When Can Babies Start Eating Eggs?
The short answer: around 6 months. Current guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and allergists recommends introducing eggs — including the egg white — around 6 months, when baby starts solids. There is no longer a recommendation to delay eggs to reduce allergy risk. In fact, early introduction may actually reduce the chance of developing an egg allergy.
The old advice — waiting until age 2 to introduce egg whites — is outdated. Unless your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, eggs can be introduced when solids begin. If your baby does have severe eczema or an existing food allergy, talk to your allergist first before introducing eggs.
Why Eggs Are One of the Best First Foods
What makes eggs such a strong first food choice
- Complete protein — contains all essential amino acids your baby needs
- Iron — important for brain development and preventing anemia
- Choline — critical for brain and nervous system development
- Healthy fats — found in the yolk, important for brain growth
- Vitamin D and B12 — both important for overall development
- Easy to prepare — scrambled eggs take just 3 minutes
How to Introduce Eggs for the First Time
Eggs are a top allergen, so introduce them on their own — not combined with other new foods. Follow the 3–5 day wait rule before adding another new ingredient.
Scrambled or hard-boiled yolk mashed with breast milk or formula. Cook eggs until fully set — no runny parts. This reduces Salmonella risk and makes it easier for baby to eat.
A very small amount is all you need for the first introduction. You're not trying to feed baby a full meal — you're testing for tolerance. A small taste is enough to see how baby responds.
Don't introduce eggs right before a car ride, outing, or nap when you won't be able to watch baby closely. Stay home for at least 30 minutes to observe any immediate reactions.
Watch for hives, rash around the mouth, swelling of the lips or face, vomiting, or unusual fussiness. Mild reactions typically appear within minutes to 2 hours of eating. See the allergy section below for the full list.
Over the next few days, you can increase the portion. Continue to offer eggs regularly — once baby has tolerated them, ongoing exposure actually helps maintain tolerance and reduces allergy risk.
Best time to introduce: Morning is the best time to introduce new allergens. That way you have the full day to monitor baby and can reach your pediatrician during office hours if needed.
Signs of an Egg Allergy to Watch For
Mild to Moderate Reactions
Watch for these signs within 2 hours of eating
- Hives or rash — especially around the mouth or on the body
- Swelling of the lips, face, or eyes
- Vomiting or diarrhea shortly after eating
- Runny nose or watery eyes
- Stomach cramps or excessive fussiness
Severe Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
Call 911 immediately if you see: difficulty breathing or wheezing, throat tightening or swelling, sudden paleness or limpness, or loss of consciousness. These are signs of anaphylaxis and require emergency treatment.
Mild reactions typically appear within minutes to 2 hours. If you're concerned about any reaction, call your pediatrician. Egg allergy in infants is relatively common but many children outgrow it by school age. If baby reacts, remove eggs from the diet and speak with your doctor about next steps.
Track Every New Food Introduction
Log when you introduce eggs and other new foods, note any reactions, and keep a complete feeding record with Alara Blooms.
Start Tracking FreeBest Ways to Serve Eggs at Each Stage
Cook until just set, soft, and not rubbery. Cut or break into small soft pieces. Easy to pick up and gum. This is the most popular first egg preparation for baby-led weaning.
A good option for puree-first families. Mash the yolk with a small amount of breast milk or formula to create a smooth paste. Start with the yolk first, then introduce the whole egg.
Cook a thin omelette in a pan and cut into finger-sized strips. Baby can pick these up easily and they hold together well — great for practicing the pincer grasp.
Whisk eggs with soft vegetables (spinach, peas, cheese), pour into a mini muffin tin, and bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes. These batch well, freeze well, and are perfect for self-feeding.
By 12 months, baby can have eggs in any form — fried, poached, boiled, in pancakes or baked goods. Just avoid very hard, rubbery eggs that are harder to chew.
What About Raw Eggs?
Never give raw or undercooked eggs to babies. Cook eggs until both the white and yolk are fully set to avoid Salmonella risk. This also applies to foods that contain raw egg, like homemade mayo or some batters. If a recipe calls for raw egg, it's not appropriate for babies under 12 months — and even after that, fully cooked is always the safer choice.