How do feed my 12 month old a vegetarian diet?

Question

I need a meal plan. How do I make sure she is getting protein? no soy please!

Answer 1

It's possible to feed an infant or toddler a healthy vegetarian diet, but it's your responsibility to educate yourself and make sure you're meeting all of your child's needs.

Your local library or bookstores will likely have books on raising a child vegetarian. Here's a couple examples:

http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Vegetarian...

http://www.amazon.com/New-Vegetarian-Bab...

Here's some info on nutrition & meal planning:

http://www.vegsoc.org/info/infant.html

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/baby/startin...

http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_f...

http://www.thevegetariansite.com/vegchil...

Is there a particular reason you're avoiding soy? There's little substantiation of any negative effects.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006...

Answer 2

kids like peanut butter right?

Peanut butter and eggs have protein.

But as a kid so young try gardenburger and boca faux meats but crush them up some [if you are feeding your child solid food that is]

OTHERWISE

just stick to baby food in jars like mashed carrots and such

Answer 3

i think you should let your child decide on her own when she is older if she wants to eat meat or not!!

already ruining her life!

Answer 4

Just thought I'd point out that you can eat healthy and NOT be a vegetarian. There's nothing wrong with eating meat, just like there's nothing wrong with being a vegetarian, or even being a vegan.

In my opinion it does seem odd to decide for your child that he or she will be a vegetarian, especially at an age where they can't decide for themselves. Of course proper nutrition and a balance diet is crucial for children of all ages, so cutting all meat out of a young child's diet may have negative consequences on their development. I know you mean well, but you need to consider your child's health before your choice to be (and make her) a vegetarian.

I agree with previous posters that you need to discuss this with your pediatrician and a nutritionist that specializes in infants and children. Good luck!

Answer 5

Buy the book, Veggie Mama

It is full of awesome recipes and the such!!

http://mspmedia.net/veggie_mama_book.htm...

Answer 6

Get a copy of the book Raising Vegetarian Children. I'd also find a medical professional who knows about vegetarian diets.  

Answer 7

Ask a doctor, or registered dietitian. Get answers from people that really know, not yahoos on yahoo.

Answer 8

Whole grains and beans are great sources of protein but even veggies have protein.  There are some good books available about raising vegetarian babies and children.

Answer 9

You might find this page helpful:

Vegetarian Diets for Children: Right from the Start

http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/c...

For protein, serve beans that have been cooked well and mashed. I would also meet with a vegetarian-friendly dietitian who can help with meal planning.

Good luck.