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Feeding a vegan baby requires planning and knowledge, with breast milk providing all vital nutrients during the first months. Soy formulas and fortified cereals and vegetables are recommended, with tofu a good source of protein from eight to nine months. Vitamin B-12 and sunlight exposure are also important. Consult with a pediatrician for additional supplements and advice.
Feeding a vegan baby requires planning and knowledge. Babies have specific nutritional needs, so they require a diet that includes the right balance of iron and vitamins. Breast milk will provide all the vital nutrients a baby needs during the first months of her life. Therefore, a mother who wants her baby to adhere to a vegan diet should breastfeed as long as possible, or ensure that the baby is on an adequate diet of soymilk. Consulting with a pediatrician can help determine if the baby requires additional supplements.
If a mother is not breastfeeding her baby, soy baby formulas can provide the vital nutrients a vegan baby will need. It can be hard to find a soy milk infant formula that meets vegan standards, however choosing an organic formula should do the trick. Parents of babies who are premature or have special health problems should seek the advice of the child’s pediatrician before deciding on a formula.
The baby on a vegan diet will benefit from being breastfed until about one year of age, preferably longer. The nursing mother should ensure that her diet is enriched with vitamin B-12. This essential vitamin will help increase the production of breast milk and help the development of the baby’s brain.
Vitamin B-12 is typically found in animal proteins, such as eggs or meat. A baby on a vegan diet could be deficient in this vital nutrient if the nursing mother does not receive adequate amounts. Parents should also ensure that a vegan baby gets adequate exposure to sunlight. This will help the baby make vitamin D if she is not receiving a supplement.
When the vegan baby has started eating solid foods, at around four to six months of age, a good choice would be infant cereal. This cereal must be fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Rice is a good choice to start with as it is generally well tolerated. Oat or barley based cereals can also be offered if the baby does not have food allergies. The cereal can be mixed with formula or breast milk for additional nutrition.
Most vegetables are good for a vegan baby diet once the child is at least six months old. Vegetables can be pureed or thoroughly mashed. Fruits can be prepared in the same way for a vegan baby diet. A child around seven to nine months of age can start eating bread, crackers, and toast.
Tofu is a good source of protein for a vegan baby diet. This bean curd is very nutritious for vegan babies, but it must be finely crushed before feeding it to the baby. Experts recommend introducing tofu to a vegan baby around eight to nine months of age, as it will supply the protein, iron, and calcium a growing baby requires. As always, parents should check with their child’s pediatrician before introducing new foods to a vegan diet.
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