Nutrition experts have advised parents to rethink how they spend money on snacks for their children, urging families to prioritise eggs over biscuits, sweets and sugar-sweetened drinks to improve nutrition and help combat the growing burden of child malnutrition in Nigeria. The specialists said that although economic hardship and rising food prices have made it more difficult for many families to afford nutritious meals, investing in eggs remains one of the most effective ways to support the healthy growth and development of children, particularly those under the age of five. According to them, eggs are packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins A, D and B12, as well as essential minerals such as iron, zinc, iodine and selenium, all of which play a vital role in brain development, strong bones, healthy eyesight, immunity and overall physical growth. They explained that replacing nutritious foods with processed snacks and sugary beverages deprives children of the nutrients needed during the critical early years of life. While biscuits, sweets and soft drinks may be convenient and appealing, they offer little nutritional value and may increase the risk of poor eating habits, tooth decay and unhealthy weight gain. The experts noted that Nigeria continues to face a serious challenge with childhood malnutrition, with millions of children affected by stunting and other nutrition-related conditions. They stressed that improving children's diets at home through simple and affordable food choices could significantly reduce the country's malnutrition burden. Health professionals recommended introducing well-cooked eggs when babies begin complementary feeding at six months of age. They advised parents to start with small portions before gradually making eggs a regular part of a child's balanced diet. They added that toddlers and preschool-aged children can benefit greatly from eating eggs regularly, as the nutrients they contain support rapid brain development, strengthen the immune system and provide the energy needed for healthy growth and active learning. The nutritionists also encouraged parents to redirect money commonly spent on biscuits, candies and sugar-sweetened beverages toward purchasing eggs and other nutrient-rich foods. They said such a shift would provide lasting health benefits and help children reach important developmental milestones. While acknowledging the impact of food inflation, the experts maintained that parents should make nutritious foods a priority whenever possible, describing eggs as one of the most affordable sources of quality protein available to most households. They further advised caregivers to ensure eggs are thoroughly cooked before serving them to children to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. They emphasised that eggs should be included as part of a diverse and balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables, grains and other healthy foods rather than being relied upon as the only source of nutrition. The experts concluded that tackling childhood malnutrition requires consistent healthy feeding practices at home. They said choosing nutrient-dense foods over processed snacks can help children grow stronger, perform better mentally and physically, and build a healthier future.