Just for Mums and Dads

Perfectly pre-packed by nature, eggs are one of the most complete, naturally produced foods containing many essential nutrients and can be used as part of a balanced diet for all the family.

Babies and toddlers have different nutritional needs from adults.  They need plenty of calories and nutrients for growth, but often have small appetites.

A diet containing too many high fibre cereals, vegetables and fruit is not suitable for children under two.  It fills them up too quickly so that they may not get enough calories, vitamins and minerals.  Even up to the age of five, some children can have quite limited appetites and may need higher fat, less bulky food.

Eggs are an ideal food to meet the needs of young children as part of a balanced diet.  They are high in protein and packed with vitamins A, D, E and B group – essential for healthy growth and development.  They also contain minerals including zinc, calcium and iron.

Protein provides the material for building and repairing body cells and tissues – particularly important for growing children.

Eggs are a perfect source of protein because:

• They are high in protein – one medium egg contributes 45% of the daily amount of protein needed by a toddler and 14% of the daily amount needed by a woman.
• The protein is easily digested, absorbed and used by the body.
• They contain all eight indispensable amino acids (those which cannot be made by the body)
• They are an especially good source of protein for vegetarians or children who just don’t like meat.

Because they are packed so full of nutrients, eggs are good for your children every day of the week.

The good news for mums and dads is that a medium egg only contains 78 calories and is relatively low in saturated fat.

Although eggs contain dietary cholesterol, research has shown that most people on a healthy, low fat diet can eat an egg a day without raising blood cholesterol levels.

Do…

• Always look for eggs bearing the Lion Quality mark
• Store eggs in the refrigerator           
• Wash hands before and after handling eggs
• Eat cooked egg dishes as soon as possible or store in a refrigerator

Don’t…

• Eat raw eggs
• Eat eggs lightly cooked if you are pregnant, or serve them to babies or infants
• Introduce eggs before your baby is six months old.  If there is a history of allergic conditions in your family, you should leave introducing eggs until your child is one year old
• Eat eggs after the ‘best before’ date on the egg or box
• Use cracked or dirty eggs