Vegetarian baby. any tips?

I’m a lacto/ovo vegetarian like you – and my husband and son are not… They eat meat on occasion – so I know where you’re coming from ;~)

I’m a big advocate for organic foods and as such I recommend it for babies, kids, and adults alike… Babies eat more food in ratio to body weight than adults and are thus at more risk of pesticides/herbacides, hormones, steroids, antibiotics, GM’s (genetically modified) foods (Most people think hormones, steroids, antibiotics don’t apply to vegetables – It’s on veg too because of conventional farms that not only cultivate in close proximity but who use conventional dung, or meat by products to fertalize their veg)

Why are you giving/not giving your son milk/soy? Is it for the calcium content? If so look here – it’s a chart about calcium rich veg and fruits ;~)

Cow’s milk is best reserved for children over a year old – I recommend organic soy (soy is one of the biggest things on the GM food market so in order to avoid the gm you have to get organic – including tofu etc.. Soy products in general)
and the same with strawberries (berries in general) and nuts…. These could cause allergies later on in life.. I have living proof that the milk causes lactose intolerance – 3 of my European friends were given cows milk in the first year of their lives and are now lactose intolerant.. While their breast fed counter parts (other friends of mine) are just fine… So be carefull with that one – again ask a doctor – my family has several Doctors in it and they all agree with the Milk, Nuts, and Berries.. (just something to think about ;~)

My suggestion is to talk to a FEW Doctors (some honestly have no clue, and I often wonder where they got their degree and how long ago… LOL) and make sure that your baby get’s a really good variety of foods, legumes, grains, veg, fruits…. as one of my friends put it “teach your kids to eat a rainbow of colors” LOL

We as parents want the best for our kids! We want to make sure they’re healthy, and safe and as such we need to research what we feed, use around them (from shampoos to cleaning supplies) and what we bring into our homes….

You’ve been vegetarian for 12 years and that’s amazing!! Good for you !! – These days there is such a great selection of vegetarian items that I’m sure you’ll do great ;~)

Here’s a good link to look at about food:

and another about baby products like Johnson & Johnson’s baby products!

(I’m not here to advertise my online group but as a parent I always let people know of hidden dangers in foods and products – so I am posting my group link for you – from parent to parent I think it’s important that we share info with one another to help keep our kids safe… my site is located here – if you like check out the discussion board – and look at “all discussions” (written in tiny green letters on the bottom of the discussions) for more info) here’s the link:

************ If you take nothing else from my post – then atleast take a look at baby “BODY BURDEN” here:
and make an informed decision :~)

feel free to email me if I can be of help… I have a vast knowledge of chemicals in foods and products…. Before I became pregnant I went to seminars, expos, talked with doctors in my family and became friends with several naturalpaths… Not to mention I’ve read over 30 books on these subjects LOL :~) Obsessed? Maybe – but my family is healthy and our “body burden” is very low! ;~)

Contrary to popular belief, you can get all the nutrients you need (including iron & protein) even if you are a vegetarian or vegan. The most important thing is that your son is healthy & is getting everything he needs to grow healthy & strong. Whether or not your baby is a meat-eater, you must start introducing them to fruits & veggies as early as possible. Make sure you are feeding your child whole grain pastas & breads. Potatoes are good, but sweet potatoes are even healthier. If your child is going to be eating eggs,soy, or dairy & food allergies run in the family, you should talk to your doctor about allergy tests. It sounds like you’re doing a good job of varying Luke’s diet. If you are still worried he isn’t getting all that he needs (or you just want your pesky relatives to stop bugging you about your child’s diet!) ask his doctor about it. When Luke is a little older he may ask questions about why you are vegetarian. My friend who is vegan told me she got the book “That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals” to read to her son. I haven’t read it myself, but she told me it’s age appropriate & isn’t gory. Just a thought.

Vegetarian Diets: Advantages for Children
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Some cookbooks for veggie moms -
New Vegetarian Baby – Sharon K. Yntema
The Vegetarian Mother’s Cookbook – Cathe Olson
Raising Vegetarian Children – Joanne Stepaniak

Try rice milk, my niece had some and liked it. She’s a vegetarian baby. She also liked quinoa, which comes from Bolivia is a kind of cereal.
We buy a soy/rice (mixed) drink, but sometimes rice milk, but it´s normally more expensive, but it tastes nice.

Adam,
from Catalunya.