How many eggs is too many is a much-asked question in my weekly Q&A session on Instagram. Let’s take a closer look at how, why and how many eggs we should serve our kids each week?

We’ve all heard of the “ an egg a day is OK” guideline for adults. So, it’s only natural to wonder if this is alright for our kids too. After all, they’re a lot smaller! And the fact that eggs are one of the quickest and easiest family foods of all time means very parent’s secretly hoping there’s no limit!

What’s so great about eggs?

• Easy to buy
• Relatively inexpensive
• Handy store cupboard staple for easy baby meals
• A good source of protein, non-haem iron, Vit D and A.
• A great source of lesser well-known nutrients, choline and lutein, which are helpful for brain development
• No cooking expertise necessary

How many are too many?

There are no guidelines regarding the maximum number of eggs for babies and children. So, one a day is perfectly fine. But remember variety is critical. So if you’re serving eggs daily try to change up how you serve them.

Eggs and food poisoning

Babies under 12 months are especially at risk from food poisoning. Make sure not to offer your baby undercooked or raw eggs as there’s a risk of salmonella food poisoning. After that it’s OK to offer runnier and less cooked forms of eggs. Just make sure that you buy from a reliable source and store them correctly.

LEARN MORE: Safefood-how to cook eggs safely

Remember “Parent provides, Child decides!”

So, there’s no rule about how many eggs to include per day. You decide how often you want to serve eggs during the week, and what way you want to serve them. Don’t limit them to your child’s favourite type. Parent provides. After that, it’s up to your child to either eat them or not! Child decides.

LEARN MORE: The Division of Responsibility-the one feeding strategy you need!

Here are some simple ways to change up how you serve eggs.

Variety is really important when feeding children, especially toddlers who can easily get stuck in food ruts. So, even if your child loves boiled eggs don’t forget about offering exposure to egg in other forms too. It’ll prevent you and them from getting bored.

• Boiled egg (well-cooked)
• Scrambled egg with spinach
• Veggie omelette
• French Toast
• Sweet potato pancakes
• Veggie egg muffins
• Fried egg
• Poached eggs

“What did the egg do when it saw the frying pan?

It scrambled!”

When can I introduce eggs to my baby?

You can introduce eggs at any time. Keep in mind though that eggs are potentially allergenic foods, so follow the safety tips on the safe introduction of potential allergens. Initially go for a well-cooked egg offered from a spoon, rather than as finger food. The easiest way to do this is to boil an egg for about ten minutes, then blitz or mash well and mix a little with a portion of food your baby is already eating without any problems like a vegetable, fruit or porridge. You can gradually increase the amount offered and then branch out into providing egg in any of the ways above.

A hard-boiled egg here served either as finger food or mashed with yoghurt from a spoon. 

If you want more evidence-based information on feeding babies? Check out my online Baby Weaning Course, Ready, Steady, Wean