Few things are as closely tied to Christmas festivities as much as a freshly prepared mug of hot eggnog. Made with a combination of eggs, milk, cream, sherry, rum, and more, its a classic drink thats been around for a really long time (via the Mental Floss). If youre wondering how long, experts think it was way back in the 14th century when people relished a hot drink that was made with spices, milk, and wine. Interestingly, it was more than a comforting beverage and was even used to treat cold and flu symptoms.
As delicious as eggnog can be, caution must be exercised when it comes to consuming it. For example, a man named Ryan Roche once ended up at the hospital after he had far too much alcohol-free eggnog in a bid to beat his peers in a contest. Doctors figured out that their patient had ended up inhaling a bit of the eggnog and needed antibiotics to recover. Even if you dont plan on engaging in competitive eggnog guzzling, if youre thinking of preparing a batch of eggnog for your family, you may want to be extra careful when there are kids involved. Read on for more details.
When can babies have eggnog? After 12 months of age, if the eggnog is pasteurized and free of alcohol. While we generally recommend waiting until age 2 to introduce sugar into a toddler’s diet, a small taste of pasteurized, alcohol-free eggnog on a special occasion after a child’s first birthday is just fine.
As delicious as eggnog can be, caution must be exercised when it comes to consuming it. For example, a man named Ryan Roche once ended up at the hospital after he had far too much alcohol-free eggnog in a bid to beat his peers in a contest. Doctors figured out that their patient had ended up inhaling a bit of the eggnog and needed antibiotics to recover. Even if you dont plan on engaging in competitive eggnog guzzling, if youre thinking of preparing a batch of eggnog for your family, you may want to be extra careful when there are kids involved. Read on for more details.
As highlighted by Fatherly, babies younger than one shouldnt come anywhere near eggnog and should be given formula milk or breast milk. When given cows milk that young, they can suffer intestinal bleeding. As for older kids, even if you choose an alcohol-free, dairy-free recipe, you may find that the raw eggs make your kids sick. Another factor worth considering is the sheer amount of sugar that may be hiding in your Christmas treat.
Pediatric dietician Melanie Silverman told Fatherly that its crucial to be mindful while introducing kids to eggnog. The golden rule applies – everything in moderation. “According to the American Heart Association, kids ages 2-18 should have less than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day,” Silverman explained. “Eggnog has a good amount of sugar in the drink that could bump a kids intake for the day.” Perhaps you could opt for a healthier alternative that isnt too high on sugar such as a hot chocolate with unsweetened cocoa, honey, and plant-based milk.
Few things are as closely tied to Christmas festivities as much as a freshly prepared mug of hot eggnog. Made with a combination of eggs, milk, cream, sherry, rum, and more, its a classic drink thats been around for a really long time (via the Mental Floss). If youre wondering how long, experts think it was way back in the 14th century when people relished a hot drink that was made with spices, milk, and wine. Interestingly, it was more than a comforting beverage and was even used to treat cold and flu symptoms.
From a nutritional standpoint, Posner says that while eggnog isnt unsafe, it does have a lot of fat and sugar. So moderation is really key, and eggnog shouldnt replace your childs typical drinks of milk or water.
Gina Posner, pediatrician at MemorialCareWhat Parents Are Talking About — Delivered Straight To Your InboxBy subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our
For a non-eggnog holiday treat, Posner suggests making a cinnamon tea with some honey if your child is over the age of 1 (because of the bacteria in honey). “Again, moderation is the key,” Posner says. Hot spiced cider, hot chocolate, and all of the other warm festive drinks can be enjoyed with your children.
Pediatrician Gina Posner tells Romper that after age 1, its OK for kids to drink eggnog, as long as there are no raw eggs involved, because that can cause salmonella.
The FDA website noted that fresh eggs, if consumed raw, can contain bacteria called salmonella, which causes “foodborne illness,” aka food poisoning. Apparently there are approximately 79,000 cases of foodborne illness and 30 deaths each year from consuming raw eggs that are contaminated with salmonella. “Consuming dangerous foodborne bacteria will usually cause illness within one to three days of eating the contaminated food. However, sickness can also occur within 20 minutes or up to 6 weeks later,” the website noted. “Although most people will recover from a foodborne illness within a short period of time, some can develop chronic, severe, or even life-threatening health problems.”
Can kids drink alcoholic eggnog?
FAQ
Are you supposed to age egg nog?
When should I start drinking eggnog?
Can anyone drink eggnog?
Can kids drink rompope?
When can a child start drinking eggnog?
Kids can start drinking eggnog around 12 months of age, but only if it is homemade with pasteurized eggs. Store-bought eggnog should not be given to children under the age of 2 due to the risk of salmonella. It is also important to limit their intake and not let them indulge in too much sugar and fat, which can lead to digestive issues.
How many eggs can a child below the age of 5 consume?
There is not a specific number of eggs a child can consume, but generally, it is recommended about four eggs a week. This amount ensures that the child is getting the required nutrients and, at the same time, avoiding the risk of high cholesterol due to excessive consumption.
Can kids drink eggnog?
Pediatrician Gina Posner tells Romper that after age 1, it’s OK for kids to drink eggnog, as long as there are no raw eggs involved, because that can cause salmonella. The FDA website noted that fresh eggs, if consumed raw, can contain bacteria called salmonella, which causes “foodborne illness,” aka food poisoning.
Can children eat eggnog during the holiday season?
For children over the age of 5, eggnog can be safely enjoyed in moderate quantities during the holiday season. However, it is important to choose a high-quality eggnog brand or consider making homemade eggnog to ensure that it is made with fresh ingredients and with care.