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Egg for Babies: How and When to Introduce It Safely

A little protein powerhouse and one of the big-9 allergens you'll want to introduce early rather than dodge. Always fully cooked, and endlessly versatile once it's in.

When to introduce: Around 6 months (introduce early)
Common allergen?: Yes — one of the big 9
Texture: Soft when cooked (mashed, scrambled, strips)
Key nutrients: Protein, choline, vitamin D, B12, some iron

When can babies eat egg?

Egg is both a great early food and one of the common allergens, so current guidance is to introduce it early (around 6 months) rather than waiting. Always serve it fully cooked, offer it on its own the first time, earlier in the day, and watch for a couple of hours.

How to prepare egg, by age

6 monthsHard-boil an egg and mash the yolk and white with a little breast milk or formula, or offer strips of a firm omelette or frittata for baby-led weaning.

9 monthsSoft scrambled egg, or egg cut into small pieces.

12 months+Most fully cooked egg dishes, chopped to size.

Is egg safe? Choking & prep

Always cook egg thoroughly, with no runny yolk or white, to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. Introduce it when your baby is well (not fighting a cold), so a reaction is easier to read.

Nutrition

Egg delivers high-quality protein and choline (important for brain development), along with vitamin D, B12, and some iron. The whole egg is nutritious, so there is no need to separate yolk from white.

Goes well with

Avocado · Toast strips · Sweet potato

Storage & freezing

Cooked egg keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Boiled egg whites turn rubbery when frozen, so egg is best served fresh rather than frozen.

Introducing this allergen

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat egg?

Around 6 months. Egg is one of the common allergens, and current guidance favors introducing allergens early and keeping them in the diet, rather than delaying.

Can babies eat the whole egg or just the yolk?

The whole egg is fine. Both the yolk and the white are nutritious, and there is no need to introduce them separately for most babies.

Does egg have to be fully cooked for babies?

Yes. Serve egg fully cooked with no runny parts to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. Save runny eggs for when your child is older.

Is egg a common allergen?

Yes, egg is one of the big-9 allergens. Introduce it early and on its own, and watch for reaction signs like hives, swelling, or vomiting.

Sources

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How we write these: from widely published pediatric guidance (AAP, NIAID 2017 guidelines, the LEAP study), with sources cited on every page. Pending review by a pediatric professional.

This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.

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