The good ol' egg is the simplest yet most prudent source of nutrition all around the world. It's easy to source, easy to consume and applies to people of all ages. Just ask your resident bodybuilder and they will tell you just how many eggs are part of their daily diet.
And for good reason! An egg includes 70 calories each. They are high in protein content as well as vitamins B12, B5, B2, and A, as well as selenium and iron.
So you can imagine why an egg would be a relatively reliable option for parents to give babies when starting solid food. Well, it's a bit of yes and no.
While eggs are an easy source for nutrition, they also are a common allergen and could trigger allergies in the baby. The hard part to understand is the fact that you won't come to know if your baby is allergic to eggs unless you feed it to them.
So when can a baby eat an egg white? We break it down for you.
When Can A Baby Eat An Egg White? Around 6 Months Is A Good Time
Experts suggest that introducing a baby to eggs can take place around the age of six months. By this age, your baby is better able to tolerate more complex proteins. However, they are also more likely to have an egg allergy. At least two per cent of babies do have them.
But that doesn't mean you do not try an egg with your little one. Like we said earlier, the only way to find out is by introducing it into their diet.
Daniel Boyer, MD, a paediatrician at the Farr Institute of Iowa states that babies introduced to eggs after their first birthday are more likely to develop symptoms of allergies. In contrast, babies who've tasted their first egg between 4-6 months may not develop an allergy in the long run.
The American Academy of Paediatrics supports this theory and suggests that the avoidance of common allergy-producing foods increases the likelihood that your children will develop an allergy in the long run. Another study by AAP concluded that "eggs have the potential to contribute to global targets to reduce stunting."
Introducing Eggs To Your Baby At Home: What You Should Know
When introducing eggs to babies, try to do it at home where it's easier to monitor their reaction. That's better than doing it at a family get together, party or restaurant.
When introducing eggs to your baby, make sure to keep a watch on common allergic reactions. These include
- Vomitting
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Swelling and dizziness.
If your child shows signs of chronic breathing difficulty, it could be due to anaphylaxis. Although rare with egg-related allergies, you will need to take immediate action and get your child medical help immediately.
If your child is showing other allergic reactions, you need to contact an allergist who can confirm if your child is actually allergic to eggs by doing the skin prick allergy test.
Even if your child is allergic to eggs, don't stress too much about it. In most cases, kids outgrow the allergy by the age of 16 years, which means they can have ample eggs as teens and adults. You never know which one of them would go on to pursue bodybuilding seriously and will have plenty of eggs in their diet on a daily basis.
Benefits Of Eggs For Babies
Now that we've answered your question, when can a baby eat egg whites? Here's a look a what your child is getting out of it.
- About 6 grams of protein.
- Eggs are high in choline that's beneficial for the brain and nervous system
- Omega-3 fatty acids help build a healthy heart and are also crucial for brain, nerve, and eye development.
- Eggs also pack lutein and zeaxanthin, which help with eye health.
Types Of Eggs You Can Serve Babies
- Eggs mashed with yoghurt
- Pureed eggs with fruits and veggies
- Hard-boiled
- Egg roll-up
- Scrambled eggs
- Egg pancakes
Source: Fatherly
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