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Nutrition
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 Eggs for Your Baby
Egg yolk is a nutrient-rich food that can be added to your baby's diet at the same time as meat purées and other meat alternatives. Egg white can be added when your baby is one year of age. Ensure that your baby enjoys eggs that are well cooked as the immune system continues to develop at this stage of life.
Feed Just the Yolk Until Your Baby is One Year Old
Add cooked egg yolk to your baby's diet gradually, starting with 1½ tsps (7 mL). Hard cook the egg yolk, then mash and mix with a little milk or water. If baby doesn't like this texture, mix the raw yolk with a little milk or water and cook in the microwave. Don't add any salt, sugar, butter or margarine to the egg yolk. Let your baby enjoy the natural flavours of single foods.
When your baby has accepted the cooked egg yolk, try stirring it into other foods baby likes, such as cereal, puréed meat, fruit or vegetables or try sprinkling hard-cooked egg yolk over mashed potatoes.
How to Cook Egg Yolk for Babies
Poached: Separate egg white from yolk. In a saucepan, bring 3 inches (8 cm) of water to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer. Gently slip yolk into water. Cook in barely simmering water until firm, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well.
Hard-cooked: Place cold eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Cover with at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of cold water over top of the eggs. Cover saucepan and bring quickly to a boil over high heat. Immediately remove pan from heat to stop boiling. Let eggs stand in water for 18 to 23 minutes. Drain water and immediately run cold water over eggs until cooled. Remove egg from shell and separate yolk from white.
Microwave: Separate white from yolk. In a small custard cup, beat yolk with ½ to 1 tsp (2 to 5 mL) of milk or water. Cover with plastic wrap, leaving a steam vent, and microwave on MEDIUM (50%) for about 30 seconds. Stir, then cook for approximately 10 to 15 seconds longer. Stir and let stand for 1 to 2 minutes.
Egg Allergies
Some babies may have an allergy to the protein in egg white. Wait until your baby is one year old before introducing egg whites. This allows baby's immune system to develop and reduces the possibility of an allergic reaction.
What is Choline?
Eggs are an excellent source of the nutrient choline, which studies have shown plays an important role in brain development and function. Experts recommend that pregnant and lactating women eat eggs to ensure adequate choline intake.
Eggs are an Important Part of Your Baby’s Diet...
- Eggs are a nutritious source of protein, fat, vitamins A, D, E and B12, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, phosphorous, zinc, iron, folate and choline.
- Eggs have a protein quality that is second only to breast milk.
- Eggs are easy to chew and digest.
- Eggs have a delicate taste that most children enjoy.
- Eggs are versatile and economical.
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