Can a six-month-old baby eat egg?

Yes. The NHS states that eggs can be introduced from around six months as part of complementary feeding.

What signs of egg allergy should parents watch for?

Possible symptoms can include a raised itchy rash, swelling, vomiting, coughing or wheezing. Severe breathing difficulty or significant swelling requires urgent medical attention.

Can Eggs Be a Baby’s First Food? What Parents Should Know

Choosing a baby’s first foods often comes with competing advice, particularly around eggs. Some families still regard them as too “heaty” or unsuitable for young infants, while others worry about allergy or food safety. Current guidance supports introducing eggs from around six months, once complementary feeding begins.

Why Eggs Can Be a Good First Food for Babies

According to Dr Rashmi Jeenakeri, Consultant Neonatologist & Paediatrician, Apollo Hospitals, Sheshadripuram, “Well-cooked eggs are an excellent source of proteins and good fats for babies starting solids at six months of age.”

The WHO recommends introducing complementary foods at around six months, when breast milk alone no longer meets all of an infant’s nutritional needs. Eggs can form part of this varied complementary diet.

Eggs are a source of complete protein which supports rapid muscle, tissue and physical growth.Dr Rashmi Jeenakeri, Consultant Neonatologist & Paediatrician, Apollo Hospitals, Sheshadripuram

They should, however, be offered alongside other nutrient-rich foods rather than relied upon as the sole source of nutrition.

How to Introduce Egg Safely

The NHS states that eggs can be introduced from around six months. Foods that may trigger allergies should initially be introduced one at a time and in small amounts so that any reaction is easier to identify.

Dr Jeenakeri advises, “Introduce egg first thing in the morning, which allows you to monitor for any allergies.”

Suitable options include:

Mashed hard-boiled egg
Soft scrambled egg
Egg mixed into khichdi or dal
Omelette strips for babies able to manage finger foods
Soft egg bhurji with minimal seasoning

Once egg has been introduced and tolerated, the NHS recommends continuing to offer it as part of the baby’s usual diet.

Does Egg Have to Be Fully Cooked?

Food safety is particularly important for infants. The NHS advises that hen eggs carrying the British Lion mark may be served lightly cooked, whereas eggs without this mark should be cooked until both the white and yolk are solid.

Dr Jeenakeri stresses, “Make sure eggs are obtained from a reliable source and cooked thoroughly.”

For families in India, where British Lion certification does not apply, thoroughly cooking eggs is a sensible food-safety approach for babies.

What About the Heat-y Food Myth?

Dr Jeenakeri notes that eggs are sometimes described as “garam” or “heaty” in Indian households. There is no recognised medical category of “heaty foods” that makes eggs unsuitable for babies. What matters is whether the baby is ready for complementary feeding, the egg is safely prepared and the child tolerates it.

Eggs as a first food for babies can be a nutritious choice from around six months. Starting with a small amount, serving egg in an age-appropriate texture, preparing it safely and watching for allergy symptoms can help make eggs a useful part of a varied complementary diet.

FAQs on Eggs as First Food For Babies

Can a six-month-old baby eat egg?
Yes. The NHS states that eggs can be introduced from around six months as part of complementary feeding.
What signs of egg allergy should parents watch for?
Possible symptoms can include a raised itchy rash, swelling, vomiting, coughing or wheezing. Severe breathing difficulty or significant swelling requires urgent medical attention.