RAISING VEGAN BABIES
PLANT-BASED NUTRITION FOR INFANTS (0-12months)

The British Dietetics Association (BDA) has stated that vegan diets can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. With awareness of their nutritional needs, as well as careful planning, parents can raise their vegan children to grow and thrive without any need for animal products. By introducing healthy eating habits early, this will contribute to long-term health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases in the future.

Nutritional requirements for infants and toddlers are particularly high, but are completely achievable through a vegan diet with the right planning. This page offers a guide for parents planning their vegan children’s diet and supplement intake. Parents should try not to over-focus on specific nutrient values, but instead use them as a reference for planning a varied and balanced diet for their family.

THE FIRST SIX MONTHS

It is strongly advised by the NHS that newborn babies are fed human milk exclusively until they are ready to start their journey onto solid foods. For some families, breastfeeding or chestfeeding is not an option, and they will need to source donor milk or an appropriate infant formula. Babies will receive all of the nutrients that they require from human milk (or formula) alone, with the exception of vitamin D.

Click Here to read more about infant milk options for vegan babies.

SUPPLEMENTS
In their first six months, babies who are exclusively breastfed/chestfed or who are drinking less than 500ml of formula a day, will require a daily vitamin D supplement. The NHS recommends:

8.5 - 10mcg of vitamin D a day
(340-400iu)

Click Here to see a list of Vitamin D supplements that are suitable for vegan babies.

LACTATING PARENTS
Lactating parents should ensure that they are consuming a varied and balanced diet, as well as taking the appropriate supplements for a vegan lifestyle. This will help to ensure personal health and milk quality (E.G. vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine & omega-3 DHA). Though the human body is very sophisticated at creating nutritious human milk for babies’ needs, studies indicate that the intake of certain nutrients by lactating parents directly affect nutrient levels in their milk. These include vitamin B12, iodine and Omega 3s.

 COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING FROM SIX MONTHS

COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING
From around six months old, babies are normally ready to start complementary feeding: the introduction of solid foods to a baby’s diet. This is the very beginning of their dietary transition and supplements the nutrients they receive from their milk. It is important to note that human milk or infant formula remain the main source of nutrition until twelve months old, and that lactating parents should continue to take their supplements (as mentioned above).

During this transition period, it is crucial that nutrient dense and iron-rich options are prioritised when exposing babies to the four main food groups: ripe fruit, cooked vegetables, whole grains and potatoes, and protein-rich foods. Iron rich foods should be paired with vitamin C to boost absorption.

KEY NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS

NUTRIENT DENSE FOODS
The most nutrient dense foods are those that contain high amounts of healthy fats: avocado, olive paste (salt-free), nuts and seeds (milled or as smooth butters).

IRON RICH FOODS
Examples of iron rich foods include: iron fortified cereals, whole grains (bread, pasta, rice), pulses & legumes (including soy products), dark green vegetables, dried fruits, nuts and seeds (milled or as smooth butters).

VITAMIN C RICH FOODS
Examples of vitamin C rich foods include: citrus fruits, berries, apples, potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes and peppers.

SUPPLEMENTS
The NHS recommends that all children aged six months to five years old should be taking the following supplements: vitamins A, C and D. For vegan children, it is essential that they are also given vitamin B12 in the form of a supplement, even if they are also consuming B12 fortified foods. Babies who are formula fed, and who are still consuming more than 500ml of formula a day, do not need these additional vitamins as they are already included in their milk.

VITAMIN B12
B12 supplementation can begin when babies are consuming three meals a day (or when they are drinking less than 500ml of formula). Plant-Based Health Professionals advise the following general dosage at this age:

2.5 - 5mcg of B12 once a day or 250 - 300mcg of B12 once a week

Click Here to see our guide and a list of supplements that are suitable for vegan babies and children.