The Goodness of Egg Yolks for your Baby

Of the mere 5 grams of fat in an egg yolk, only 1.5 grams (31%) are saturated fat. Monounsaturated fats total 1.9 grams (38%) and polyunsaturated0.68 grams (14%). The ratio of an egg’s fat content comes close to meeting the dietary proportions currently recommended as: -1/3 saturated, 1/3 monounsaturated and 1/3 polyunsaturated.

The egg yolk contains the following:

• all of an egg’s vitamin A, D, and E;
• almost all the vitamin B12, choline, folic acid and vitamin B3;
• 76% of the biotin,
• 73% of the inositol,
• 50% of the niacin,
• 93% of the vitamin B6,
• 42% of the riboflavin,
• 90% of the thiamin
• 44% of the protein
  and substantial portions of the egg’s mineral content
  Source: The American Egg Board
  

Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference

When can I introduce Eggs to my baby?

Most pediatric resources agree that egg yolks are fine for baby to eat when baby is around 8 months old. Please keep in mind that the egg whites should not be fed to baby before 1 year old.

Recommendations for introducing eggs to baby are changing! A 2008 study, and many studies done after, indicated that waiting to introduce eggs to your baby may not prevent any atopic (i.e. ezcema) disease(s). Many are now suggesting that babies may be introduced to whole eggs from the start (for those with no known history of food allergies and/or egg allergies). "Although solid foods should not be introduced before 4 to 6 months of age, there is no current convincing evidence that delaying their introduction beyond this period has a significant protective effect on the development of atopic disease regardless of whether infants are fed cow milk protein formula or human milk. This includes delaying the introduction of foods that are considered to be highly allergic, such as fish, eggs, and foods containing peanut protein." Click to view report A recent interview with Dr. Greer in Medscape Pediatrics notes that " "Now we can tell mothers: If you have exclusively breastfed for 4 months and your child is not at risk for allergy, you can introduce any food at 6 or 8 months or whatever." Please be sure to discuss the introduction of potential allergenic foods with your pediatrician! updated January 2010

Eggs, particularly the egg whites, are one of the top 8 of all allergens. Many studies that have been done on infants with egg allergies find that by the time the infant has reached age 5, the allergy has been outgrown. This is good news as the egg is highly nutritious and an important part of ones diet.

If your family has a history of egg allergies, then it is probably best to wait until after 12 months old to introduce egg yolks. Read more about Egg Allergies.

The best way to cook Eggs and Egg Yolks

Eggs may be scrambled and fried or poached and boiled.

A Few Eggs Baby Food Recipes:

Hard Boiled Egg Yolks

1. Hard-boil an egg
2. Peel shell away and cut in half
3. Scrape or pop out the yolk
4. Mash the yolk and mix in formula, breast milk, yogurt, applesauce or whatever you choose that is appropriate for your baby.

Hint - Hard boiled eggs will spin when they are fully cooked.

Egg Yolk Scramble

1. Crack an egg and separate the white from the yolk (you may use the shell for this or use an egg-separator)
2. Warm olive oil or butter in a frying pan
3. Scramble the yolk in a bowl with formula, breast milk, juice or whole milk and transfer to frying pan
4. Cook over medium heat, scrambling constantly, until thoroughly cooked

Egg Yolk Veggie Scramble (or Baby Omelet)

egg yolks

pureed veggies or fruits

1. Crack a few eggs and separate the white from the yolk (you may use the shell for this or use an egg-separator)
2. Warm olive oil or butter in a frying pan
3. Scramble the yolk in a bowl with formula, breast milk, juice or whole milk and transfer to frying pan
4. Add a tablespoon of pureed veggies or pre-cooked soft dices of veggies, as you are scrambling the yolks
5. Cook over medium heat, scrambling constantly, until thoroughly cooked.