The Short Answer
Babies can eat well-cooked eggs from around 6 months old. Current research from the AAP shows that introducing eggs early, including the egg white, may actually help reduce the risk of egg allergy.
Nutritional Benefits
Eggs are one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can offer your baby:
- Complete protein - contains all 9 essential amino acids for growth and muscle development
- Choline - critical for brain development and memory function
- Iron - supports oxygen transport and cognitive development (egg yolk is particularly rich in iron)
Eggs also provide vitamins A, D, and B12, plus healthy fats.
How to Prepare Eggs for Different Ages
6 to 8 Months
Baby-led weaning (BLW): Make a thin omelet or scrambled eggs and cut into finger-length strips. You can also offer a hard-boiled egg cut in half lengthwise. Avoid loose, crumbly scrambled eggs that can be hard for beginners to pick up.
Puree approach: Hard-boil an egg, then mash the yolk with breast milk, formula, or a little water until smooth. You can mix mashed egg yolk with sweet potato or avocado.
Always cook eggs thoroughly for babies. Raw or runny eggs carry a risk of Salmonella. Both the white and yolk should be completely set.
9 to 12 Months
Offer small pieces of scrambled egg, mini omelets, or chopped hard-boiled egg. Egg can be mixed into other foods like rice or vegetable mashes.
12+ Months
Serve eggs in any well-cooked form: scrambled, fried, boiled, in French toast, or baked into muffins and pancakes.
Allergen Info
Egg is one of the top 9 allergens. Current AAP guidelines recommend:
- Introduce egg early (around 6 months) rather than delaying, as early introduction may reduce allergy risk
- Offer a small amount first and wait 2 to 3 days before introducing another new allergen
- Watch for signs of allergic reaction: hives, vomiting, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, consult your pediatrician before introducing egg
Choking Hazards
- Avoid large, hard pieces of egg white that can be rubbery and difficult to chew
- Cut hard-boiled eggs into small, manageable pieces
- Scrambled eggs should be soft and moist, not dry and crumbly
- Always supervise your baby during meals
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I give egg yolk or whole egg first?
Current AAP guidance says you can introduce the whole egg (yolk and white) from 6 months. Previous advice to introduce the yolk first has been updated. Early exposure to egg white protein may help prevent egg allergy.
How often can babies eat eggs?
Babies can eat eggs daily as part of a varied diet. One egg per day is appropriate for most babies 6 to 12 months old. Variety across protein sources (eggs, meat, fish, legumes) is ideal.
What if my baby has eczema - is it safe to introduce eggs?
Babies with mild to moderate eczema can usually start eggs at 6 months. For babies with severe eczema, the AAP recommends consulting your pediatrician and possibly doing allergy testing before introduction.
Explore More
Use our SmartStart Food Guide to check which foods are safe for your baby's age. For a complete guide to starting solids, read our Baby-Led Weaning Complete Guide.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - Early Allergen Introduction
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Complementary Feeding
- NHS Start4Life - First Foods