Hubby and I have been lacto-ovo veg for two years and I was pescaterian for eight years prior. The munchkin (Phia, 11 months) and my tanking milk supply have decided to ween without any input from me while hubby and I are moving towards more of a vegan diet.
I need some ideas for cow milk alternatives as well as balanced
vegan diets for the baby. Thus far she has been open to tasting, and
liking, a whole variety of veg foods, including humus, curried
vegetables, felafel, and various fruits/veggies. I'm mostly worried
about the best non-dairy milk choices but I also want to make sure she
is getting a balanced diet. I would have no problem if she got some
lacto-ovo foods if it's healthier but would prefer minimal dairy
products.
Re: vegan babies? xp: food and nutrition
I responded with a lot of info on the other post, but wanted to post here as well to let you know that you can PM me with any questions. We are raising a thriving vegan toddler!
***waves**** Hi!!!!
Ditto consulting a doctor or dietician about it. I'm sure it can be done healthily, but you will need to do your homework.
Hemp milk would be my suggestion as well. We aren't vegan but my oldest wouldn't touch milk for several years and hemp is what we used.
I am not a doctor, but I don't think the baby really NEEDS a milk-like beverage once she has been weened off the breast. That being said, if your little one likes to drink a milk, you could make your own nut or seed milks in a blender. If you buy packaged, which I do right now, just make sure it doesn't have too many additives and try to find organic. Carageenan is not supposed to be good for you.
Vegans need B12, so make sure your baby is taking a supplement with that. A few foods have it like nutritional yeast and fortified foods.
Talking to a doc is a good idea but be careful because some are already against the idea and may try to push you away from it. You may want to find a doc or nutritionist who is well versed in plant-based diets. They can be very healthy for baby as long as you give them whole foods which it looks like you are.
I am about 95% vegan (hard to be perfect living in Midwest farm country) and plan to do the same with baby. I personally believe cow's milk/dairy is the least healthy thing to consume, especially for a child, but most main streamers would disagree.
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