Vegetarian Baby?

Hi J., I think being a vegetarian is a decision one makes at some point in life, I think she needs to make that decision on her own if she chooses and some point in her life. But I would see what her pediatrician says, Also if she doesn't et meat, and then one day she decides to taste something from daddy's plate it may make her sick. J. L.

I'm vegetarian, my husband is a meat eater. I prepare meals with meat and have lunchmeat, etc in the house. I let my daughter try whatever she wants, and never force her to eat anything. Life is too short for food battles! My daughter is 2 and her tastes are evolving. She can decide for herself someday, just as i did (I was raised in a meat eating family but became a vegetarian around age 5. I was never required to eat anything my mom made and my family has always respected my habits). Therefore, I respect my husbands meat-eating habits... only time will tell with my own kids... at least they'll know the option is out there!

I would ask your Pediatrician or a child Nutritionist.

As the other posters said, you want to make sure the child is getting enough protein and iron as well. Some kids get anemia, due to lack of iron. And at her well-baby check up at about 1 year old, they test for this. And as Riley said, the 'fats' intake (as in whole milk) is important... because the milk fats are an essential "nutrient" for brain development as well.

Are you opposed to her having fish?

Also, as the other poster said... some parents let the child decide as they get older. I have a friend with a vegetarian child... but, she got sick a lot, was underweight, and her skin looked chalky all the time. So now, her child is just eating more robustly and not vegetarian. But each child is different.

And, some kids due to their own taste-bud development, just naturally tend toward 'greens' versus meats. BUT, a child's taste-buds are not even fully developed yet at this age... so keep that in mind. That is why babies 'seem' to have food 'preferences.' It is in light to their biological taste development. Even 2 year olds, have changing taste buds. Your baby is only 10 months old...there will be LOTS of food phases coming up. Which all kids go through, and she may then not like her current foods or may like others. Offer her variety.

At 10 months old, "meats" should be pureed anyway. Or SUPER soft, per choking. For us, our Pediatrician suggests meats from about 12 months old. But that varies. I have also read that the 'taste' buds for meats, comes in later. But each baby is different... some like it, some don't. BUT, it changes at each age. Their food preferences are NEVER set in stone. Always changing.

Next, this would be a husband/wife topic... meaning, you would BOTH have to decide, how to raise your daughter....since you both have different eating/lifestyle approaches. Neither is 'wrong' but you don't want to alienate the other either. Much like raising a child in a home where there are 2 different cultures, or religion beliefs. My kids grow up in such a home.... me & hubby come from 2 different cultures, 2 different approaches, 2 different languages, and we ALL are fine. We let our kids "eat" from BOTH cultures. Its fine. A child then grows up with a broadened taste and view of things, and with having their own views as they become their own adult.

All the best,
Susan

The only 2 things that I'd actually be wary of (as long as you're making sure she's getting Complete Proteins with eggs, nuts and the grain+legume combo), is that

1) she won't develop the enzymes necessary to digest the complex proteins found in meat. Which would mean that she will become very very sick if she ever does. <grinning> Which I'm sure you know all about, if you've ever made the mistake of eating meat after any period longer then a few months of being vegetarian. Oi! Talk about miserable.

2) That you keep her fat intake high enough. ESPECIALLY in the first 3 years, but also up to around age 5 or 6...the myelinization of the nerves is occurring. The best source of fats are found in milk, but the second best are in meats. So I would reccomend nursing for at least 2 years if not 3, and at the VERY least keep her dairy intake very very high (and those yogurts, cheeses, and milks all at 4%Whole or higher).

All that said, millions of children around the world and throughout history have been vegetarian (either through choice, or poverty). We live in a rich society where we ARE lucky enough to have the luxury of choosing our diet.

The best books I could possibly recommend are Nutrition Textbooks. They're pricey, but they have a WEALTH of information...and it's not only scientifically accurate (huzzah) info, but also pretty non-alarmist, midline, finding balance in one's diet (whatever that diet happens to be).

I can not entirely relate to your situation because both my husband and I are vegetarians. It is super easy in our house when it comes to eating because we are on the same page. It is really important for you and your husband to come to some sort of agreement so you don't begin to resent each other. We have two children, 4 years and 1 year who are both on a vegetarian diet. My hubby and I have agreed that the option to eat meat would be completely up to them when they are old enough to understand. My daughter has asked to try chicken when we have been out and she ends up not liking it. Our pediatrician is aware of our choice. Our children are healthy (knock on wood) and have always been a healthy weight and height.

It sounds like you are doing really well with her food. If she is happy and healthy, you have your proof that she is thriving and there is no need to change anything. The only thing you really have to worry about is coming to an agreement with your husband. Maybe you could wait until she is old enough to ask for meat before you give it to her? Good Luck!

Hi J.,
I can totally relate. However, I am the omnivore and my husband is a vegetarian. I make all of my almost 10 month olds food from scratch. With that being said, we are feeding our child meat(so far he has only had chicken). My husband is not opposed to this and will allow our son to eat meat until he is old enough to make the decision on his own. I think what ever you decide, you just need to make sure that your daughter is getting balanced meals, and is getting enought protein, iron, etc. I don't have any specific books I can recommend, other than the books I use to make his food. I use Super Baby foods, and I love Top 100 Baby Purees by Anabel Karmel. She has excellent, easy recipes, for both meat and non meat selections.

Good luck!!

My 2 daughters and I are vegetarian. My husband is not. I am a family wellness coach and I will tell you what I know.

I know that there are more steroids and hormones in our meat than our bodies can process.

I know that girls are experiencing puberty, as young as 8 in relation to the amount of meat they eat (hormones in the meat affects their own hormonal growth speed).

I know that medical studies prove that a vegetarian diet is easier to digest, provides a wider ranger of nutrients and imposes fewer burdens and impurities on the body.

I know vegetarians are less susceptible to all the major diseases, and thus live longer, healthier, more productive lives.

I know that vegetarians have fewer physical complaints, less frequent visits to the doctor, fewer dental problems and smaller medical bills.

I know that their immune system is stronger, their bodies are purer, more refined and skin more beautiful.

I know this is what I want for my daughters.

Talk to your husband. If he can show you just cause as to WHY your daughter SHOULD eat meat, then listen. Do the research, together. When my family did the research, my husband chose to be a "part time" meat eater. We don't have it in the house, but if we go out, he may chose to order it.

There are many sources of protein out there, head to Trader Joe's or Whole foods and talk to them, they are pretty knowledgeable. They even do classes, you can even meet other families. Join www.MeetUp.com and find a vegetarian group in your area.

My family uses these for our main protein source: http://liveitdontdiet.isagenix.com/us/en/isaleanshake.dhtml and http://liveitdontdiet.isagenix.com/us/en/isapro.dhtml. Many of my clients are using it instead of any sort of formula too!

We all have our nutritional smoothie for breakfast and maybe one after school and we know we have the vitamins, minerals, nutrients and protein for the day.

J., you and your husband must do what you know is right for your daughter. She is most important. Talk openly. Do the research. Decide together.

B.
Family Wellness Coach

Hi, i have been a vegetarian for 29 years. After the birth of my second child i dropped meat eating except i still eat dairy & fish. I am not a vegan. I never deprived others of the meat they believed they needed & prepared it for them...and still do. I always gave my children meat. They are now 29 & 31. My oldest tried vegetarian for a while as an adult but went back to meat. My 3 year old grandaughter does not eat enough meat an is anemic...so be careful. She does not have vegetarian parents, she just doesn't like to eat meat & has jra which makes her not eat at times period! I would be afraid to raise my kids on a vegetarian diet but if done correctly it can be successful. Sorry, no real advice on this, just my own experience...good luck, C.

I have been a vegetarian since I was young, maybe 10-11 yrs old out of choice. Just never liked the taste or texture of meat. My husband is not vegetarian although he does not eat a lot of meat. Mostly chicken and an occasional hamburger. My daughter is now 5 yrs old and I never restricted the variety of food from her. I figured she will make her own decisions about what she wants to eat. She is very much a meat eater but also a fruit/veggie girl. She has always been open to trying everything and anything. Even spinach and brussel sprouts (she loves them both!). I just felt I wanted her to have a healthy, well rounded variety of foods and let her grow up eating that way. I wanted to teach her at an early age to eat balanced meals. She does love tofu, TVP, the 'fake meats', etc too. So if we do have a vegetarian/vegan meal, she eats just as well as if it was steak and potatoes. From age 1 until about 3, she was strictly soy milk because of (we realize now) tonsil/adenoid problems but is good with whole milk and other dairy products now. She has always been and still is the top 90% for height and weight but is very very well proportioned. Tall and Thin! Also, she never had 'fast food' until she was about 3 1/2 - 4 yrs old. She can take it or leave it. This is just what has worked for us. Maybe one day she will also become vegetarian but if not, I know she is healthy and knows how to eat well. That's what truly matters to me. Good luck!!

Get this book: "Super Baby Food."

It has a lot of good baby-food recipes, and it supports a vegetarian baby diet. It lets you know what foods a baby's digestion can handle at each new month. Using that, we didn't introduce meat until our son was a year old. We could have held off indefinitely with all the recipes included in the book.

This will give you the information you need (and the back up, if you want it) to decide whether to stay vegetarian.

I have a friend who was in your exact situation. She kept her sons vegetarian until they were old enough to say: "we want what Dad's eating!" Then she lost the battle, but was relieved, because making 2 dinners, etc., was a pain. (smiles)

Good luck!

Baby can Read YES buy the DVD's my 3 & 1 yr grandbabies LOVE the program for 2 months now and are REALLY doing great at the words.

I watched a DVD last week and it said you would have to be starving to not be eating enough protein. Only people found in 3rd world countries are low on protein. You only need a small amount of protein and it should be plant based. So, even vegan's in this country are not deficient in protein. It is lobbyist and food industries that have created the "protein" lie. I would recomend getting you husband to watch "Eating" the second edition DVD. Hopefully it will open his eyes. At the very least, it will make you more secure in what you believe. By the way, Congratulations on making healthy choices and caring about your child.

God Bless!

J.

Hello J.,
I am in the exact same situation. I am a vegetarian and hubby is not. my daughter is 8 months and I plan on feeding her a vegetarian diet until she can decide for herself whether or not she wants meat. Hubby was at first reluctant, but after two different discussions with the Dr., and she reassured us that with enough iron, B12, and protein a vegetarian diet is perfectly fine, he became supportive. I make all of my daughters food from scratch and keep it well balanced and hearty. I use tofu and whole milk yogurt for main protein sources. Good luck.

My only advice is to introduce meat, just for variety. I my self am not a vegetarian. But, I have never liked meat. Kids should be introduced to every healthy food in the world. Okay, maybe meat doesn't fall into the healthy category. But, a little, for texture and flavor might be a good idea.

I would also think a nutritionist might be most helpful, but here's my 2 cents: I'm vegetarian, husband not. He had a girlfriend raised vegan who would become violently ill if she accidentally ate any animal products, so he was very much against raising our children vegan; not even vegetarian. Not sure whether being vegetarian would prevent the "violently ill" issue.

That being said, I do recommend the book Raising Vegetarian Children (authors Stepaniak and Melina). It has lots of nutritional info.

Also, I eat a good amount of soy, but if you're not already aware of the estrogen issues with soy you might want to look into that before giving it to your children.

good luck and health with your decision!

I'm a vegetarian - have been for almost 30 years. My daughter is also vegetarian and is healthy, bright and, IMHO, pretty darn amazing. She was a low birth weight premature, medically fragile infant that is now 80th percentile for height and weight (she's 2.7 years).
Since your daughter is only 10 months you can still count her formula/breast milk as her true protein source and don't worry about adding anything right now. Are you leaning towards milk at a year? If so, there's a great source -- between milk, cheese and yogurt. Will she eat eggs (scambled)? Vegetables and legumes have an abundance of protein as well - my daughter LOVES edamame, lentils, leafy greens and brown rice (all good sources) -- one of her all time favorites is miso soup. How about hummus? Chick peas are a great source of protein. Steel cut or slow cooked oatmeal are also great -- check out this website for more information: http://www.vegsoc.org/info/protein.html.
I always have made her food as we're also an organic family and it's so easy and I think easier than trying to juggle jars of food around. She has a great interest in food, her food choices and what she eats. I involve her in the selection and preparing - something we've always done together since I also work full time and this has been a great way to spend time together.
Here's a cookbook that I enjoy - nothing earth shattering about what to cook but has some great kid-friendly recipes: "Better than peanut butter & jelly: Quick vegetarian meals your kids will love!" by Marty Mattare and Wendy Muldawer.
As you know as a vegetarian, there are healthy ways to be a vegetarian and not so healthy ways. Same goes for omnivore diet as well. You could spend your time eating junk food or poor choices on either end of the spectrum - just be aware of what you put in your body.
For my daughter, she simply doesn't like meat -- the taste, the texture, etc. I'm completely fine with that and I prefer the long term benefits of having a healthy vegetarian diet and lifestyle.
H.

Hi!! :D

I am not a vegetarian, nor were my parents, but we all chose to raise our children vegetarian until they were 2. I didn't have any meat until I was well past 2 and my daughter was a little past 2 before she ate meat. The dr was very supportive of this practice, and my daughter and I have both grown up to be healthier eaters in the meat department than many omnivores I know...

I think if your husband eats meat and has let you make it this far that waiting until the child is 2 is a great compromise. As your child gets older, they will have less desire for meat, and probably eat less red meat than most meat eaters. And, a diet low in red meat is better for the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys...

:D

Huggles!!
~S.~

Hi J.!
My husband is a vegetarian and I am not. We have 2 boys (5 and 6 years old). We have raised our boys to eat both meat and TVP/Tofu. My husband has been vegetarian for many, many years for ethical reasons. We have found that the boys LOVE the morning star "Chick'n Nuggets" and our youngest actually prefers them to the "real meat" ones. It was important to the both of us that the boys understand where real meat comes from so they can make their own educated decision when they are older. The 5 year old has already told us that the wants to be nice and not eat animals. I think introducing meat into their diet was a good choice for our family. Also, giving them the opportunity to enjoy vegetarian meals has enriched their diets and level of compassion. Not sure if this really answers your concerns, but i was happy to hear that we werent the only family out there with this situation. Introduce the lean meats, you never know...she may not even like it.

My kids don't eat meat at all. They get their protein from sources such as peanut butter, nuts, cheeses, yogurt, etc. Meat is not necessary as long as you get your protein from other sources. Our doctor even said this.

I'm in a similar situation. My husband eats all kids of meat, but loves vegitarian food as well. I would describe myslef as semivegitarian. I wanted to raise my kids vegitarian, but my husband and I have compromised. He has agreed to a modified version of Kosher since I don't want to give her any pork or shellfish products. When its just me, I feed her vegitarian, but he give her bits of chicken, turkey and fish (she doesn't really like them).
Had I pushed the issue, i think I would have begged my husband to let me do vegitarianism with the kids until they were a certain age and then let them choose for themselves.
They say your taiste buds are set by the age of 5, so you could use that as an age to raise your kids veggie and then let them choose hoping they will always prefer to be vegi.

As for adding protein- Morning Star Farms makes excellent non meat breakfast sausage links and patties (cheapest at Trader Joe's) also garden burgers. You need a specialty market, but I buy cases of asian flavored glutten (companion coorporation makes it) which she eats.

If she's eating beans and dairy, I wouldn't worry too much about adding protein. I've lived my whole life around vegitarians and never ever have I known of anyone who was deficient in amino acids. Even bread has protien in it!

I cannot stand the mindset that a person has to eat all kinds of meat and dairy to get enough protein. Apparently some major universities agree which is why you can now find vegitarian food pyramids as a guideline.

My husband knows that vegitarianism is healthy, he just wants her to enjoy meat. I just gave him my bottom line, so we don't do certain meats, like pork or chemically processed meats. I'm going to be okay with that even though I had wanted to go vegitarian. Hope you can resolve this and both be happy.

I am in a similar situation (husband near omnivore, me vegan)and although I'm opposed to meat and animal consumption for both ethical and health reasons, I allow my daughter (4 1/2)to choose what she eats. Also, don't sweat the protein myth. Like another poster said, Americans get WAY more protein than we need. Dairy is full of protein. I do not cook any meat at home. If she or DH have meat, it is while eating at a restaurant. Luckily, so far the only thing she even likes is chicken. I just believe in her making the choice to become veg*n on her own terms. I recommend a book called, More Than Just Peanut Butter and Jelly. It has easy to make veg*n recipes that are very kid-friendly. Also Vegan with a Vengeance. Great variety and most recipes can be made with milk, butter, cheese if you still eat those. It makes my day when my daughter says, "Look at my huge muscles. I got them from eating vegetables!" :-) Let your conscience guide you and have fun!