Eggs

Eggs should be introduced gradually and very slowly in the baby’s diet. Indeed, there are serious chances of an allergic reaction. From what age can eggs be added to the baby’s meals? How much should be eaten and how should the eggs be prepared? Follow our guide!

The benefits of eggs:

Eggs are full of vitamin A, B and D, as well as lipids. They are also very rich in proteins: as proof, just one egg contains as much protein as 50 grams of meat or fish! The yolk is also full of iron and easier to assimilate than the iron contained in vegetables, though it has less iron than meat and fish.

When and how should I cook them?

Eggs can be introduced when the child is 7-8 months old and in limited amounts: just ¼ of a boiled yolk to start with (i.e. a tablespoon). They can be used to replace meat or fish if mixed with vegetables. Starting from when the baby is 9 months old, it can have 1/3 of a yolk (again, well cooked).

As the egg white is much more likely to trigger allergic reactions, it is advisable to wait until the baby is 1 year old to add it. You can incorporate it in cakes for the child’s tea or even it its favourite purée. However, avoid food prepared with raw eggs, such as mousses, creams and soft-boiled eggs. Starting from when it is 18 months old, the child can eat a whole boiled egg, that is to say, the equivalent of 50 grams of meat.

Starting from when it is 2 years old, the child can fully assimilate eggs and can eat eggs that are either not fully cooked or raw. It will then have the great opportunity to discover chocolate mousses, crème anglaise and other delicious sauces. You can also prepare soft-boiled eggs or poached eggs.

Recommendations:

Limit the amounts: not more than twice a week!

To make omelettes easier to digest, choose eggs that are extra fresh and avoid adding too many fatty ingredients. Preferably choose steam-cooked omelettes.

As allergies to eggs are very frequent in children, you can wait until they are 1 year old to introduce them for the first time. Do not hesitate to ask your paediatrician for advice.

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