We’re not aware of any formula brands that use egg as an ingredient. While eggs can be a good source of nutrition for babies once they start eating solids, before that they can get all the nutrients they need from formula or breastmilk.
Good-quality formula will include:
- A balance of natural milk proteins
- Healthy fats – including DHA and ARA for brain development.
- Vitamins and minerals to support growth and boost the immune system.
Are eggs dangerous for babies?
Generally, no – when used as part of a balanced weaning diet for babies aged 6 months+, eggs are safe and healthy.
But it’s worth being aware that egg allergies are common in young children. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Rashes
- Breathing problems and wheezing
- Runny noses and sneezing
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
If your child experiences any of these after eating eggs, see your pediatrician for advice.
Occasionally, egg allergies can cause anaphylaxis, but the majority of reactions are mild. If your child does turn out to have an egg allergy, there’s a good chance they’ll grow out of it. Around 1 in 50 children under 5 have an egg allergy, but only 1 in 200 adults.
Should babies eat eggs?
Yes – eggs are a great source of healthy fats and other nutrients. These include choline, an essential nutrient that supports cell functioning, the nervous system and brain development.
In the past some medical advice has been that babies shouldn’t be given eggs until they were around 12 months, as it was thought that introducing eggs earlier than this could cause an allergy to develop. In fact, the opposite is now thought to be true – babies that start eating eggs at 6 months are less likely to develop an allergy than those who don’t try them until 12 months+.
If you have a history of allergies in your family, it’s a good idea to speak to a pediatrician before introducing egg into your baby’s diet – they’ll probably suggest trying it early, with close monitoring.
It’s usually recommended to only introduce one potentially allergenic food at a time, so that if your baby does have a reaction, you’ll be able to tell which food caused it. Other common allergens include nuts, fish, shellfish and soy.
How can babies eat eggs?
Babies can eat eggs any way you like to cook them. Well-cooked eggs are less likely to cause an allergic reaction than runny eggs – so it’s best to start with hard-boiled eggs or omelets.
They’re also very easy to prepare as part of your little one’s weaning diet – omelet strips make great early finger food, and scrambled eggs can be easily spoonfed. Frittata-style omelets are a great way to get some hidden vegetables into fussy eaters, and hard-boiled eggs are perfect for snacks or lunches on the go.
Does my baby still need formula if they’re getting protein through food?
Yes! Once your baby starts eating solids at 6 months, you can gradually reduce the amount of formula they have as they start to eat more, but they’ll need formula or breastmilk up until their first birthday. While eggs, meat, dairy foods and pulses are all good sources of protein, these can’t replace all the nutrients in milk.
Once your baby is 12 months they still need milk, but at this age can have either cow’s milk, or a toddler formula such as HiPP Kindermilch.