Vegetarian/vegan baby?

Question

Does anyone have input on experience in keeping their children's nutritional needs met on a vegetarian/vegan diet?

To be clear, I'm not asking for opinions or feelings about whether it's okay to have kids following these parameters. I'm asking for information on success in meeting their nutritional needs while on them. Thanks.

Answer

My 2 year old primarily prefers vegetarian meals, it's very rare he'll eat meat.

I did a lot of research on what his daily nutritional needs are for his age, primarily how much protein (26mg) and iron (10mg) he'd need in a balanced diet. It's fairly easy to meet these daily requirements between 3 meals and snacks.

His diet includes a lot of Salmon, avocado, beans/lentils, sweet potatoes, quinoa, eggs, Greek yogurt, whole milk, cottage cheese, bananas, berries, melons, apples, and homemade peanut butter.

I have to say though, our household has never been healthier by adopting his preferred diet for ourselves as well. Both my husband and I have lost weight (and kept it off) and my husbands cholesterol has gone way down.

Answer

They're going to need lots of beans, lentils, eggs, quinoa, avocados and stuff like that full of good fats and proteins. Iron. That's something you should ask your doctor or a nutritionist/dietitian.

Answer

My daughter is now 6, she started on a vegetarian diet and by 2 was on a vegan diet.  She's had no nutritional issues. Now that she is school age we have been pushed to think out of the box when it comes to lunch.  We love our nut butters and milks and she is in a nut free school.  And she understands and knows the difference between her nuggets and chicken nuggets. Or a homemade pizza and her friends. And im sure sooner or later she'll try something out of our diet. But compared to her classmates she eats more and is aware of more fruits and vegetables.

Answer

I don't think there's anything wrong with vegetarian, but veganism is too much for a child. Especially if they're taught anything about meat or dairy etc being wrong, or if they're told not to eat something.

A child should never be raised NOT to eat something (healthy/normal, not talking about fast food etc), but to try everything and be open. It will affect them later if they're raised strictly vegan.

When a child is old enough to voice their own opinions, you should listen to them and not force them on ANY diet.

Answer

We are generations of vegetarians and we have had no issues. I am born and brought up vegetarian.

Although I find this question weird, I do think maybe it is a cultural thing. I have had plenty of options with no issues whatsoever, however I do follow our Indian diet

Answer

My niece has been vegan since day one she's now 5 & she has a awesome amount of energy never needed naps after the new born stage! Little amount of health problems. Don't know if this helped sorry.

Answer

Please don't attempt to give your child soy milk instead of human...

Answer

Me and my sister where raised vegan and where extremely healthy children! Just make sure bubs eating a variety of vegetables especially leafy greens aswell as legumes and pulses, tofu is also great. Breastfeeding for the first 2 years is also highly recommended to ensure your baby's getting enough nutrients ☺️

Answer

I don't have personal experience with this but you may want to look into Juice Plus supplements. I know a lot of vegetarian and vegan people take it to ensure they're getting all their vitamins and minerals. Also, they work with the Children's Health Study and for every paying adult in the program you get a child's supplements for free!

Answer

Make sure once baby is on solids she/he gets either mashed beans or lentils every day mixing it up. That should cover iron and protein for baby's daily needs. Just switch up sources so baby gets a variety of proteins. Like cheese and broccoli one day etc. 
If your eating a balanced vegetarian diet just blend up what your eating and feed him a baby/toddler amount. You will get backlash on here for sure but they don't know any better. Your baby can be completely healthy on a vegetarian diet. I honestly would feed baby vegetarian over vegan until older just because kids like that stuff and can get what they need from those sources over stuff they may be fussy about.
Ask your doctor about b12 I'm not sure, but I was wondering if maybe there is a baby version of the b12 shot?

Vegetarian/vegan baby?

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