The short answer
Around six months, babies who are ready for solids can try a small amount of thoroughly cooked egg. You generally do not need to delay egg white for months. Use an appropriate texture and watch for allergic reactions.
In this guide · 11 sections
Keep in mind
- Readiness for solids matters more than an exact birthday.
- Well-cooked whole egg can be introduced around six months.
- Start with a small taste and manageable texture.
- Do not retry egg at home after a suspected allergic reaction.
How do you know your baby is ready for egg?
Around six months, you can offer egg once your baby is ready for solids. Look for head control, sitting with support and an ability to swallow food rather than pushing it straight out.
There is no requirement to serve egg on the day your baby turns six months. Readiness, safe texture and continued breast milk or infant formula matter more.
Egg yolk first, or the whole egg?
Keeping egg whites out of the diet until age one, or serving only yolk for months, is not generally necessary. Well-cooked whole egg can be introduced with other complementary foods around six months.
Cook the egg appropriately and avoid combining several brand-new allergens at the first tasting. If your baby has previously reacted to egg, do not retry it at home without medical guidance.
How to prepare egg safely
Hard-boil the egg until both yolk and white are firm, then mash thoroughly and soften with a food your baby has already tolerated. A fully cooked soft omelet may also work in an age-appropriate texture.
Avoid large, tough or dry pieces. There is no need for added salt, sugar or sauces. Thorough cooking is a cautious and straightforward approach. In the UK, NHS guidance allows British Lion-stamped hen eggs to be served lightly cooked to most babies; thoroughly cooked eggs remain a simple cautious choice.
How much egg at the first tasting?
Begin with a small taste and follow your baby’s response rather than a fixed number of grams or spoons. Turning away, closing the mouth or losing interest is a cue to stop.
Introduce new common allergens individually at first so a reaction is easier to identify. A daytime meal when your baby is well and you can observe them is practical.
Signs of a possible egg allergy
An itchy rash, hives, swelling of the lips or face, vomiting, cough or wheezing can occur after egg. Reactions may begin within minutes, and symptoms differ between children.
Breathing difficulty, tongue or throat swelling, marked limpness or altered consciousness require emergency help: call 999. If you suspect a reaction, do not repeat an egg challenge at home; contact a healthcare professional.
What if your baby has eczema or allergies?
If your baby has eczema, a diagnosed food allergy or a strong allergy history, discuss the first egg introduction with their GP or health visitor. This does not automatically mean egg must be avoided.
An online test, rubbing egg on the lips or designing your own reintroduction schedule is not a substitute for medical assessment.
What if your baby spits out egg?
A grimace or pushing egg out with the tongue may reflect unfamiliar flavour or texture, not necessarily allergy. You can try again another time only if there were no signs of a reaction.
If your baby wants to hold food, adapt its shape to their grasp and feeding skills. Keep them upright and closely supervised at every meal.
What can you try today?
When your baby is ready, cook egg thoroughly and offer a little in a soft texture alongside a previously tolerated food. Do not introduce another new allergen at the same time.
Once egg is tolerated, you can continue offering it as part of a varied diet. There is no rule that it must be eaten every day.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Breathing trouble, wheezing with severe symptoms or tongue or throat swelling: emergency help.
- Widespread hives, facial swelling or repeated vomiting: stop egg and seek advice.
- Choking signs at meals require immediate action.
Sources used for this guide
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — When to Introduce Egg, Peanut Butter, and Other Common Food Allergens to Your Baby
- CDC — When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/when-to-introduce-egg-peanut-butter-and-other-common-food-allergens-to-your-baby-food-allergy-prevention-tips.aspx
- NHS — Introducing foods that could trigger an allergic reaction
- NHS — Your baby’s first solid foods
- NHS — Food allergies in babies and young children
- NHS — 6 months: Feeding your baby
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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