Making protein-rich boiled eggs ahead of time to have on hand for little ones is a great idea. Here is how to make the perfect hard boiled eggs for baby led weaning - and for the whole family - plus how to serve boiled eggs for BLW.
This post has been written and medically reviewed by Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist).
Boiled Eggs for Baby Led Weaning
Can babies eat hard boiled eggs? Yes! As soon as babies are developmentally ready for solids, they can eat eggs, including hard boiled eggs. In fact, eggs are some of my favorite very first foods for babies. Boiled eggs are great because you can cook them once and keep them on hand in the refrigerator as a quick protein-rich breakfast or snack for little ones (and for you!). In this post, I'll show you exactly how to make the perfect hard boiled egg and how to serve it to babies using a baby led weaning or self-feeding approach from 6 months old.
Jump to:
- Boiled Eggs for Baby Led Weaning
- Are Eggs Healthy for Baby?
- How To Make The Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs for BLW - Two Ways
- Tips for Easily Peeling Hard Boiled Eggs
- Storing Hard Boiled Eggs
- How To Serve Boiled Eggs for Baby Led Weaning - 6 Months +
- More Ideas for Serving Eggs Using a Baby Led Weaning Approach
- Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs for Baby Led Weaning
Are Eggs Healthy for Baby?
Eggs are incredibly nutritious, and one of my favorite first foods for babies. Eggs are a great source of highly bioavailable protein, as well as several essential nutrients like B vitamins (B12, biotin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid), choline, vitamin D, selenium and iodine, which are all important nutrients for supporting baby's growth and development. They are also a common allergen, and research shows that introducing eggs early and often can help prevent your little one developing an egg allergy.1
You can learn more about why I love eggs for baby led weaning here.
How To Make The Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs for BLW - Two Ways
There are two main methods for making boiled eggs - the residual heat method (or "no-boil" method) and traditional boiling method. I prefer the first. The important thing to remember when boiling eggs is to set a timer! You want to make sure the eggs are cooked through to avoid potential food borne illness, but you don't want chalky yolks with the grey rings that can occur when you cook them too long.
Boiled Eggs Using The Residual Heat Method
- Add eggs to a small saucepan with a lid. Add enough water to cover the eggs by at least ½ inch.
- Bring the pan of water with the eggs to a full boil over high heat.
- As soon as the water boils, turn off the heat, cover the pan with the lid and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- As soon as the timer goes off, carefully drain the eggs and run them under cold water or drop them into an ice bath to stop the cooking.
Boiled Eggs Using The Traditional Boiling Method
- Bring a small saucepan of water to a full boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, gently lower the eggs into the water. Return the water to a simmer.
- Set the timer for 8 - 11 minutes. 8 minutes will give you slightly softer, but still fully cooked yolks while 11 minutes will give you firm yolks.
- As soon as the timer goes off, carefully drain the eggs and run them under cold water or drop them into an ice bath to stop the cooking.
Tips for Easily Peeling Hard Boiled Eggs
- Place eggs in an ice bath or run under cold water immediately after cooking.
- Crack the shell on the large rounded end. This is where the air pocket is, and it will help the shell come off more easily.
- If the still really wants to stick, running it under cool water while peeling can help.
Storing Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard boiled eggs in the shell can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week - they're great for meal prep! Once peeled, eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. I love these OXO glass baby blocks for storing individual eggs.
How To Serve Boiled Eggs for Baby Led Weaning - 6 Months +
6 months: For babies with a palmar grasp, bigger is better for baby to grip and bring to his mouth. Cut the egg into quarters length-wise to create long pieces about the size of your pinky finger. You could also offer just the yolk, mashed.
9+ months: For babies who have developed a pincer grasp, usually around 9 months, you can cut boiled egg into bite size pieces, about the size of your fingernail. You can also continue offering in quarters if you'd like.
Tip: Use hard boiled eggs to make BLW friendly egg salad or tuna salad for lunches!
Track your baby's journey through starting solids! Get my 100 First Foods Checklist and Allergen Checklist Bundle today!
More Ideas for Serving Eggs Using a Baby Led Weaning Approach
Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs for Baby Led Weaning
Making protein-rich boiled eggs ahead of time to have on hand for little ones is a great idea. Here is how to make the perfect hard boiled eggs for baby led weaning - and for the whole family - plus how to serve boiled eggs for BLW.
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: varies
- Category: breakfast
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 eggs (or any amount you'd like)
- water
Instructions
Residual Heat or "No Boil" Method:
- Add eggs to a small saucepan with a lid. Add enough water to cover the eggs by at least ½ inch.
- Bring the pan of water with the eggs to a full boil over high heat.
- As soon as the water boils, turn off the heat, cover the pan with the lid and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- As soon as the timer goes off, carefully drain the eggs and run them under cold water or drop them into an ice bath to stop the cooking.
Traditional Boiling Method:
- Bring a small saucepan of water to a full boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, gently lower the eggs into the water. Return the water to a simmer.
- Set the timer for 8 - 11 minutes. 8 minutes will give you slightly softer, but still fully cooked yolks while 11 minutes will give you firm yolks.
- As soon as the timer goes off, carefully drain the eggs and run them under cold water or drop them into an ice bath to stop the cooking.
Notes
- Boiled eggs with the shell on will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Peeled, they will keep for 2-3 days.
- For easier peeling, crack the shell on the large round end, since this is where the air pocket is. Peeling under running water may also help for really tricky eggs.
- For ways to serve hard boiled eggs to BLW babies, see post above.
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