Learn about when your baby can eat egg yolks and whole eggs and try some nutritious egg baby food recipe ideas
The Goodness of Egg Yolks & Whole Eggs for your Baby
Of the mere 5 grams of fat in an egg yolk, only 1.5 grams (31%) are saturated fat. Monounsaturated fats total 1.9 grams (38%) and polyunsaturated0.68 grams (14%). The ratio of an egg’s fat content comes close to meeting the dietary proportions currently recommended as: -1/3 saturated, 1/3 monounsaturated and 1/3 polyunsaturated.
The egg yolk contains the following:
- all of an egg’s vitamin A, D, and E;
- almost all the vitamin B12, choline, folic acid and vitamin B3;
- 76% of the biotin,
- 73% of the inositol,
- 50% of the niacin,
- 93% of the vitamin B6,
- 42% of the riboflavin,
- 90% of the thiamin
- 44% of the proteinand substantial portions of the egg’s mineral contentSource: The American Egg Board
Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
When can I introduce Eggs to my baby?
Eggs, particularly the egg whites, are one of the top 8 of all allergens. Most pediatric resources agree that egg yolks are fine for <the non-allergenic> baby to eat when baby is around 8 months old. Please keep in mind that the egg whites should not be fed to baby before 1 year old. Many studies that have been done on infants with egg allergies find that by the time the infant has reached age 5, the allergy has been outgrown. This is good news as the egg is highly nutritious and an important part of ones diet.
Wait – Changes in Introducing Allergenic Foods to Babies are Coming!
Recommendations for introducing eggs to baby are changing! A 2008 study, and many studies done after, indicated that waiting to introduce eggs to your baby may not prevent any atopic (i.e. ezcema) disease(s). Many are now suggesting that babies may be introduced to whole eggs from the start (for those with no known history of food allergies and/or egg allergies).
Although solid foods should not be introduced before 4 to 6 months of age, there is no current convincing evidence that delaying their introduction beyond this period has a significant protective effect on the development of atopic disease regardless of whether infants are fed cow milk protein formula or human milk. This includes delaying the introduction of foods that are considered to be highly allergic, such as fish, eggs, and foods containing peanut protein. Click to view report
A recent interview with Dr. Greer in Medscape Pediatrics notes that:
“Now we can tell mothers: If you have exclusively breastfed for 4 months and your child is not at risk for allergy, you can introduce any food at 6 or 8 months or whatever.”
Please be sure to discuss the introduction of potential allergenic foods with your pediatrician!
The best way to cook Eggs and Egg Yolks
Eggs may be scrambled and fried or poached and boiled.
A Few Eggs Baby Food Recipes:
Hard Boiled Egg Yolks
Directions:
Step 1: Hard-boil an egg
Step 2: Peel shell away and cut in half
Step 3: Scrape or pop out the yolk
Step 4: Mash the yolk and mix in formula, breast milk, yogurt, applesauce or whatever you choose that is appropriate for your baby.
Egg Yolk Scramble
Directions:
Step 1: Crack an egg and separate the white from the yolk (you may use the shell for this or use an egg-separator)
Step 2: Warm olive oil or butter in a frying pan
Step 3: Scramble the yolk in a bowl with formula, breast milk, juice or whole milk and transfer to frying pan
Step 4: Cook over medium heat, scrambling constantly, until thoroughly cooked
Egg Yolk Veggie Scramble (or Baby Omelet)
Ingredients:
- egg yolks
- pureed veggies or fruits
Directions:
Step 1: Crack a few eggs and separate the white from the yolk (you may use the shell for this or use an egg-separator)
Step 2: Warm olive oil or butter in a frying pan
Step 3: Scramble the yolk in a bowl with formula, breast milk, juice or whole milk and transfer to frying pan
Step 4: Add a tablespoon of pureed veggies or pre-cooked soft dices of veggies, as you are scrambling the yolks
Step 5: Cook over medium heat, scrambling constantly, until thoroughly cooked.
Veggie Eggs & Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 or 2 hard boiled egg yolks
- 1 cup of cooked brown rice
- 1/4 cup of pureed or diced soft cooked veggies such as carrots, broccoli or even sweet potatoes
Directions:
Step 1: Combine all ingredients and mix well. If needed, puree or mash to your baby’s preferred textures.
Variation: Warm a frying pan with a bit of olive oil, crack an egg and separate the white from the yolk. Scramble the yolk in a bowl with formula, breast milk, juice or whole milk and transfer to frying pan. Add the veggies and rice and scramble the mixture; cooking until the yolks are done.
Shaped Egg Yolk Fry-Up
Directions:
Step 1: Crack a few eggs and separate the white from the yolk (you may use the shell for this or use an egg-separator)
Step 2: Warm olive oil or butter in a frying pan
Step 3: Scramble and add the yolks to a frying pan. Cook them until the yellow begins to change color and harden – flip the yolks (just like you were making whole fried eggs.)
Step 4: Continue to fry the yolks until they are thoroughly cooked
Variation: Use a cookie cutter to cut shapes from the egg yolks.
Transfer the egg yolks shapes to baby’s plate and add some soft dices of your baby’s favorite fruits as a garnish for baby to eat.
You may also get creative and cook the yolks inside of a metal cookie cutter in the pan. Simply oil the cookie cutter and place in the pan then add the scrambled yolks to the inside of the cookie cutter. There may be some seeping from under the cutter but you should be able to still fry up some shapes. PLEASE – Ensure the shapes and dices are of a size appropriate for your baby’s age and stage.
Egg Yolk Mash
Mash cooked egg yolks, hard boiled or scrambled, and add the following:
- Avocado
- Cottage Cheese and Banana or Peaches or Pears etc
- Peaches
- Banana
- Carrots
- Sweet Potatoes
Eggy Oatmeal Scramble – A yummy finger food
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked oatmeal
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup soft cooked veggies or fruits of your choice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Directions:
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a small frying pan
Step 2: Whisk the 2 egg yolks in a bowl
Step 3: Add the oatmeal and fruits or veggies to the warmed frying pan then add whisked egg yolks
Step 4: Gently scramble and fry until the yolks are fully cooked
Step 5: Break the Oatmeal Scramble into small pieces that your baby will easily manage and chew.
Fruit Dutch Baby (12months+ or if you have the OK to introduce the whole egg)
A wonderful light egg souffle, VERY easy to make. These are quick and easy and well loved by every one who we know that has ever been served this.. Apples are the best fruits to use however peaches and bananas do work nicely as well.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine
- 2 medium apples, 1/2 cup peaches or 1 thinly sliced banana
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup flour
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Put butter into a 3 to 4 quart frying pan and place in oven to melt. While butter is melting, prepare fruit, then cut them into thin slices.
Step 2: Remove the pan from the oven and add cinnamon and sugar to the melted butter. Stir in the sliced apples. Return pan to oven for about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Put the eggs and milk into a blender and whip at high speed for 1 minute. Set the blender to low speed and slowly add the flour until well blended.
Step 4: Remove the pan from oven and pour egg batter over the butter and fruit. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pancake is raised and golden brown. Cut in wedges and dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.
Yield: enough for 2 adults and 2 children. The quantities can be increased if more servings are desired: Add 1/2 of an apple, 1 Tablespoon sugar, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of flour and a little more butter & cinnamon for each additional serving
Read more about eggs at:
Some Foods Good to Mix With Eggs:
