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Feeding your vegan or vegetarian baby safely
A vegan or vegetarian diet can support healthy growth if it is planned well. Babies have high nutrition needs, so it is important to give them a wide variety of foods and get support from a health professional.
Milk feeds are still important
Breast milk or infant formula provides all the nutrients your baby needs until around 6 months
If your baby is vegan, try to breastfeed them for 2 years or longer
If breastfeeding is not possible, use a soy-based infant formula until they are 2 years
When your baby is around 1 year old, you can give them full fat plant based milks that have added calcium and vitamin B12
Vegan diets may be low in vitamin B12. If you are breastfeeding and eating a vegan diet, you may need supplements. Talk to your family doctor or dietitian
When to feed your baby solid foods
Start solids at around 6 months. When your baby is ready for solids, start with iron-rich foods. Iron is very important for your baby's’ brain growth and development.
Getting advice from a dietitian is recommended if you are putting your baby on a special diet.
Iron-rich foods for vegan and vegetarian babies
Iron is important for growth and development
After 6 months, in addition to milk, babies should also have food high in iron including:
Lentils, beans and chickpeas
Tofu and tempeh
Iron-fortified baby cereals
Iron-fortified breads, pasta and cereals
Nut spreads and pastes (smooth only)
Tahini and hummus
Green vegetables (like broccoli and spinach)
Eggs (for vegetarian babies)
Help your baby absorb iron
Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Give your baby vitamin C foods with meals, such as:
Oranges
Tomatoes
Broccoli
Berries
Capsicum
Important nutrients
Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B12 is not found naturally in plant foods
- Give your baby foods with added B12 (some plant milks, cereals and spreads)
- A vitamin B12 supplement is usually needed
- Talk to your family doctor about the right supplement
Iron
- Plant-based diets may be low in iron
- Your baby may need an iron supplement
- Talk to your family doctor about the right supplement
Getting help is important
Putting your baby on a vegan or vegetarian diet needs careful planning. Talk to a dietitian, family doctor or child and family health nurse to make sure your baby gets all the nutrients they need to grow well and stay healthy.
