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The American Dietetic Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics both agree that "well-planned vegan and vegetarian diets can satisfy the nutritional needs and promote normal growth of infants and young children."
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The American Dietetic Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics both agree that "well-planned vegan and vegetarian diets can satisfy the nutritional needs and promote normal growth of infants and young children."
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Vegan Babies
It is important for all parents to attend to their
child's nutritional needs from the day that they are born (see veg pregnancy guidelines). For the first 6 months of a baby's life, their nutritional needs are best met by their mother’s breast milk, whether they are vegan or not. If this is not an option, the next best option for vegan parents is soy formula. However, please be aware that as of now there are no entirely vegan formulas. Some soy formulas contain animal derived fats and all contain Vitamin D3 which comes from lanolin in sheep's wool (soymilk, rice milk, and homemade formulas should not be used to replace breastmilk or commercial infant formula during the first year). The Consumer Corner Ages & Stages section of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) web site is an excellent source for dietary information on the web; it includes a comprehensive overview on dietary needs, in addition to tips on food allergies and healthy meals and snacks. The site is divided into different areas for infants and toddlers, preschool and elementary-aged children, pre-teens and teenagers and special needs kids because a child’s nutritional needs change by age. For the little ones, the NIH refers you to a section of the American Dietetic Association on feeding vegan infants and toddlers. Particularly helpful is the Fact Sheet section of the NIH web site, which lists the daily recommended amount of each nutrient by age group so that you can determine exactly how much of each vitamin and mineral your child should be getting from their diet as they grow. |
ArticlesBreastfeeding Your Vegan Baby by Erin Pavlina
Introducing Solids: Feeding Vegan Babies by Erin Pavlina Should Your Baby Be Vegan? by Annie Hartnett Feeding Your Vegan Baby by The Vegan Mom Raising Your Baby Vegan: Making Informed Choices by One Green Planet Recommended Books for ParentsNew Vegetarian Baby by Sharon Yntema
Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide by Elliot Rose Check out more suggestions on the VEG KIDS page. Jessica from VegBooks recommends...Who Is the Beast? by Keith Baker.
 Read the full review here.
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Feeding Schedule for Vegan Babies (6-12mo)
6 months
MILK: breast milk or soy formula
CEREAL/BREAD: begin iron-fortified baby cereal mixed with milk
FRUITS/VEGGIES: none
LEGUMES & NUT BUTTERS: none
6-8 months
MILK: breast milk or soy formula
CEREAL/BREAD: continue baby cereal. Begin other breads and cereals.
FRUITS/VEGGIES: begin juice from cup: 2-4 oz. vit C source. Begin mashed vegetables & fruits.
LEGUMES & NUT BUTTERS: none
7-10 months
MILK: breast milk or soy formula
CEREAL/BREAD: continue baby cereal. Begin other breads and cereals.
FRUITS/VEGGIES: 4 oz. juice. Pieces of soft/cooked vegetables & fruits.
LEGUMES & NUT BUTTERS: Gradually introduce tofu. Begin casseroles, pureed legumes, soy cheese and soy yogurt.
10-12 months
MILK: breast milk or soy formula (24-32 oz.)
CEREAL/BREAD: baby cereal until 18mo. Total of 4 servings (1 serving = 1/4 slice bread or 2-4 Tbsp cereal)
FRUITS/VEGGIES: table food diet. Allow 4 servings per day (1serving = 2-4 Tbsp fruit and vegetable, 4 oz juice)
LEGUMES & NUT BUTTERS: 2 servings daily--each about 1/2 oz.
Charts reprinted from Simply Vegan by Debra Wasserman and Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
MILK: breast milk or soy formula
CEREAL/BREAD: begin iron-fortified baby cereal mixed with milk
FRUITS/VEGGIES: none
LEGUMES & NUT BUTTERS: none
6-8 months
MILK: breast milk or soy formula
CEREAL/BREAD: continue baby cereal. Begin other breads and cereals.
FRUITS/VEGGIES: begin juice from cup: 2-4 oz. vit C source. Begin mashed vegetables & fruits.
LEGUMES & NUT BUTTERS: none
7-10 months
MILK: breast milk or soy formula
CEREAL/BREAD: continue baby cereal. Begin other breads and cereals.
FRUITS/VEGGIES: 4 oz. juice. Pieces of soft/cooked vegetables & fruits.
LEGUMES & NUT BUTTERS: Gradually introduce tofu. Begin casseroles, pureed legumes, soy cheese and soy yogurt.
10-12 months
MILK: breast milk or soy formula (24-32 oz.)
CEREAL/BREAD: baby cereal until 18mo. Total of 4 servings (1 serving = 1/4 slice bread or 2-4 Tbsp cereal)
FRUITS/VEGGIES: table food diet. Allow 4 servings per day (1serving = 2-4 Tbsp fruit and vegetable, 4 oz juice)
LEGUMES & NUT BUTTERS: 2 servings daily--each about 1/2 oz.
Charts reprinted from Simply Vegan by Debra Wasserman and Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
VEG BABIES SLIDESHOW
Send us a picture of your veg child and we'll add it to the slideshow!
