Breastmilk is the best for babies. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. After six months of age, infants should receive age-appropriate foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.
The first 1,000 days is particularly important for a child’s future health. What are the risks of a vegetarian diet that would affect a child’s development?
Does a vegetarian diet risk a good development?
Examples of iron-rich vegetarian dishes for the 1st year of life
- Cereals from whole grains with orange juice or a fresh fruit that is rich in Vitamin C
- Orange juice (about 100 millilitres) or a fresh fruit which is high in Vitamin C with green leafy vegetables or whole grain bread
- Baked wholemeal pasta with peppers(Raw or steamed)
Nutrient knowledge for supplement nutrients
Just an advice: The participation of a young child with a vegetarian lifestyle with no objection from his parents should be done only when the parents possess sufficient knowledge of nutrition to compensate for the lack of nutrients in the diet of their offspring.
Children need iron
The diet of children with a vegetarian family is safe as long as they contain sufficient iron for the growth of body cells as iron is a key factor which is essential and important, especially in the early childhood development. However, some nutritionist are setting an age limit for a vegetarian diet as children between 6 to 18 months of age has such a rapid physical development that iron is very hard to compensate – therefore one should have a meat and vegetable porridge as supplementation.
"Introduce iron-rich whole grains with fruits that are high in Vitamin C "
For babies, meat is not only valuable because if the iron but also because it is best utilized by the body. Parent should therefore introduce iron rich whole grains with fruits that are high in Vitamin C to aid the absorption of Iron.
Experts see vegan diets in a baby as sceptical as animal protein including milk and dairy products provides important nutrients, particularly calcium, for a healthy development in a child.
Join our AptaAdvantage Club today to enjoy:
- Educational content to support you on your motherhood journey
- Various complimentary classes and exclusive discounts with our key enrichment partners
Kickstart your AptaAdvantage experience by signing up HERE.
Connect with our team of experts
We provide advice and support for you on your parenthood journey
