People are vegetarians for a number of reasons. These can include ethics, health, culture, faith or environment. There are different types of vegetarians and these are determined by the types of food a person does not eat. Most vegetarian diets offer a healthy alternative to diets which include meat but care needs to be taken with some, especially for very young children. It’s important that you are knowledgeable in the vitamins, proteins and minerals etc needed for a healthy child and for a healthy mum if you are breastfeeding. It’s good to know that children’s nutritional needs change as they grow. Choosing a vegetarian diet can be a chance to learn to enjoy a great variety of wonderful nutritious.
For a healthy child, good nutrition includes proteins (or protein alternatives), iron, energy foods, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and calcium, fats from non-meat products and food prepared to enable the correct digestion and absorption of these. If you are going to place your child on a vegetarian diet, it is worthwhile consulting a health professional to gain more in-depth advice.
Two websites which may have further information of interest are:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/diets/vegdiets/vegetarian-diets-for-children-right-from-the-start
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/vegetarian-diets-and-children
At Angel’s Paradise Early Education Centre, our cook is qualified to provide a comprehensive, nutritious vegetarian diet to your child while in our care.