Little one might not like eggs at first, but that’s ok! If eggs cause gas or diarrhea, wait a bit before trying again. When reintroducing eggs, mix them into foods baby enjoys, cook them differently, and be patient. With time and creativity, baby can start appreciating eggs!
Why eggs are important for your kids ?
eggs are such an important source of nutrition for babies, especially the egg yolks which are full of choline, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and other key nutrients for brain and eye development. According to the webmd , eggs are one of the first foods recommended when starting solids because they provide high quality protein and lots of vitamins and minerals.
When Can Babies Start Eating Eggs?
you can introduce eggs as one of your baby’s first foods around 6 months of age. However, some pediatricians may recommend waiting until 8 or 9 months to reduce the risk of developing an egg allergy.
By 9 months, your baby’s digestive system is mature enough to handle eggs. Their finer motor skills have also developed enough to pick up soft egg pieces and self-feed.
Some key signs your baby is ready for eggs include:
- Baby is about 6 months old
- They can sit up with little support
- They have lost the tongue-thrust reflex so can move food to the back of their mouth
- They can digest solid foods, as evidenced by not spitting them out. Babies who are ready will swallow food rather than push it back out with their tongue
- They have tried and liked foods like cereals, purees, and mashed fruits/veggies
If your baby is under 6 months or not showing these signs, it’s best to wait before introducing eggs. Consult your pediatrician if you are unsure.
Signs Your Baby Doesn’t Like Eggs
Don’t feel discouraged if your baby reacts negatively when you first offer eggs. Here are some common signs your little one may not be fond of eggs yet:
- Makes funny faces or scowls after tasting eggs
- Pushes spoon away when eggs are offered
- Leans back or turns head away from eggs
- Spits out or gags on eggs
- Cries or fusses when eating eggs
- Refuses to open mouth for eggs
- Throws food on floor if eggs are mixed in
Babies express dislike through facial expressions, vocalizations and body language long before they can verbalize it. Pay attention to these cues when introducing new foods like eggs.
There are a few reasons baby might not like eggs yet:
- Some babies are just picky eaters, especially when starting solids after only knowing milk. Texture is key to enjoyment, and eggs may take some getting used to. That’s ok! With time and patience, baby will likely become more open to new tastes and textures.
- Eggs can also cause digestive upset like gas or nausea if baby has a sensitivity. This is common and often outgrown in a year or two.
- Rarely, a true egg allergy could be the culprit. While only 4% of kids have food allergies, eggs are a top allergen. Most outgrow this by age 5, but some continue into older ages.
If your baby está rejecting eggs, try the following tips to get them more comfortable with the taste and texture. With time and patience, your little foodie will be egg-cited to eat them!
Worried your little one may be allergic to eggs?
Watch for signs like hives, swelling, rashes, diarrhea, vomiting, itchy mouth, wheezing, or trouble breathing. Rapid heartbeat or blood pressure changes could also signal an egg allergy. Reactions can range from mild to severe depending on the allergy and exposure amount. Anaphylaxis is rare but dangerous, with whole-body shock and breathing troubles. If you notice any allergic symptoms after eggs, Food allergies are serious, so always err on the side of caution with your precious babe.
Tips to Get Your Baby to Eat Eggs
Tip 1: Start with Well-Cooked Egg Yolks
For first tastes, stick to just the egg yolk which is soft, creamy and easier to digest. Fully cook the yolk until it is solid but tender.
Avoid egg whites initially as they tend to be rubbery and bland in flavor. Once your baby likes the yolks, gradually add small amounts of whipped egg whites.
Tip 2: Mix In with Familiar Foods
Pushing plain eggs suddenly may be too much for your baby. The trick is to start small and disguise the flavor.
Try mixing just a teaspoon of cooked egg yolk into your baby’s favorite purees or cereals first. Great choices are avocado, banana, sweet potato, butternut squash or oatmeal. Increase the egg amount gradually over weeks.
This “flavor pairing” works well because your little one enjoys the familiar tastes while slowly acquiring a preference for eggs too.
Tip 3: Offer Different Ways of Serving Eggs
The texture of eggs may be the issue, rather than the taste. Experiment with different preparations to see which your baby likes:
- Scrambled eggs – Cooked soft with breastmilk or formula
- Hard boiled eggs – Diced into small pieces
- Omelets – Diced or mashed
- Frittatas or crustless quiches – Blended into a puree
- Egg salad – Finely minced eggs mixed into mashed avocado or yogurt
See if your baby takes better to eggs served one way vs. another. Keep trying new recipes too!
Tip 4: Be Patient and Keep Trying
It may take time and repeated exposure before your baby warms up to eggs. Keep the portions small and offer eggs 2-3 times a week.
Don’t force your baby to eat eggs – this can create more dislike. Keep sessions positive, praising any attempt to taste them. Over time, your little one will realize eggs are yummy!
It can take 10-15 taste exposures for babies to accept a new food. Be patient and keep offering eggs regularly in different ways.
Tip 5: Make It Fun and Engaging
Eating eggs can become an exciting experience if you present it creatively! Here are some fun serving ideas:
- Make smiley faces with egg slices and veggies
- Cut eggs into fun shapes with cookie cutters
- Draw animals or designs on omelets with ketchup
- Place diced egg pieces on a colorful plate divided into sections
- Put egg salad between bread cut into circle or star shapes
- Make an egg hunt game, hiding small pieces around the high chair
Your enthusiasm and creativity can make your baby more eager to try eggs!
When to Seek Help
While it can take time and patience for babies to enjoy eggs, some may develop a more persistent aversion or allergy. Consult your pediatrician if your baby:
- Refuses eggs repeatedly over several weeks
- Has signs of an allergic reaction like hives, swelling, vomiting or diarrhea
- Gags, chokes or has trouble breathing after eating eggs
- Develops eczema or skin rash after eating eggs
A pediatric allergist can help identify next steps, including allergy testing, treatment options, or guidance on re-introducing eggs safely. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice when needed.
In most cases though, following these tips should get your little one eating and loving eggs…even if they hate them at first!
FAQs
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing egg yolks around 6 months, and egg whites around 8 to 10 months. Wait until your baby has been eating foods with egg yolks well before introducing egg whites. Cook the whites thoroughly until firm to reduce choking risk.
Gagging or vomiting may indicate an egg allergy. Stop feeding eggs and see an allergist immediately. However, gagging can also happen when babies are not used to the texture. Introduce very small amounts and increase gradually. Make sure eggs are mashed or pureed well.
Egg yolks are the best first eggs for babies. They are naturally soft, smooth, and easier to digest. Egg whites can be rubbery and bland. Once your baby likes egg yolks, add tiny amounts of cooked whipped whites.
The AAP recommends introducing eggs gradually, about 2 to 3 times a week at first. Listen to your baby’s cues. If they like eggs without reactions, you can serve eggs most days of the week as part of a balanced diet.
Great starter egg recipes include hard boiled yolks mashed with avocado or yogurt, omelets diced small and mixed into mashed potatoes or oatmeal, or scrambled eggs blended into pureed veggies. Make eggs fun with cookie cutters, drawing faces, or dividing into sections on a plate.
Summary
- Eggs are one of the best first foods to introduce around 6-9 months because they provide protein, vitamins, and minerals babies need.
- Signs your baby dislikes eggs can include facial expressions of displeasure, gagging, crying or throwing food.
- Start with just egg yolks which are soft and smooth. Mix into familiar purees to “hide” the flavor.
- Offer eggs in different ways like scrambled, boiled, omelets or frittatas to find your baby’s preference.
- Be patient and keep trying regularly. Make eating eggs a fun experience.
- Seek medical advice if reactions persist or seem like allergies. With time, your baby can go from hating to loving eggs!
