Introducing your baby to solid foods is an exciting time, and parents often want to know which foods are nutritious and safe at this stage. While there are several safe vegetarian options, one popular question remains if it is safe and okay for a 6-month-old baby to eat eggs? We reached out to our expert, Dr Bhumesh Tyagi, Consultant, General Medicine and Physician, Shardacare, Health City, Noida, and he shared with us the positives, risks, and recommendations of feeding babies eggs. Read ahead to find out more.
Are Eggs Safe for a 6-Month-Old Baby?
Speaking on behalf of himself, the majority of health professionals and pediatric recommendations, Dr Tyagi suggested that it is completely safe for a 6-month-old to consume eggs. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) also recommend introducing whole eggs (both egg white and egg yolk) at about 6 months of age when initiating complementary foods. They revealed that the early introduction of eggs may even decrease the risk of egg allergy later in life.
“Yet, it is important to present eggs in a fully cooked, age-appropriate way to reduce the risk of foodborne disease, such as Salmonella,” Dr Tyagi added.
Also Read: Do Smelly Farts Mean Good Digestion? What Your Gas Says About Your Gut
Nutritional Values of Eggs for Babies
Eggs are being referred to as an infant's superfood since they contain numerous essential nutrients that promote rapid growth and brain development:
- Wellness-giving protein for building muscle
- Choline for brain well-being
- Healthy fats for energy and cell development
- Vitamins A, D, E, and B12 for immune system support and overall growth
- Iron and zinc, essential nutrients babies require, as their iron reserves begin to run out at about 6 months
Should You Refrain From Eggs if There's a History of Allergy in the Family?
Current recommendations say that early introduction is helpful even for infants with a family history of food allergies. But if your baby is high-risk, like severe eczema or other diagnosed food allergies, it's wise to speak with your paediatrician before introducing eggs.
Egg Preparation Ideas for Babies
Here are easy and simple ideas to prepare egg meals for your baby:
- Mashed hard-boiled eggs blended with breast milk or formula
- Scrambled eggs, soft but not runny
- Pureed egg yolk for a smoother consistency
- Tiny omelette strips for baby-led weaning (BLW)
Bottomline
Yes, a 6-month-old baby can eat eggs, just so long as they are well-cooked and introduced with care. Eggs provide a nutritional powerhouse that meets your baby's development requirements. As with the introduction of any new food, introduce slowly, watch for reactions, and always check with your paediatrician if you have issues.