swelling, vomiting or coughing. Call emergency services for any trouble breathing, and call your pediatrician for milder reactions before offering egg again.

Baked goods made with egg, like muffins and pancakes, are safe for babies once egg is introduced, as long as they are low in sugar and salt. Baked egg is often better tolerated by children with mild egg allergy, but always follow your allergist's advice.

Yes, eggs are one of the best foods for babies from about 6 months, as long as they are fully cooked. Eggs give protein, choline for brain development, vitamin B12 and healthy fats, and offering well-cooked egg early and a few times a week may lower the chance of egg allergy.

Yes, eggs are a great food for toddlers 12 months and older, offering protein, choline, vitamin B12 and vitamin D in a quick, affordable form. Serve fully cooked eggs scrambled, boiled, in frittatas or in baked goods, and keep yolks and whites firm rather than runny.

Eggs do not usually cause constipation in babies, but eggs have no fiber, so meals heavy in egg and light on fruits and vegetables can firm up stools. Pair eggs with pears, prunes, oats or peas, offer sips of water with meals, and call your pediatrician if hard stools continue.