Start with Egg Yolks
What this means is that you can introduce an egg yolk before an egg white, beginning at around 6 months of age. They're quite nutritious, too. A 2002 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that egg yolks can increase iron levels in babies 6-12 months of age and that eggs fortified with Omega-3 fatty acids also help increase DHA levels in the same age range. Both of these findings are a bonus for babies who are starting to lose their own iron stores or who might have to be weaned from breast milk at this age.
While you can separate the yolk from the white before cooking, this can sometimes leave bits of egg white behind. Even a little bit of the the protein can cause a reaction. The best way to separate the egg is to cook it first by hard boiling. Then you can carefully peel off the egg white (use it in your own tuna salad or other salad) and mash the yolk with a fork. To get a smoother consistency, add breast milk, formula or water a little at a time while you mash.
Introduce Egg Whites Later
For families that have no history of allergies or related illnesses like eczema or asthma, egg whites can be introduced starting at 1 year of age. For families with a history of these illnesses, The American Academy of Pediatrics says it's best to wait to introduce eggs until your child is 2 years of age.
Whether or not you have a history, the first time you introduce eggs, be sure to watch for the signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing or asthma symptoms, swelling of the mouth or throat, vomiting or diarrhea and loss of consciousness), know how to respond and be ready to call 9-1-1 immediately.
A Note About Shots and Eggs
Some shots contain egg and can cause an allergic reaction. Usually this is not a problem since these shots are typically given when your child is over a year of age and ready for eggs anyway. For example, the MMR vaccine contains egg and is given around 12-15 months. Be sure to watch for a reaction, though, since getting the shot at 12 months might mean it's your child's first or second exposure to eggs and that's when you usually would see a problem.
Another shot that contains egg is the flu shot and current recommendations start at 6 months of age. So, again, be sure and watch for a reaction and talk to your doctor if you have a family history of allergies and are concerned about these shots. Unfortunately the nasal mist vaccine for the flu is also a problem for those with egg allergy since eggs aren't an additive; the virus is actually grown in eggs for both the mist and the shot.
If you already know that your child has an egg allergy, it's generally recommended that they still get the MMR vaccination. According to Dr. Andrew Clark in Pulse, "All children with egg allergy should receive MMR vaccination, even if the allergy to egg is severe. Current guidelines recommend that children with a history of current asthma, or those with airways narrowing during egg reactions, should be vaccinated in hospital. All other children can be safely immunized in primary care, where facilities for treatment of anaphylaxis should be available. Influenza vaccination is contraindicated in children with egg allergy." Be sure and talk to your health care provider about your options.
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