Question

I'm a vegetarian and newly pregnant. Once I have my baby, is it safe to raise it on a vegetarian diet?

Answer

Thanks for your question.

 

It's safe to give your baby a vegetarian diet, although ideally this would include dairy products and egg.  Some vegetarian diets can be low in certain nutrients, such as iron and protein. Here are some tips on how to get a balanced vegetarian diet for your little one, when you start weaning:

- green vegetables are a good source of iron (try spinach and broccoli). If you give your baby foods containing vitamin C at the same time, it will help them to absorb this iron. Oranges, red peppers and strawberries are a good source of vitamin C.

- some baby foods are fortified with iron, such as Heinz, Mum's Own Recipe jars, Heinz Breakfasts and Farley's Rusks. These can help add iron to your baby's diet.

- ensure your little one gets enough protein in their diet by giving them dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese, pulses like lentils and beans, and eggs.

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