Are eggs (anda) good for children? YES - eggs are one of the most nutritious and affordable foods for children, providing high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals essential for growth.
Eggs are a superfood for children! One egg contains protein, vitamin D, B12, iron, and choline (great for brain development). In India, eggs are an economical and easily available source of nutrition. The traditional "Sunday ho ya Monday, roz khao ande" has scientific backing! However, it's important to introduce eggs properly and watch for allergies, especially in babies.
When Can Babies Start Eating Eggs?
Watch: Breast Milk vs. Formula: Why Breast Milk is Best for Your Baby! #breastfeedingbenefits #babyhealth
Age-Wise Guide:
Age
Can Have Eggs?
How to Give
0-6 months
No
Only breast milk/formula
6-7 months
Yes (well-cooked yolk first)
Mashed egg yolk in rice/dal
8-12 months
Yes (whole egg)
Scrambled, boiled, egg bhurji
1-3 years
Yes
All forms - boiled, omelette, bhurji
3+ years
Yes
Any way they enjoy
Important: Always give fully cooked eggs. Raw or runny eggs can contain harmful bacteria.
Benefits of Eggs for Children
1. Brain Development (Dimag ki Takat)
Rich in choline - essential for memory and learning
Contains DHA (omega-3) in some eggs
Perfect for growing brains
2. High-Quality Protein
One egg = 6g protein
Complete protein with all essential amino acids
Helps in muscle and tissue growth
3. Strong Bones
Contains Vitamin D (rare in foods!)
Good for calcium absorption
Supports bone development
4. Eye Health
Lutein and zeaxanthin for healthy eyes
Vitamin A for good vision
5. Immunity Boost
Contains zinc and selenium
Helps fight infections
6. Easy to Digest
Light on the stomach
Good for children recovering from illness
How to Give Eggs to Children (Indian Ways)
For Babies 6-12 Months:
Egg Yolk in Khichdi:
Hard boil egg, remove yolk only
Mash and mix in khichdi
Start with 1/4 yolk, increase gradually
Egg Rice:
Scramble egg, mix with soft rice and dal
For Toddlers 1-3 Years:
Anda Bhurji:
Soft scrambled eggs with mild spices
Add onion, tomato for taste
Egg Paratha:
Egg cooked with paratha
Popular breakfast option
Boiled Egg:
Simple, nutritious
Cut into small pieces
For Older Children:
Omelette: With vegetables
Egg Curry: South Indian style
French Toast: Weekend treat
Egg Sandwich: School tiffin option
Egg Allergies in Children
What is Egg Allergy?
Egg allergy affects about 2% of children. The immune system mistakenly identifies egg proteins as harmful and reacts against them.
Most children outgrow egg allergy by age 5-7. Some may be able to tolerate eggs in baked goods (cakes, biscuits) even if allergic to plain eggs.
How to Introduce Eggs Safely
Step-by-Step:
Start small - Begin with 1/4 teaspoon of well-cooked yolk
Wait and watch - Observe for 2-3 days before increasing
Then whole egg - After yolk is tolerated, try whole egg
One new food at a time - Don't introduce other new foods same day
Morning is best - So you can watch for reactions during the day
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate/emergency care if:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
Severe hives all over body
Vomiting repeatedly
Child becomes pale, weak, or faints
Any signs of anaphylaxis
Consult pediatrician if:
Mild rash or hives after eating eggs
Recurring stomach upset with eggs
Family history of egg allergy
You want to introduce eggs but are worried
Eggs and Digestion
Do Eggs Affect Potty?
Eggs are generally easy to digest
High protein may slow digestion slightly
Should not cause kabz (constipation) in normal amounts
If child has loose motion after eggs, may indicate intolerance
Eggs During Illness:
Soft boiled or scrambled eggs are good during recovery
Light on stomach, high in nutrition
Avoid if child has diarrhea or vomiting
Types of Eggs in India
Type
Description
Best For
Regular Farm Eggs
Most common, affordable
Daily use
Brown Eggs
Same nutrition as white
Same benefits
Organic/Free-range
From free-roaming hens
Slightly better quality
Omega-3 Enriched
Higher in healthy fats
Brain development
Note: Nutritionally, brown and white eggs are the same. Color depends on the hen breed.
How Many Eggs Per Day?
Age
Recommended
6-12 months
1/4 to 1/2 egg
1-2 years
1 egg
2-6 years
1-2 eggs
6+ years
2-3 eggs
Best time: Breakfast - provides sustained energy for the day
Expert Insight: Dr. Sumitra explains: 'Every baby's poop schedule is different. Some go 7 times a day, some once a week - both can be normal.'
FAQs
Q: Can I give eggs daily to my baby?
A: Yes, after successful introduction without any allergic reaction, eggs can be given daily. They're a great source of protein and nutrients. Start with 1/4-1/2 egg for babies and increase as they grow.
Q: My baby got rash after eating egg - what should I do?
A: Stop giving eggs immediately. If rash is mild and baby is otherwise fine, consult your pediatrician. If there's difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.
Q: Is it okay to give half-boiled (runny) eggs to children?
A: No, always give fully cooked eggs to children under 5 years. Undercooked eggs may contain Salmonella bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Q: Do eggs cause pet dard (stomach ache)?
A: Eggs are usually easy to digest. If your child regularly gets stomach ache after eggs, they might have an intolerance or mild allergy. Try well-cooked yolk first and observe.
Q: Which is better - egg white or yolk?
A: Both! For babies starting out, yolk is introduced first as it's less likely to cause allergy. Yolk has most of the vitamins and fats, while white has more protein. Give the whole egg for complete nutrition.
Q: Can eggs cause kabz (constipation)?
A: Eggs generally don't cause constipation. They're easy to digest. If your child has kabz, look at overall fiber and water intake rather than blaming eggs.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. For personalized advice about eggs for your child, consult with Babynama's pediatric experts on WhatsApp.
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