Egg Nutrition for Healthy Babies

Eggs are recommended among the first foods that should be introduced to your baby at about six months. Canada’s latest infant feeding guidelines recommend iron-rich foods as babies’ first solid foods. As one of nature’s most nutritious foods, eggs provide babies with many nutrients for healthy growth and development, including iron.

Introducing Babies’ First Foods

When babies start eating solid foods (around six months) it’s important to feed them foods that provide iron to prevent deficiency. These include well-cooked meats and alternatives, such as eggs (note that the iron is found in the egg yolk) and legumes (dried beans, peas and lentils) as well as iron-fortified infant cereals.

Preventing Allergic Reactions

According to the latest guidelines, there is no need to delay the feeding of egg whites or other potential allergens to prevent food allergies. It is a good idea to introduce one new food at a time and wait a few days before feeding your baby another new food. Talk to your doctor if you have a family history of food allergies or suspect an allergic reaction to food you feed your baby.

Adding eggs to babies diets gradually

It’s best to add new foods gradually. Start with 1½ teaspoons (7 mL) of well-cooked mashed egg mixed with a little breast milk, infant formula or water. Keep it plain, babies don’t need added salt, sugar, butter or margarine in their foods. When your baby is enjoying cooked eggs, try adding them to other foods baby likes.

Enjoying the Benefits of Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein and provide many of the nutrients babies need, including: vitamins A, D, E and B12, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, phosphorous, iron, zinc, choline, folate and healthy fats. Consider omega-3 enriched eggs - a source of the omega-3 DHA needed to support normal brain development.

Eggs are nutritious, versatile and easy to prepare for babies. Learn three simple ways to simple ways to cook eggs for your baby.

Valerie Johnson

MHSc, RD

Nutrition Wise Communications