Recipe · 6 months and up
Easy omelet strips for baby
A thin, fully cooked omelet cut into soft strips that babies 6 months and up can hold. No added salt for babies under 12 months.
Prep 3 minCook 5 minMakes about 8 strips
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon whole milk, breast milk, or formula (optional, for a softer omelet)
- 1 small handful baby spinach, very finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter or olive oil
Steps
- Whisk the eggs with the milk and spinach until no streaks of white remain.
- Heat the butter or oil in an 8-inch nonstick pan over medium-low heat.
- Pour in the eggs and tilt the pan so they spread into a thin, even layer.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the edges are set. Cover the pan and cook 1 to 2 minutes more, until no wet egg is left on top.
- Slide the omelet onto a cutting board and let it cool for a few minutes.
- For 6 to 8 months, cut it into strips about the size of an adult finger. For 9 to 12 months, cut it into small squares.
How to hard-boil an egg for baby
Put the eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn off the heat. Let them sit for 12 minutes, then move them to a bowl of ice water. Peel, and check that the yolk is firm all the way through.
Storage
- Omelet strips: refrigerate in a covered container and use within 3 to 4 days.
- Hard-boiled eggs: up to 1 week in the fridge, per FoodSafety.gov.
Egg allergy: what to watch for
How much egg to offer
Start with a strip or two, and try it earlier in the day so you are around for a few hours after. If there is no reaction, offer more over time. Once egg is tolerated, the AAP suggests keeping it in your baby's diet routinely, with about a third of a well-cooked egg as an example portion.
Signs of a reaction
The AAP suggests watching for rash, vomiting, or diarrhea after a new food. If you see any, stop the food and call your pediatrician. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
Higher-risk babies
Babies with severe, persistent eczema, or who have had an allergic reaction to a food, are considered higher risk. The AAP advises talking with your pediatrician first about how and when to introduce egg and other common allergens.
Questions parents ask
When can babies eat eggs?
Around 6 months, once your baby shows signs of being ready for solids. The AAP says there is no evidence that waiting past 4 to 6 months to introduce egg prevents food allergy.
How do I serve egg to a 6 month old?
Try thin omelet strips about the size of an adult finger, or a hard-boiled egg cut lengthwise into quarters. Cook the egg until the yolk and white are both firm.
Can babies have runny or soft-boiled eggs?
Not under US guidance. The CDC lists runny or undercooked eggs as a riskier choice for children under 5 and recommends cooking eggs until the yolks and whites are firm.
Should I give only the egg yolk first?
There is no need to. The AAP says delaying common allergens like egg does not prevent allergy, so you can serve the whole, well-cooked egg. If your baby has severe eczema or has reacted to a food before, ask your pediatrician first.
How much egg can my baby eat?
Start with a strip or two. Once egg is tolerated, the AAP suggests keeping it in the diet routinely, with about a third of a well-cooked egg as an example portion.
What are signs of an egg allergy in babies?
Watch for rash, hives, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating egg. If you see them, stop the food and call your pediatrician. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
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6 to 12 months · common allergen
