{"id":37433,"date":"2020-02-03T13:19:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-03T19:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/?post_type=nutrition_article&p=37433"},"modified":"2023-06-27T13:28:57","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:28:57","slug":"every-bite-counts-why-eggs-are-an-important-first-food","status":"publish","type":"nutrition_article","link":"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/nutrition\/articles\/every-bite-counts-why-eggs-are-an-important-first-food\/","title":{"rendered":"Every Bite Counts: Why Eggs Are An Important First Food"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The 2020-2025   Dietary Guidelines for Americans<\/a><\/strong> (DGA) says \u201cit\u2019s important to make every bite count\u201d when it comes to feeding infants and toddlers. This is the first time in Dietary Guidelines history that  recommendations for the Birth to 24-month lifestage have been made.  DGA indicates \u201c\u2026complementary foods and beverages are essential to meet the nutrient requirements of infants starting at about age 6 months and should be selected carefully to help meet these needs.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The DGA specifically recommends eggs as an<\/strong> important first food<\/strong><\/a> for infants and toddlers as they are a rich source of nutrients like choline and because early introduction (after 4 months of age), when baby is developmentally ready, may help reduce the risk of developing an allergy to eggs.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The following breaks down DGA recommendations based on age group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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BIRTH TO 6 MONTHS<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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For approximately the first 6 months of age, human milk, infant formula, or a combination of the two are an infant\u2019s sole source of nutrition. Once developmentally ready (>4 months of age) \u2013 baby has good head and neck control, can sit upright, has lost the tongue-thrust reflex, and shows interest in food \u2013 complementary foods can be introduced.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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6-12 MONTHS<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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During the 6-12 month period, an infant continues to receive human milk, infant formula, or a combination of the two, and also starts transitioning to a varied diet that includes complementary foods and beverages. This is where nutrient-rich foods with essential nutrients for growth and development come into play.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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For infants fed human milk, the DGA recommends complementary foods that contain iron and zinc, such as meats, seafood, beans, and fortified infant cereals. For all infants, DGA recommends offering a variety of foods from all food groups starting around 6 months.  Protein foods, including meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, nuts, seeds, and soy products contribute iron, zinc, protein, choline, and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to the diet.  Fruits and vegetables, particularly those rich in potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, should be offered to help provide adequate nutrition and foster acceptance of these healthy foods. Yogurt, cheese, and grains also provide important nutrients starting around 6 months.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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During this time, age-appropriate peanut-containing foods and other potentially allergenic foods like eggs should be introduced, to help reduce the risk of developing allergies<\/a><\/strong> to these foods. Additionally, introducing baby to complementary foods like eggs, which are high in choline, supports brain health.2,3<\/sup> It should also be noted that complementary feeding not only provides additional nutrients, but introduces different textures, and models healthy eating behaviors, as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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12-24 MONTHS<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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As baby moves past the 12-month mark and into the second year of life, many move away from human milk and infant formula entirely and transition to a fully varied diet of nutrient-rich foods and beverages. Others may choose to continue offering human milk in addition to a varied diet of nutrient-rich foods and beverages. Either way, careful choices of foods should be selected to meet nutrient needs. The DGA emphasizes offering developmentally appropriate forms of nutrient-rich animal-source foods, including meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products, as well as nut and seed containing foods, fruits, vegetables, and grain products in age-appropriate forms. For toddlers whose diets do not include meat, poultry, or seafood, the DGA recommends \u201d\u2026regular consumption of eggs, dairy products, soy products, and nuts or seeds, in addition to vegetables including beans, peas, and lentils, fruits, grains, and oils.\u201d The tables below outline approximate amounts of foods and beverages for toddlers between the ages of 12 to 24 months, for those not receiving human milk or infant formula and for those following a vegetarian style eating pattern.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Table<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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EGGS AS A FIRST FOOD FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Eggs are recommended after four months and when baby is developmentally ready<\/strong><\/a> for complementary foods, and throughout infancy and toddlerhood.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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