Baby Egg Allergy

 Baby egg allergy will happen if a babys immune system mistakenly identifies an otherwise friendly  egg protein as an enemy. The allergen is usually in the egg whites but can also be found in the egg yolk. Baby egg allergy is actually the second most common allergy among children under the age of  five. But not to worry, as most babies with this allergy will outgrow it before the age of 5 years.

Symptoms to look out for in Baby Egg Allergy

Eczema 

Hives

Nausea

Wheezing

Vomiting

Tummy discomfort

So when can my baby eat eggs?

Both the egg white and the yolk can cause an allergy reaction, but the most common reactions come from the egg whites. Some pediatricians will recommend waiting with the introduction of egg until a baby is over a year old. However recommendations evolve all the time because there is always research going on so check with your baby's pediatrician for the latest recommendations.  Click here if you would like to read a report published by the American Academy for Pediatrics.

        

 

 The yolk of hard boiled eggs can be introduced to babiesfrom around 7 months of age and the egg whites can be introduced after the age of 1 year. But, if you or your partner have both got egg allergy it is strongly advisable that you consult your child's pediatrician. Egg, like all foods should be introduced separately. Even when your baby is introduced to hard cooked eggs without any reactions, under-cooked or raw egg should be avoided to prevent food poisoning. Remember to consult your pediatrician before introducing egg to your baby's diet especially if you have a family history of egg allergy...

Baby Egg Allergy - Foods that usually contain egg 

If your baby has a confirmed severe egg allergy then you must avoid egg-containing foods by all means. Now, this is easier said than done because egg is used in a lot of things and can be quite challenging to avoid. Not only is it used in foods, it's also found in some shampoos, flu vaccines and other products. If your baby has egg protein allergy, consult a pediatrician before getting a flu vaccine or MMR Vaccine as they may contain egg protein. 

Always consult with your pediatrician before eliminating foods from your baby's diet.

Avoid these foods if a baby has a confirmed baby egg allergy

Cakes

Commercial egg substitutes

Frosting

Cookies

Cupcakes

Puddings

Waffles

Marzipan

Pasta

Breakfast cereal

Mayonnaise

Hollandaise sauce

Noodles

Meringue

Custard

Pies

Macaroons

French toast

Baby Egg Allergy - Reading your food labels - Indicators of Egg Protein

Learning to read food labels can be a very important tool to have especially if you have a baby with food allergies and teaching the rest of the family to do so too can prove useful. Here is a list of some words that you may find listed on food products' list of ingredients to indicate the presence of egg protein.

Names or words on food labels that indicate the presence of egg protein will include...

Egg

Lysozyme

Binder

Album

Ovalbumin

Ovamucin

Emulsifier

Simplesse

Livetin

Ovovitellin

Coagulant

Mayonnaise

Egg white

Globulin

Pasteurized egg

Egg powder

Egg protein

Easy egg substitutes that you can use us binding agents for home baking

Here are some egg substitutes you can use to replace egg when baking things such as cookies or cup cakes.

1/2 Apple sauce = 1 egg

1/4 cup pureed banana = 1 egg

Baby Egg Allergy - In case of a severe allergic reaction

 This is very rare, but egg allergy too can cause Anaphylaxis or an allergic shock. Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, swelling of the throat, swelling of the lips, drop in blood pressure and even loss of consciousness. If this happens you must call for an ambulance immediately as Anaphylaxis is potentially fatal.