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Eggs are rich in vital nutrients needed for the growth and development of the body. When introduced at the right age in a baby’s diet, it can help them in their overall health and development. When it comes to offering Eggs to babies, common questions we receive are When to start eggs for babies, How much to offer, In what form, and what would it cause any allergy. You can find answers to all these questions in this article.

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Benefits of Eggs for Babies

1. Rich in protein and essential amino acids – helps muscle building

2. Best source of Calcium and Vitamin D – bone, nail, and hair

3. Contains omega 3 beneficial for brain development

4. Contains the right balance of saturated and unsaturated fats – for healthy weight gain

5. Contains folic acid and choline, an essential nutrient that regulates vital bodily functions

6. Rich in healthy cholesterol – keeps them energized and active

When to start eggs for babies? More about allergies

It was earlier advised to start egg yolk after 8 months and whole egg after 12 months of baby’s age to safeguard younger babies from allergies. But research done in the year 2010 uncovered that babies exposed to allergic foods before a year were less or almost not affected. And one must note that less than 2% of babies are allergic to eggs and the tendency to have allergies is often hereditary. So if one has a history of allergy in the family then you need to be cautious.  Some common allergic reactions could be swelling, rashes, diarrhea, wheezing or vomiting.

You can offer eggs to babies while introducing solids at 6 months or slowly at 8 months. It is not mandatory but having a word with the pediatrician is good. It is important to offer well-cooked eggs, start with small quantities and offer it in the morning to monitor for any allergic reactions throughout the day in the initial days. Most kids outgrow allergies by their 5th year and hence you can again try to offer it then.

How to offer Eggs to Babies?

Eggs can be offered in simple forms while you start.

1.  Boiled Egg – You can mash whole egg or only egg yolk with formula or breast milk and offer

2. Scrambled Egg – You can scramble the egg with little butter and pepper and offer

3.  Omelets – Crack an egg on a Tava and spread it like dosa and cook on both sides. Pepper or cumin powder is optional.

4. Egg Carrot Rice – Take a pan, add ½ tsp butter, ½ carrot, and fry till half cooked. Add cooked rice and ½ an egg, a little pepper/ cumin powder, mix and cook for 2 minutes.

5.  For older kids we have recipes like Paneer omlette, Scrambled Egg Poha, Mushroom Scrambled egg, Egg Banana Pancake & Egg Custard. Links are mentioned above. 

Do not worry that eggs are difficult to digest or make babies gassy. Offer in moderation and add the right spices that ease up digestion like cumin, pepper, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, etc depending on the recipe. There are various simple and easier ways to offer eggs to babies and kids, any method you follow ensure to offer well-cooked eggs to babies below a year. Also remember to use fresh eggs, stored in a cool place and not older than a week.

On the whole, eggs are amazing in improving digestion and immunity. They help brain development, liver function, and eye health. And with all these benefits there is no reason that a baby isn’t offered one. The fear of allergy is overhyped and studies show that early introduction almost negates the chances of allergy hence do not fear and do the right thing in the right way as we studied till now. Happy Parenting!!

Video: Can I give my baby Eggs? When, allergy, how? 4 recipes with Egg

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