health
until after one year of age. Breast milk
or an appropriate first infant formula
should remain the main milk drink from
six to 12 months of age. Rice milk
is unsuitable for children under five
years due to possible harmful levels
of arsenic.
Which foods should be avoided?
A baby should eat less than 1g of
salt per day up to seven months, and
between seven months and one year,
1g of salt per day is the maximum. Try
not to add salt to your baby’s food,
and limit intake of salty foods. Avoid
adding any sugar to foods and drinks
for babies.
Honey should not be given to
children under one year, as it can
contain bacteria which could lead to
infant botulism. A vegan diet generally
excludes honey.
Nuts can be given from around six
months old, if they are finely ground.
Children under five years old should not
have whole nuts due to choking risk.
The introduction of complementary
foods is an important stage in your
baby’s development, and can also
be a fun one. Introducing new foods
at the right time will help your baby
develop and grow into a healthy child.
Well-considered vegan and vegetarian
complementary feeding can give carers
and parents the opportunity to make a
positive impact on a child’s diet for life.
For more in-depth evidence-based
information and guidelines on first food
preparation and energy requirements
please go to:
• https://www.bda.uk.com/
foodfacts/WeaningYourChild.pdf
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/
pregnancy-and-baby/vegetarian-
vegan-children/
• https://www.vegansociety.com/
resources/nutrition-and-health/
life-stages/under-fives
• https://static1.squarespace.com/
static/59f75004f09ca48694070f3b/
t/5a5a4935ec212dd506
7a0622/1515866446317/Eating_
well_Vegans_Oct_2017_final.pdf
• https://www.vegsoc.org
Lorraine McLelland is a freelance
nutritionist and UK registered
dietitian. She consults at Stanley
Wellness Centre and Lauren Bramley
and Partners.
Spring 2019
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