When Can Babies Eat Eggs?
Eggs can be introduced from around 6 months when you start solid foods. As one of the top 14 EU allergens, eggs should be introduced early, current European guidance (ESPGHAN) recommends introducing all allergens around 6 months rather than delaying, as early introduction reduces allergy risk.
Always cook eggs thoroughly for babies under 12 months, fully cooked yolk and white only. No runny eggs, no raw egg in desserts. Once baby has clearly tolerated well-cooked egg several times, lightly cooked eggs (soft-boiled with fully set white) can be introduced from 12 months.
Egg allergy: what to watch for
Egg is one of the most common food allergies in infants. Give egg for the first time at home (not at nursery or a restaurant), in the morning so you can observe for several hours. A mild reaction (hives around the mouth, mild redness) is different from anaphylaxis, know the difference. If you see swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or sudden pallor/limpness, call 112/999 immediately.
How to Serve Eggs at Different Ages
| Age | How to serve | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| 6–7 months | Fully cooked scrambled egg, mashed into porridge or vegetable puree | Smooth / mashed |
| 7–9 months | Soft scrambled egg pieces, strips of omelette as finger food | Soft lumps / strips |
| 9–12 months | Omelette pieces, hard-boiled egg chopped, egg in pasta or rice | Chopped / diced |
| 12 months+ | All forms including lightly cooked (soft-boiled with set white), fried egg | All textures |
Safety Notes
- Always fully cook eggs for babies under 12 months, fully set yolk and white
- Introduce egg alone first, not mixed into another new food, so you can identify any reaction
- After tolerating egg, continue to offer it regularly (at least 2x/week) to maintain tolerance
- Egg white contains the main allergenic proteins, introduce whole egg together (not yolk alone)