An Egg-Cellent First Food

Eggs are for everyone, including babies and toddlers, according to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s report. The committee recommends eggs as a first food for babies and toddlers because they provide eight essential nutrients that help build a healthy foundation for life.

Eggs provide valuable nutrition for children and moms-to-be, as well. The report found most pregnant women and kids need more choline — critical for brain health — in their diets. Eggs can help pregnant women consume this essential nutrient, helping a baby’s brain and spinal cord develop properly. Two eggs provide more than half of the recommended daily amount of choline.

Introducing eggs as a first food ... may help reduce the chances of developing an egg allergy later.

One egg contains 70 calories, six grams of high-quality protein and all nine essential amino acids. Eggs are also a source of vitamin B12, biotin (B7), iodine, selenium, high-quality protein, riboflavin (B2) and pantothenic acid (B5).

Additionally, eggs contain lutein and zeaxanthin that can help protect your eyes from harmful blue light that comes from devices such as computer screens.

Lots of parents worry about possible food allergies. Like many other organizations, the committee recommends introducing eggs as a first food because it may help reduce the chances of developing an egg allergy later.