Hard-Boiled Eggs for Baby & Toddler
Fully cooked hard-boiled eggs, cut into safe shapes for each age. A cheap, quick protein for snacks, breakfast and lunchboxes.
Ingredients
Makes 2 eggs
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Method
- 1
Put the eggs in a small pan and cover with cold water by about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- 2
Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer 10–12 minutes, until the yolks are completely firm.
- 3
Move the eggs into cold water for 5 minutes, then peel.
- 4
Cut into the shape for your child's age (see below). Check that the yolk is fully set and pale yellow all the way through.
Serve it by age
7–8 months
Cut lengthwise into quarters to make easy-to-hold wedges, or mash with a little breast milk or formula and serve on a spoon. Once wheat and milk have each been introduced, you can mash it with yogurt and spread it thinly on soft toast fingers. Offer sips of water from an open cup alongside.
9–12 months
Chop into small, pea-size pieces for pincer practice.
12 months+
Serve quarters or slices with toast fingers and soft fruit; good cold in a lunchbox with an ice pack.
health_and_safetyAllergens
Contains egg (top 9 allergen). Toast adds wheat; yogurt adds milk. For a first exposure, offer a small amount of plain egg (without toast or yogurt) early in the day and watch for 2 hours. If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, talk to your pediatrician before the first taste. Add toast or yogurt only after wheat and milk have each been introduced on their own.
sync_altSwaps
- swap_horizSteam the eggs for 13 minutes instead of boiling; they peel more easily.
- swap_horizMash the yolk with avocado for a creamy dip.
kitchenStorage
Whole cooked eggs, peeled or unpeeled: keep in the fridge and use within 5 days. Once cut or mashed with breast milk, formula or yogurt, use the same day. Pack lunchbox eggs with an ice pack.
Safety reminders
- No added salt, sugar or honey before 12 months.
- Always check texture: food should squash between your thumb and finger.
- Stay with your baby and keep them seated upright while eating.
- This recipe is general guidance for healthy, full-term babies and children. Ask your pediatrician first if your child was born early, has a medical condition, allergies or feeding difficulties (medical disclaimer).
