How to Raise a Vegetarian Baby

Whether you are a life-long vegetarian or a newbie who wants to raise your baby in a meatless lifestyle, there are many benefits to feeding your baby a vegetarian diet. Reed Mangels, Ph.D., R.D. and nutrition advisor for the Vegetarian Resource Group says that vegetarian kids are thinner and can generally enjoy the long-term benefits of less heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer. With some planning and support from other like-minded friends and family, you can successfully raise a healthy vegetarian baby.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a pediatrician who will support your decision to raise your child on a plant-based diet. Discuss any nutritional questions you may have about getting sufficient vitamins and minerals without eating meat. Ask for suggestions on specific foods, meal preparation and long-term nutritional goals. Ask your doctor if your baby needs to take a Vitamin D supplement until his first birthday.

    • 2

      Maintain a healthy diet if you are nursing your baby, as she will draw all the nutrition she needs from you. Eat a variety of foods and take a multivitamin to ensure that you are consuming what you need. Offer soy-based formula to your baby if you are not breastfeeding.

    • 3

      Slowly introduce new foods to your baby between 4 and 6 months of age. Start with an iron-fortified, single-grain infant cereal to teach him how to eat solid food. Offer new foods after three to five days to be sure your baby does not have an allergic reaction to something he eats. Prepare your own baby food from fruits and vegetables or purchase prepackaged baby food.

    • 4

      Plan your baby̵7;s meals in advance to be sure they contain appropriate amounts of protein and not too much saturated fat or calories. Balance the meal with grains, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables.

    • 5

      Make up the animal protein deficit in a vegetarian diet by replacing meat with other protein-rich foods, such as dark, leafy vegetables, tofu or beans. Balance legumes with other vegetables to create a complete protein. Look for calcium in sources like yogurt, cheese and milk. Consider purchasing fortified foods like orange juice or soy milk to help balance your baby̵7;s diet.

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