How many eggs should a baby eat per week?

How many eggs per week is appropriate for babies?

egg, allergy, egg allergy, solids

Is there a maximum number of eggs that a baby can eat per week? No. However, there is a minimum number of times per week and the reason has to do with allergy prevention.  Of course, it’s best to vary the foods offered to a baby and too much of any food isn’t ideal.  Surprisingly, the cholesterol in food has little impact on blood cholesterol and regular egg consumption can be part of healthy eating for babies. So go for it! Eggs are super nutritious at all ages. 

Why choose eggs as a first food?

• Eggs have a soft texture that is perfect for beginner babies

• Eggs naturally contain vitamin D (good for immune function and bone health)

• Eggs are packed with high quality protein for healthy bones & muscles

• Eggs contain lutein & choline, nutrients that are essential for brain & eye development

Eggs are an all-around easy first food. 

When should eggs be introduced? Isn't a baby going to be allergic?

 According to the Joint Statement by Health Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society's Nutrition and Gastroenterology Committee (CPS), Dietitians of Canada (DC), the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (BCC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), "common food allergens such as peanut, fish, wheat, milk products, soy and whole eggs, can be introduced from about six months of age. Several of these foods, such as iron-fortified infant cereals with wheat, fish and whole eggs, should be among the first solid foods offered because they are also a source of iron". We all know that eggs are a part of the top food allergens so you may be wondering if eggs are safe for a 6 month old. In fact, there is some evidence that is now showing that early introduction (around 6 months of age) may be beneficial. According to a the revised American Academy of Pediatrics policy published in March 2019, there is no evidence that delaying the introduction of allergenic foods, including peanuts, eggs, and fish, beyond 4 to 6 months prevents allergies. There actually may be benefits of introducing allergenic foods in the first year of life to infants when a while is developmentally ready: around 6 months of age (see report here). 

How many eggs per week could a baby eat? Is there a maximum?

Actually, there is no maximum number of eggs per week that a baby can eat. But there may be a minimum! Here is the reason there is a minimum number of times per week that eggs could be offered to a baby - it has to do with allergies. According to the Canadian Pediatric Society's Position Paper published in January 2019, once an allergenic food (like an egg) has been introduced successfully and a baby has shown no symptoms of an allergy, it’s important to continue to offer it regularly. Eating a small amount of egg a few times a week can help maintain an infant’s tolerance to eggs and actually help prevent allergy.

Here is my baby's first time eating egg at 6 months of age:  You can see him exploring, squishing, touching and eating a tiny bit. That’s okay and totally part of the learning process. I offered it again a second time, 2 days later. The science isn't clear about how many days to wait in between each food to watch for signs of an allergy. I decided to wait 2 days before offering it to him again. Watch me offer a strip of an egg omelette to my 6 month old for a second time:  Watch another video of a 6 month old baby (my oldest) eating a whole hard boiled egg for the first time: 

How can eggs be cooked so that they are safe for babies?

Here is the recipe I followed to cook the egg offered in the first 2 videos about when my baby was 6 months old: 1 egg mixed with 1 tsp olive oil. Pan fry on medium-low heat until cooked through. Let cool and offer to baby starting at 6 months old in strips. I actually cooked one egg on the first day, offered him half and kept the second half for his second time. Easy. You can also suggest scrambled eggs, a hard boiled egg, a microwaved egg or an egg omelette. 

Can you provide me with recipes containing eggs that are safe for a 6-month old who is developmentally ready to eat solids?

Here are some of my favourite recipes that contain eggs that are safe for beginner babies:

• Hard boiled egg recipe for a 6-month old

• My Apple Cake with Lemony Cream Cheese Icing (can also be made egg-free with ground chia seeds)

• My classic Banana Pancakes that are super soft for babies

• My Cherry Tomato Bites for babies

• My Apple Cinnamon Pancakes for babies

• For more recipes similar to these, download my free BLW mini-cookbook!

Can you provide me with a list of egg-free recipes?

• My No-Bake Breakfast Balls recipe containing oats, berries, dates and coconut

• kidswithfoodallergies.org to find egg-free recipes

How can I replace an egg in a recipe if a baby is allergic to eggs?

In most recipes, you can replace each egg by 1 tbsp (15 ml) of ground chia seeds soaked in 3 tbsp (15 ml) of warm water.

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