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A wealth of practical information
on having a healthy pregnancy
and a vivacious, robust baby!
Includes a two-week menu plan
for older babies and toddlers
by Juliet Gellatley and Rose Elliot
2.95
Pregnancy 5
Being underweight or
overweight affects
your baby 5
What to eat each day for
health pre and post
pregnancy 6
Do you need to eat twice
as much when pregnant? 7
How much energy does
a woman need during
pregnancy? 7
Increasing your nutrients
for pregnancy 7
Fabulous Foods for Female
Fertility & Pregnancy 8
Protein 11
Fats 11
Calcium 12
Iron 12
Vitamins A, C and E 13
The B vitamins 13
Vitamin D 14
Foods and Drinks to Avoid 15
Breast is Best 16
The practicalities of
breastfeeding 17
Mothers diet for perfect
breastfeeding 19
Formula feeds 19
The soya story for babies 20
But does the amount of
soya a baby eats matter? 21
Tooth truth 21
Making the formula 22
Four to Six Months Old 23
Foods For Weaning and How
to Prepare Them 25
Suggested feeding
pattern from four to six
months old 26
Six to Eight Months Old 27
Suggested feeding
pattern from six to eight
months old 28
Eight to Twelve Months Old 29
Suggested feeding
pattern from eight or nine
months on 29
Survival Tips 30
Viva!s Recipes for Toddler
(and You!) 32
Two-week menu for your
baby or toddlers lunch
and dinner 32
Week One 34
Week Two 41
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 3
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Viva! and VVF 2011. Third edition.
Viva!, 8 York Court, Wilder Street, Bristol BS2 8QH
www.viva.org.uk Tel 0117 944 1000
Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation (VVF), 8 York Court, Wilder Street,
Bristol BS2 8QH
www.vegetarian.org.uk Tel 0117 970 5190
C
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by Juliet Gellatley
and Rose Elliot
Rose Elliot MBE is Britains foremost
vegetarian cookery writer and her books have
won her popular acclaim all over the world.
Her invaluable
Mother, Baby and
Toddler Book
explains the
nutritional value of
all the basic foods
and gives a
comprehensive
range of recipes
for mother and
baby up to the age
of two. The book
arose from her
personal experience
as mother of three
daughters, all vegetarian from birth.
Rose has written many other best-sellers
including Simply Delicious, Supreme
Vegetarian Cookery, Not just a Load of Old
Lentils, The Bean Book, Complete Vegetarian
Cookbook, Vegetarian Slimming, Sumptuous
Suppers, Vegetarian Supercook, Vegan
Feasts and Vegetarian Express.
Rose has been in the vanguard of the
revolution of our eating habits in recent
years. She is a frequent contributor to
national magazines, radio and TV and gives
cookery demonstrations at national
exhibitions such as Viva!s Incredible Veggie
Show and the BBCs Good Food Show. Rose is
a Patron of Viva! and VVF.
4 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Helen is Viva! &
VVFs Food &
Cookery Manager
and editor of
Viva!life. She runs
cookery
demonstrations
across the UK and
is a specialist in
vegan cookery and
photography.
by Juliet Gellatley and Rose Elliot
Additional recipes by Helen Rossiter
Juliet Gellatley BSc, Dip CNM, Dip DM, FNTP,
NTCC, CNHC has a degree in zoology and is a
qualified nutritional therapist. She founded
and directs Viva! and the Vegetarian & Vegan
Foundation and is an authority on vegetarian
and vegan health and nutrition. She has given
hundreds of public and school talks on these
issues, as well as many media interviews. She
is the author of several books, guides and
reports including Healthy Veggie Kids,
Nutrition in a Nutshell, Mood Food, The Silent
Ark, Livewire Guide to Going, Being & Staying
Veggie, Pig in Hell, Ducks out of Water and
Born to be Wild.
Juliet is the proud mum of twin sons, Jazz
and Finn.
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Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 5
P
reg
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A balanced vegetarian or vegan diet provides
all the nutrients needed for a healthy
pregnancy. Healthy babies are being born to
sixth and seventh generation vegetarians
and vegans in the UK, and, of course, around
the world whole cultures have been vegetarian
for thousands of years! It is the most natural,
healthful diet and perfect for nurturing your
unborn child. If you would like more easy-to-
read and reassuring information on what is a
natural, healthy diet for mums-to-be and all
people, read Viva!s guide, Wheat-eaters or
Meat-eaters? www.viva.org.uk/guides/
Wheat-Eaters-guide.pdf
A healthy pregnancy should just be an
extension of your normally healthy diet. If you
eat well anyway, then eating right for your
unborn child wont be such a radical change.
If, however, your diet has always been based
around junk food, meat and dairy produce,
then its time it wasnt, for both your sakes!
The secret of a healthy diet is to eat a variety
of foods, focusing on wholegrains, pulses (peas,
beans and lentils of all types), unsalted mixed
nuts and seeds, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
The table on page 6 shows what you need to eat
each day. Eggs, meats, milk and cheese are high
in cholesterol, animal fats and hormones (cows
milk contains 35 hormones and 11 growth
factors!) and are not needed (or even desirable)
for a healthy diet, so they are not included.
There is plenty of scope for adventurous,
creative cookery. With herbs, spices, stock cubes,
flavourings such as soya sauce and creamed
coconut, soya cheese and a host of other extras,
you can create the most wonderfully exotic
dishes, as well as all the traditional favourites.
Being underweight
or overweight
affects your baby
Many studies show that mums who undereat
increase their childs risk of developing obesity
and related diseases (eg heart disease,
diabetes, cancer). It is believed that the foetus
makes physiological adaptations to the famine
to prepare him or herself for life after birth. Far
from being protective, these changes make the
child more vulnerable to obesity and disease.
Recent research has also shown that when
mums eat a high fat and/or high sugar diet
during pregnancy it can result in their baby
being predisposed to obesity and their
children having metabolic syndrome (the
precursor to diabetes type 2).
To state the obvious,
its important to
not undereat or
overeat during
pregnancy! And its
important to eat the
right types of foods.
6 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Number of Food Healthy Portion Size To Provide
Servings
8-10 Fruit & Vegetables to Include: Dark Green Leafy Vegetables, Orange Vegetables, Folate, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C,
Fresh Fruit, Dried Fruit Fibre & Iron
Fresh Fruit 1 medium piece the size of a tennis ball
Dried Fruit 1-1 tablespoons or 1 golf ball
Green or Root Veg 2-3 tablespoons or tennis ball
Salad Veg 80g or 1 large cereal bowl
3-4 Cereals & Grains (eg Wholemeal Pasta, Brown Rice, Oats, Wholemeal Bread etc) Energy, Fibre, B Vitamins,
Cooked Brown Rice 2-3 heaped tablespoons or teacup Calcium, Iron, Protein
Breakfast Cereal 25g or 1 regular-sized cereal bowl
Wholemeal Pasta 1 cup (cooked) as side dish or 2 cups as main dish
Wholemeal Bread 2 slices
2-3 Pulses (eg All Types of Peas, Beans and Lentils), Nuts* and Nut Butters* or Seeds Protein, Energy, Fibre, Iron, Calcium,
Peas, Beans and Lentils cup (cooked) Other Vitamins and Minerals; Ground Flaxseed
Nuts* 2 tablespoons or a small handful for Omega-3 and Omega-6
Small Vegetable Oil (eg Flaxseed, Hemp Seed or Rapeseed Oil, used cold; Virgin Olive Oil Energy, Vitamin E (Vegetable Oils), Vitamin A & D
Amounts for cooking, Vegetable Margarines (Fortified Margarine), Essential Omega-3 and
Omega-6 Fats (Flaxseed, Soya, Walnut and Hemp Oils)
At Least 1 B12 Fortified Foods (essential if vegan), eg Fortified Soya Milk, Fortified Breakfast Vitamin B12
Cereal, Yeast Extract (Marmite or Meridian Yeast Extract with added B12)
1-2 litres of water per day (at least eight glasses) should also be consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet
* Note on Nuts: Pregnant or lactating women from atopic families where classical allergies such as asthma, hay fever, urticaria (skin rashes),
rhinitis (recurrent sneezing and watering of the nose) or eczema exist in family members should avoid peanuts (actually a pulse) and nuts in their
own diet as sensitisation to these foods can occur in the womb and through breastfeeding. These foods should not be introduced into the diet of
infants of such atopic mothers until at least three years of age or at a time recommended by a doctor. However, for the majority of infants, peanuts
and nuts are an important addition to the diet and can be introduced into the diet from six months of age provided they are of a suitable texture eg
smooth nut butter. Whole nuts should not be given to children under five years of age due to the risk of choking.
What to eat each day for health pre and post pregnancy
(Nutrient requirements are increased during pregnancy see page 7)
Do you need to eat
twice as much
when pregnant?
In short, no!
But during pregnancy a woman has to
provide good nutrition for two individuals. The
growing baby gets all his/her nourishment
from mum through the umbilical cord, so diet
is very important. If mum is lacking in any
vitamins and nutrients her baby might lack
them too.
If a woman has had trouble keeping her
weight up or down before the pregnancy, she
should make a nutritional plan with the help
of a nutritional therapist or midwife.
How much energy
does a woman need
during pregnancy?
(Calories are sometimes called kilocalories or
Kcals.)
A woman who is not pregnant needs
approximately 2,100 calories per day.
A pregnant woman needs approximately
2,500 calories per day.
A breastfeeding woman needs
approximately 3,000 calories per day.
Increasing your
nutrients for
pregnancy
During pregnancy, your daily nutrient
requirements increase. B vitamins such as
folic acid, thiamin, niacin and riboflavin,
vitamins A, C and D, calcium, iron and protein
are all needed in greater amounts. Its not
surprising youre making a whole new
person and youll need more nutrients than
you do normally (see page 6). If your diet
includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables,
you will probably be getting more than enough
of vitamins A and C, folate and thiamin, but it
doesnt hurt to give them all a bit of a boost.
The recommended amount of fruit and veg we
should all eat is of course five a day but this is
the minimum, not the maximum! Aim for eight to
10 portions daily. If you find that challenging, buy
a juicer. They range in price from about 50 to
several hundred but are a great investment
because fruit and vegetable juices are a
wonderful source of many vitamins, minerals and
trace elements, including iron, calcium, zinc and
folic acid. Experiment with different combinations
for a vitamin-packed, energy-boosting drink!
Make it part of your routine to juice any fruit
you enjoy try apples, pears or tangerines
with any berries (fresh or frozen) for a huge
vitamin and antioxidant boost! About five of
these fruits makes a small-to-medium glass
of juice and tastes phenomenally good. Also
try mixing fruit and veg together, eg carrots
with apples and a little ginger root for zest
and even more goodness. For more
inspiration see one of the many juicing books
the VVF and Viva! stock some lovely ones at
www.vegetarian.org.uk/shop and
www.viva.org.uk/shop
Heres more on how to boost your intake of
important nutrients during pregnancy...
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 7
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10 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Buy a Friendly Food Reminder!
Fabulous Foods
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Cruciol or enzymes or implon1o1ion o your er1ilised egg. Lssen1iol or grow1h ond developmen1 o oe1us including his or her heor1, lungs, kidneys, bones ond or heoring ond vision. Also needed or inec1ion resis1once, o1 me1obolism ond red blood cell produc1ion.
elps keep uNA (gene1ic blueprin1) heol1hy. vi1omin A is cruciol or women obou1 1o give bir1h, os i1 helps wi1h pos1por1um 1issue repoir.
Mongoes, Aprico1s, eoches, Con1oloupe Melons, Wo1ermelon, Corro1s, 5wee1 o1o1oes, Red/ellow eppers, 1omo1oes, Green Leoy vege1obles (eg 8roccoli, Cobboge, 5pinoch, 8russel 5prou1s, 8ok choy), Wo1ercress, umpkins, Romoine Le11uce, Ches1nu1s, is1ochio nu1s

Nu1rien1s
Vi1umins
wby Tbey're Vi1uI fr Muking u MeuI1by 8uby & regnuncy Ricb 5urces
8e1o Coro1ene (orms vi1omin A)
vi1ol or moking your se hormones. Needed or conver1ing ood in1o energy. lor creo1ing new blood cells or growing boby ond oiding grow1h, heol1hy vision ond skin in your boby. Lssen1iol or your boby's nerve, broin, bone ond muscle developmen1.
vi1omin 86 con help reduce morning sickness (beons, nu1s, ovocodos ond bononos ore good sources).
8 vi1omins
Wholegroins (Wheo1, Rice, Oo1s, Rye, 8uckwheo1, 8orley e1c); 8eonsprou1s, ulses (Len1ils, 8eons ond eos o oll 1ypes inc 5oyo 8eons ond lrench 8eons), Avocodos, 8ononos, o1o1oes, 5wee1 o1o1oes, Mushrooms, Red eppers, Corro1s, Cobboge, Nu1s (eg eonu1s, Almonds, 8rozil Nu1s), Quinoo
uieren1 8 vi1omins ore in dieren1 oods so vorie1y is 1he key vi1omin 89 (olic ocid) vi1ol or preven1ion o 5pino 8iido ond o1her neurol 1ube deec1s ond needed in irs1 28 doys o pregnoncy - so you need 1o 1oke rom preconcep1ion. J you ore pregnon1 or 1hinking o hoving o boby, consider 1oking o doily 0.4mg (400 microgrom) olic ocid supplemen1 rom 1he 1ime you s1op using con1rocep1ion un1il 1he I21h week o pregnoncy. Also suppor1s 1he plocen1o.
8erries, Mongoes, ineopples, Avocodos, Green Leoy vege1obles, Coulilower, Asporogus, orsnips, ulses (eg eos, Chickpeos, Kidney 8eons, 8lock Lye eos, Ldomome & 5oyo produc1s such os 1ou, Len1ils), 8rown Rice, 5eeds (eg 5unlower 5eeds), check i breokos1 cereol is or1iied vi1omin C Lssen1iol or ormo1ion o collogen (in pregnoncy keeps pro1ec1ive membrone oround boby s1rong). Collogen is olso o componen1 o skin, cor1iloge, 1endons ond bones. Also helps igh1 inec1ions ond cell domoge. elps you obsorb iron. Mum ond boby need o doily supply o 1his vi1omin.
8lockcurron1s, Kiwis, Mongoes, Oronges, opoyos, Groperui1s, ossion lrui1s, ineopples, 51rowberries, Lychees, Ches1nu1s, Avocodos, 8u11ernu1 5quosh, 8roccoli, 5pinoch, Cobboge, 5wiss Chord, 8russel 5prou1s, 8ell eppers (ony colour), orsley, o1o1oes, eos ond mony o1her resh rui1 & green vege1obles vi1omin u Lssen1iol or 1oo1h enomel ond bone developmen1 in your developing boby. A deiciency during pregnoncy con slow grow1h ond couse skele1ol deormi1ies, pu11ing boby o1 risk o ricke1s o1er bir1h.
5unligh1 on 5kin; lor1iied Morgorine, lor1iied 8reokos1 Cereols
vi1omin L ro1ec1s vi1ol gene1ic blueprin1 (RNA ond uNA) reducing risk o congeni1ol deec1s. Apples, 8erries (oll 1ypes), Kiwis, Mongoes, Nec1orines, eoches, vege1oble Oils, Wheo1germ, Wholegroins, 1omo1oes, Nu1s (esp. Almonds, ozelnu1s), 5unlower 5eeds, ine Nu1s, Avocodos, Asporogus, 8u11ernu1 5quosh, orsnips, o1o1oes, 5pinoch, Corro1s, Celery vi1omin K 5upplied by ood bu1 moin source is rom gu1 boc1erio. 8oby is born s1erile so mus1 rely on mums supply rom breos1 milk or ormulo milk or severol weeks. Lo1 plen1y o dork green veg.
Avocodos, 8erries, eors, Kiwis, Mongoes, omegrono1es, 8roccoli, Le11uces, Cucumbers, Celery, Corro1s, Asporogus, 5pinoch, Cobboge, 8russel 5prou1s, 8ok Choy, Leeks, Ldomome, Kidney 8eons, Molosses, eos, 8osil, 1hyme, Nu1s (eg Coshews, Ches1nu1s, ozelnu1s, is1ochios)
Colcium lor developmen1 o bobys bones, heor1, muscles ond nervous sys1em, olso heor1 rhy1hm ond blood clo11ing. J you don'1 ge1 enough colcium when you're pregnon1, your boby will drow i1 rom your bones, which moy weoken your heol1h lo1er on.
Also impor1on1 1o reduce 1he risk o oes1eoporosis in mum lo1er on in lie.
Non-oolo1e dork green leoy vege1obles (such os 8roccoli, Kole, 5pring Greens, Cobboge, 8ok Choy, orsley ond Wo1ercress), uried lrui1s (such os ligs ond uo1es), Nu1s (por1iculorly Almonds ond 8rozil Nu1s), Coconu1s, 5eeds including 5esome 5eeds ond 1ohini (sesome seed pos1e) used 1o moke ummus, Quinoo, ulses (ony eos, 8eons ond Len1ils) ond colcium-se1 1ou (5oyo 8eon Curd), Roo1 veg (eg orsnips, 5wedes, 1urnips), Olives, Colcium-enriched 5oyo Milk (check 1he ingredien1s lobel or colcium - mos1 soyo milks con1oin 1he some omoun1 o colcium os cows milk)
MineruIs & Truce Iemen1s
Chromium Lssen1iol in con1rolling blood sugor levels ond helps moke uNA (gene1ic building blocks in every cell). romo1es 1he building o pro1eins in your developing boby's growing 1issues.
Onions, 1omo1oes, Romoine Le11uce, o1o1oes, Len1ils, Wholegroins (Wholegroin 8reod, Oo1s, Rye, 8orley, 8rown Rice), 5pices (such os 8lock epper ond 1hyme) Jron One-1hird o pregnon1 women in 8ri1oin show mild onoemio. Jron is needed 1o moke hoemoglobin, 1he pro1ein in red blood cells 1ho1 corries oygen 1o every cell in your body or energy ond grow1h. 1he omoun1 o blood in your body increoses during pregnoncy un1il you hove olmos1 50 per cen1 more 1hon usuol (even more i 1wins!), so you need more iron 1o moke more hoemoglobin. Mum supplies oygen 1o boby vio her plocen1o. Jron olso helps build bones ond 1ee1h. J mum doesn1 hove enough iron 1hen boby moy be in shor1 supply.
uried Aprico1s, runes, Roisins, ligs, uo1es, Cherries, Gropes, 8lockcurron1s, 8lockberries, Rospberries, 51rowberries, Lychees, Wo1ermelons, Avocodos, 8roccoli, 8ok Choy, 5pinoch, Cobboge, umpkins, ulses (oll 1ypes o 8eons, eos ond Len1ils), lrench 8eons, Wholegroins (esp. Oo1s, Rye, Wholewheo1 ond 5pel1), umpkin 5eeds, Quinoo, Coconu1 llesh, 8lock 1reocle, Cocoo, 1urmeric, 1hyme Mognesium lor energy produc1ion, heol1hy bones ond liver, 1o help bolonce blood sugors, relo muscles, or nerve unc1ion, ond or mony hormones including s1ress hormones. roper levels o mognesium during pregnoncy con help keep 1he womb rom con1roc1ing premo1urely.
Aprico1s, Apples, 8ononos, runes, 8erries (eg 8lockberries, Rospberries), Wo1ermelons, Green Leoy veg (eg 8roccoli, 8ok Choy, 5pinoch, Cobboge, 8russel 5prou1s), Nu1s (eg Almonds, 8rozil Nu1s, Coshews), ulses (esp. oll 1ypes o beons), Avocodos, Ar1ichokes, lrench 8eons, 8u11ernu1 5quosh, Wholegroins, Quinoo hosphorus
Avocodos, 8lockcurron1s, ossion lrui1s, omegrono1es, uried lrui1 (eg uo1es), Ar1ichokes, o1o1oes, Celerioc, lrench 8eons, orsnips, Nu1s, ulses (oll 1ypes o eos, 8eons, Len1ils), Wholegroins, Gorlic, Quinoo o1ossium Jmpor1on1 or muscle oc1ivi1y ond con1roc1ions, heor1 muscle ond nerve unc1ions ond moking energy. Jn mum, pro1ec1s ogoins1 high blood pressure ond os1eoporosis os i1 lowers 1he loss o colcium rom 1he bones.
8ononos, Con1oloupe Melons, Aprico1s, 51rowberries, lennel, 8russel 5prou1s, 8roccoli, Aubergines, 1omo1oes, orsley, Cucumbers, 1urmeric, Ginger Roo1, Avocodos, Coulilower, Cobboge, Nu1s (eg Almonds), Coconu1s 5elenium ro1ec1ive ogoins1 ree rodicol domoge 1o cells ond risk o congeni1ol deec1s. elps igh1 heovy me1ol poisoning.
8rozil Nu1s (very high), 8ononos, Mongoes, Wo1ermelons, Asporogus, lrench 8eons, orsnips, Wholegroins, Gorlic, 8rewers eos1, 5wee1corn, 5pinoch, 8roccoli, ulses (eos, 8eons ond Len1ils), 8rewers eos1, Mushrooms Zinc robobly ploys bigges1 role in reproduc1ion.
ueiciency increoses miscorrioge ro1e, low bir1h weigh1, lobour ond delivery problems.
Needed or hormone bolonce, developmen1 o egg, successul er1iliso1ion ond enzymes o egg implon1o1ion. Zinc is impor1on1 or enzymes 1o work ond helps moke insulin. J1 is needed 1o creo1e ond repoir uNA (gene1ic blueprin1) so ge11ing enough zinc is impor1on1 or 1he ropid cell grow1h 1ho1 occurs during pregnoncy. Also helps orm nerves, skele1on, orgons ond circulo1ory sys1em. Needed or o heol1hy immune sys1em ond sense o 1os1e ond smell.
Avocodos, 8lockberries, Rospberries, Asporogus, lrench 8eons, 8russel 5prou1s, ulses (eos, 8eons ond Len1ils o oll 1ypes inc cocoo beons in dork chocolo1e ond cocoo powder), Wholegroins (eg 8rown Rice, Wholegroin 8reod, Oo1s, Rye), Green Leoy veg, Nu1s (eg eonu1s), 5eeds (esp. umpkin 5eeds, 5esome 5eeds used 1o moke ummus), 8rewers eos1, 8osil, 1hyme
Corboyhdro1es our (ond so your bobys) moin source o energy! Lo1s lo1s o comple corbs Wholegroins (Oo1s Wholegroin 8 d

-




Needed or building bobys bones ond 1ee1h; normol heor1 rhy1hm ond developing blood clo11ing. Also or heol1hy kidneys, nervous sys1em, repoiring cells ond creo1ing ond using energy.
My lriendly lood Reminder
or eol1hy veggie 8oby ond Me!
lobulous loods or lemole
ler1ili1y & regnoncy
.

Fiona Phillips, GMTV
Presenter
As a healthy vegetarian I enjoyed a perfectly normal
pregnancy and had no concerns about bringing up my
baby on a meat-free diet.
Indeed Nathaniel is reaping
the benefits that come from
being a veggie. He
developed normally, is
robustly healthy and without
doubt bigger and bouncier
than his peers! And all this
without any animal flesh.
This is no surprise to me as
I consider a vegetarian diet
to be not only perfectly safe but more healthy for you
and your baby. I would have no hesitation in
recommending a vegetarian diet to everyone!
Protein
Protein is needed for growth, repair of tissue
and protection against infection. Protein can
be found in all pulses (all types of beans, peas
and lentils), nuts, seeds, brown rice,
wholegrains and wholegrain products such as
breakfast cereals, brown bread and pasta. The
humble soya bean used in many soya
products such as soya burgers, soya milk and
tofu (soya bean curd), is nutritionally
equivalent to meat, containing as it does all
the building blocks (amino acids) of protein.
Try cooking the unadulterated green young
soya beans (called edamame beans in
Japanese restaurants and in the freezers of
many supermarkets) as a starter or side dish
delicious!
Quinoa, a seed, is also high in protein. It
contains all essential amino acids and so, as
with soya, is known as a complete protein.
Use it like a grain many people use it in
place of rice or potatoes in stir-fries, soups
and so on. It is easy to cook, taking about 15
minutes to prepare and is available in most
supermarkets.
Preeclampsia, a syndrome of high blood
pressure, reduced blood flow to the placenta
and premature delivery, has been attributed to
insufficient protein intake and so it is prudent
to increase your intake in the final trimester.
The good news is that medical studies on 775
vegan mothers showed them to be less prone
to preeclampsia.
Fats
Fats can either be saturated (found in high
concentrations in most animal-derived foods
such as butter, hard cheeses, red and white
meats etc) or unsaturated. Whilst its best not
to eat the saturated kind at all we do need the
unsaturated type the so-called essential
fatty acids or polyunsaturated fats. There are
two types of essential fatty acids omega-3
and omega-6.
These fats are essential in the diet for brain
function, for repairing body tissue, to carry
some vitamins (A, D, E and K) and for
manufacturing some hormones. Essential
fatty acids are a main constituent of the brain
and eyes and are vital for the healthy
functioning of all cell membranes. Omega-3 is
also particularly anti-inflammatory and is
important in combating many diseases such
as heart disease and arthritis plant omega-
3s are the most powerful source (see the
VVFs guide, Fish-Free for Life: Why Plant
Omega-3s are Better for You and the
Environment for more information at
www.vegetarian.org.uk/guides/guides.htm).
The developing foetus requires omega-3
fatty acids for cell membranes and
physiological functions, as well as for the
brain and retina of the eye. The foetus
requires a constant supply of this from mum
and so is dependent on the maternal supply.
The best plant source of omega-3 fats is
flaxseed, also known as linseed. Try ground
flaxseed (they must be ground, otherwise the
seeds will go straight through your system
without the fats being absorbed! You can
buy them from health shops and
supermarkets). Try sprinkling them on your
breakfast cereal. The other source is flaxseed
oil. Dont cook with this oil as heat destroys
the omega-3s; instead use it to make salad
dressings and pour cold into soups,
casseroles, pasta dishes etc after you have
cooked them. Add about 1tsp.
Omega-3 fats are also found in hemp seeds
and hemp oil (use as above), cold-pressed
rape seed (canola) oil, dark green leafy
vegetables such as broccoli, some nuts eg
walnuts and walnut oil (use cold-pressed oils
unheated in salad dressings), soya beans and
soya oil and wheatgerm.
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 11
Omega-6 fats are found in seeds and their
oils (again use unheated), such as sunflower,
sesame, corn, grapeseed, hemp and
rapeseed; some nuts (eg pecans, pistachios,
walnuts); rice bran and soya beans.
Most Western diets tend to
be high in the omega-6 fats
but not so high in the
omega-3 fats. We are
supposed to eat four
times as much
omega-6 as omega-3
oils but many of us
eat 15 to 30 times
more omega-6 than 3.
Its a good idea
therefore to make sure
you include a wide range of
the omega-3-rich foods in your
diet. There are even some specially
formulated oils that supply both the
omega-3 and omega-6 fats in the
right proportions available from
most health shops and the VVFs
shop (see
www.vegetarian.org.uk/shop). Hemp
seed oil and rapeseed oil naturally
contain about the right proportions. Soya
beans are pretty good too. Flax is much
higher in omega-3 than 6 so is useful if you
need to top up omega-3 levels.
Probably the best oil to cook with is
virgin olive oil. Although it does not contain
omega-3 and is low in omega-6, it is high
in another beneficial non-essential fatty acid
(omega-9), has many health benefits and is
relatively stable when heated.
A note on omega-3s from fish. Basically,
dont eat them! All pregnant women are
strongly advised by the Government to limit
their oily fish intake and to not take cod liver
oil (see Foods and Drinks to Avoid on page 15).
Calcium
This vital element is
needed for the healthy
functioning of the nervous
system, blood clotting and
bone and tooth formation in
both mother and baby. Seeds
(especially sesame), nuts* (especially
almonds*), dark green leafy vegetables
and pulses such as beans of all types,
lentils, chickpeas and tofu (made from
soya beans) are particularly rich in
calcium. Contrary to popular belief,
drinking cows milk is no guarantee of
strong bones. The Harvard Nurses
Health Study followed 77,761 women
aged 34 to 59 for 12 years. The research
found that those who got more calcium
from milk actually had slightly, but
significantly, more fractures than those who
drank little or no milk. Another study of
elderly men and women in Sydney, Australia
also showed that higher dairy product
consumption was associated with increased
fracture risk. Those with the highest dairy
product consumption had approximately
double the risk of hip fracture than those with
the lowest consumption. (See Viva! & VVF
Guides Nutrition in a Nutshell, Your Health in
Your Hands; Its Easy to be Dairy-Free at
www.vegetarian.org.uk/guides/guides.htm
and VVF fact sheet Boning up on Calcium at
www.vegetarian.org.uk/factsheets/
calciumfactsheet.html.)
Iron
The need for iron increases during pregnancy
because both mother and baby are busy
creating new blood. The best sources are
dried fruits such as figs, apricots, dates and
prunes; nuts* and seeds, especially
sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds; and
black treacle. Lentils, kidney beans, baked
beans and other pulses, tofu and soya milk,
hummus, cocoa, fortified breakfast cereals,
wholewheat and wheatgerm, green leafy
vegetables and wholegrains (brown rice, oats
etc) are also useful sources. Because vitamin
C greatly increases the absorption of iron
from the food in your body, it is essential to
make sure you are eating plenty of fresh fruit
and vegetables. The British Medical
Association states that vegetarians are no
more prone to iron-deficiency anaemia than
meat eaters. (Find more information in the
VVF fact sheet Ironing out the Facts at
www.vegetarian.org.uk/factsheets/iron.html.)
12 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide * See Note on Nuts on page 6
Vitamins
A, C and E
Vegetarians and vegans get plenty of vitamin
A from eating foods containing beta-
carotene. We convert beta-carotene into
vitamin A in our bodies. Beta-carotene is
high in carrots, sweet potatoes, red/yellow
peppers, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables,
watercress, mangoes, apricots, pumpkins,
cantaloupe melons and romaine lettuce.
Youll find high amounts of vitamin C in kiwi
fruit, berries and currants, fresh oranges,
grapefruit, broccoli, spinach, cabbage, peas,
blackcurrants, strawberries, green peppers
and other fruit and vegetables. Its not in meat.
Beta-carotene and vitamins C and E (this latter
vitamin is found in vegetable oils, wholegrains,
tomatoes, nuts*, especially almonds*,
asparagus, spinach, apples, carrots, celery and
avocado) are anti-oxidants and help protect
you from several diseases including heart
disease, stroke, diabetes type 2 and cancer.
The B vitamins
These vital vitamins comprise B1 (thiamin),
B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic
acid), B6 (pyridoxine), biotin, B9 (folic acid)
and B12 (cobalamin). Many B vitamins are
involved in releasing energy from food and
help to aid the growth and repair of the body.
They are widely available in wholegrains
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 13
Finn and Jazz were weaned onto a vegan diet
because I wanted to give them the best start and
encourage compassion. They are vivacious,
healthy boys with a love of life all life (except
spiders Im working on that!).
I breastfed them until they were four months
old and then gradually introduced soya formula
and started weaning them little by little at six
months. Their favourite foods were mashed
avocado with banana and baby rice with pured
fruits. They now have a diet packed with nutrients
berries and sliced banana with cinnamon on
their breakfast; juiced fresh fruits to drink and
lots of green vegetables. We use a fair amount of
pulses and lots of wholegrains and they drink
soya milk fortified with B12. Because they are
used to good food, Jazz and Finn tend to reject a
lot of junk. Not all of it of course I dont deny
them treats just moderate them!
Ive always been upfront with Jazz and Finn
about why were vegan. Otherwise how can a
child understand why we choose one food over
another? When they were four and five they
could not understand why the world isnt
vegan how could people eat animals?
How can people be cruel? I am proud
of their fast-developing and
surprisingly sophisticated views of the
world. They told me the other day that
if you harm one thing, then you harm
another and life is an intricate web so it
would be best if everyone just stopped the
killing. Wise words from ones so young. Theyre
just so gorgeous!
Juliet Gellatley, founder & director of Viva! & VVF
and Twins Jazz (left) and Finn, pictured at 6 years
* See Note on Nuts on page 6
including wholemeal bread, brown rice and
wholemeal pasta, yeast extracts (eg Marmite
or low salt Meridian Yeast Extract with Added
Vitamin B12), pulses (peas, beans, lentils),
nuts, seeds, dark green leafy vegetables,
avocados and bananas. Many breakfast
cereals are also fortified with the B vitamins.
Folic acid is required for protein synthesis,
the formation of blood and the metabolism of
DNA (our genetic blueprint), and helps prevent
neural tube defects in the developing foetus. It
is therefore necessary before conception and
during early pregnancy to help prevent this
condition. It is found widely in most vegetables
(especially dark green leafy vegetables), nuts,
pulses (peas, beans, lentils) and avocados.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is required for
the maintenance of a healthy nervous
system and normal blood formation.
The liver has stores of B12 lasting up
to three years and the body is also
very efficient at reabsorbing it. Many
common foods are fortified with B12
such as fortified breakfast cereals
(check the ingredients label), yeast
extracts (eg Marmite or low salt
Meridian Yeast Extract with Added
Vitamin B12), vegetable margarines
and soya milk. Ensure a daily
serving of these types of food or
take a daily B12 supplement.
Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid
are also necessary for helping to
keep the arteries healthy.
Vitamin D
Just 15 minutes of exposure to sunlight on
the face and arms is all that is required by
the body to manufacture vitamin D. This
vitamin aids the bodys absorption of calcium
and is needed for a healthy immune system.
Because vitamin D is stored in the liver, a
summer of moderate sun is normally enough
to see us through the winter as well. Fortified
breakfast cereals, soya milk and vegetable
margarines can be useful dietary sources if
exposure to sunlight is not practicable.
14 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
TV Presenter Wendy
Turner-Webster, Jack, 9,
and Freddie, 5 (and dad
Gary Webster)
After breastfeeding Jack, and then Freddie, for
about three months each they went on to soya
formula and thrived on it! I must say I could not
bear the thought of putting dead flesh into my
babies mouths. Jack and Freddie have a
colourful and varied diet combining vegetarian
foods with my dairy-free alternatives to
margarine, ice-cream, yoghurt, cream cheese
etc. I have heard many times of the parents who
are reluctant to tell their kids where burgers and
bacon sandwiches come from. When Jack and
Freddie were old enough to understand I had no
hesitation in telling them the truth: that is the
only way,
surely, that
anyone can
then be
expected to
make an
informed
decision. My pet
hate is the way
we are
brainwashed
from a young
age to love some
animals and
eat others!
If you are a vegetarian or vegan then (wisely)
you wont be eating fish; if you are not then
consider stopping! The governments Food
Standards Agency conservatively advises that
pregnant and breastfeeding women should
limit their consumption of oily fish to no more
than two portions a week. They, along with
children under 16, should avoid shark, marlin
and swordfish entirely and limit the amount of
tuna they eat due to contamination with
potentially deadly pollutants.
There is overwhelming science highlighting
the dangers of consuming deadly pollutants
such as dioxins in herring, salmon, mackerel
and, to a lesser degree, trout. Further, most of
the worlds fish are contaminated with
mercury a neurotoxin that causes
neurological damage, developmental delays
and learning deficits.
The FSA also advises that pregnant
women shouldnt take supplements
containing cod liver oil, or other types of fish
liver oil. This is because fish liver oil contains
high levels of vitamin A, like liver and liver
products such as liver pt. If you have too
much vitamin A, levels could build up in your
body and may harm an unborn baby.
Approximately 95 per cent of food
poisoning cases are caused by meat and
dairy products. Remember, your baby will
eat what you eat, so think carefully!
Ripened soft cheeses such as Brie and
Camembert must be avoided as they may
contain high levels of listeria, which, in rare
cases, can lead to listeriosis. This may
result in miscarriage, stillbirth or severe
illness in the newborn baby. Listeria
bacteria has also been found in a very small
number of cook-chill products. These must
be reheated thoroughly until piping hot.
Eggs should be avoided as they carry risk of
salmonella and contain significant amounts of
cholesterol.
Vegetables and salads should be washed
thoroughly to remove any contaminated soil
and dirt.
Buying organic fruit and vegetables will
help to limit the chemicals, such as pesticides
and herbicides, reaching your unborn baby.
Caffeine in coffee and cola has been
suspected of leading to birth defects or
miscarriages but studies have proved
inconclusive.
Although artificial sweeteners in food and
drink are said to pose no threat, again there
have been concerns regarding these. They
cross the placenta and are eliminated very
slowly from foetal tissues.
F
o
o
d
s an
d
D
rin
k
s to
A
v
o
id
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 15
The vegan diet is the healthiest way to eat. It
provides amply for all bodies be they adult,
teenage or the subject of this unique guide
baby, infant or pregnant ones! Following the
advice in this booklet will help to ensure a
healthy pregnancy and robust offspring. I
endorse it wholeheartedly!
Dr David Ryde. Fellow of the Royal College of
General Practice
Smoking is clearly bad for you and your
baby and is associated with low birth weight
and cot death. Its never too late to give up.
Any prescribed or over-the-counter
medication may prove harmful to the baby,
even aspirin, paracetamol and cold remedies.
If you dont really need them, the advice is not
to take them. If you do, consult your doctor.
Avoid eating peanuts and nuts while
pregnant or breastfeeding if you, your partner
or a child in the immediate family come from
an atopic family see Note on Nuts on page 6.
Breastfeeding is certainly the most natural
form of nutrition during the infants first year
of life. Breastmilk is truly miraculous. It is the
perfect food for baby, containing not only
every nutrient needed but also antibodies that
bolster the babys immune system. It is
impossible to replicate the exact formula of
breastmilk, nor can a bottle replicate the
closeness and skin contact that a baby gets
when feeding from her mother. Besides,
breastfeeding is so much easier and more
practical than bottlefeeding. Theres no
sterilising equipment, no buying of milk
powder, no heating of milk during the wee
small hours and no chance of forgetting the
babys milk if you go out for the day. Also, if
youre patient its a natural means of losing
any extra pounds youve put on during
pregnancy. The World Health Organisation
(WHO) now recommends that most women
should exclusively breastfeed their babies for
six months. They conclude that in general this
is the healthiest start to life for a baby.
There are many benefits for the baby too.
Asthma, eczema and other allergies can all be
triggered by dairy produce. Digestive problems,
ear infections, respiratory problems and
intestinal bleeding have also been linked to the
consumption of dairy products by infants.
The American Academy of Pediatrics
Committee on Nutrition has recommended
since 1992 that cows (and goats) milk should
never be given during the first year of a babys
life.
Also, if you are concerned about calcium,
remember that cows milk has evolved for
calves, not humans! It contains four times too
much calcium for a human baby. Nature never
meant us to drink it as infants or at any other
time in our life! Three quarters of the worlds
population do not consume dairy products and
they are lactose intolerant. There are many
studies showing that nations that consume
very little dairy (such as Thailand) have
considerably lower incidences of osteoporosis
than nations that consume high amounts
Mother nature
knows best
Dont forget that, despite all the rules and
advice, vegetarian and vegan women have
been producing healthy, beautiful babies for
thousands of years. Trust your body and
mother nature to nurture your unborn baby.
We are a great ape and essentially evolved
to thrive on a vegan diet (see other Viva!
Guides: Wheat-Eaters or Meat-Eaters? and
Your Health in Your Hands, available at
www.viva.org.uk/guides). Vegetarianism/
veganism are the most natural diets in the
world so have a little faith!
B
reast is B
est
16
(such as the USA). Further, a review of the
evidence on the effect of cows milk on bone
health (published in the Journal of the
American Academy of Pediatrics in 2005)
concluded that children and adolescents do
not require cows milk but instead must
exercise regularly; eat plenty of fresh fruit and
vegetables; and avoid smoking, fizzy drinks
and caffeine for strong bones and teeth. For
more information see the VVFs report on the
effects of cows milk on human health, White
Lies, and the great pocket-sized shopping and
health guide, Its Easy to be Dairy Free, at
www.vegetarian.org.uk.
These are all good reasons why babies should
be breastfed wherever possible. Although
breastfeeding is natural there is
a knack to it and it is a good idea
to prepare
yourself before
the birth by
reading some of
the very good
books that are
now available.
The practicalities of
breastfeeding
Wash your breasts as usual when you bath or
shower but dont use soap as this can wash
away the natural secretions that protect
against soreness when the baby starts to suck.
Get used to handling your breasts so that you
dont feel awkward or embarrassed about this
when the time comes to start breastfeeding.
The babys suckling reflex is at its strongest
in the first few hours after birth, so when your
baby is handed to you it is a good idea to put
her straight to your breast. If, however, for
some reason you feel you cant do this, dont
worry. Just try again quietly and gently a little
later perseverance and good support usually
lead to success.
Dont wash your breasts before you feed.
Its important to have your baby in the right
position with the head slightly tipped back so
that the chin is close to your breast and the
lips are close to your nipple chest to chest,
chin to breast. Brush her lips with your nipple
until she opens her mouth really wide, almost
as if shes going to yawn. This may take
several minutes so be patient. When it does
happen, bring the babys head quickly towards
your breast so that she takes not just your
nipple but a good mouthful of breast too.
If she is latched on properly you will see the
jaw bone move as she sucks. If not, slide your
little finger into the corner of her mouth to
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 17
The Vegetarian and Vegan
Mother and Baby Guide is an
excellent source of information
for pregnant women and parents.
I recommend it most highly.
Professor Jane Plant, author of Your Life in
Your Hands and other science-based
popular health books and a patron of VVF
break the sucking action and try again. It is
very important that your baby has opened her
mouth wide enough and is close enough to you
to enable her to take a large mouthful of
breast. This means that your nipple is
protected from friction and will not get sore.
Watch that your breast is not covering your
babys nose, making breathing difficult. Gently
hold back your breast with your fingers if
necessary. After your baby has finished
feeding, dry your breasts carefully. If you have
problems with leaking, cover them with breast
pads. Some people advise putting cream on or
using a spray but this is not recommended as
it interferes with the delicate balance of
natural secretions. Wash your nipples once a
day without soap and keep them dry.
Giving short feeds as often as your baby will
co-operate in the early days will give you both
practice. During these early feeds, your baby
is getting not the milk but the colostrum,
which protects her from disease and
helps her to excrete the meconium from
the bowel. Meconium is a sticky, black
waste product that builds up during the
time the baby is in the womb. The actual
milk comes in a few days after birth this
might be the second, third or fourth day. The
milk normally comes in quicker for second
and subsequent babies, but this depends on
how much sucking the baby has been able to
do. The more you have been able to feed the
baby, the more your breasts will have been
stimulated and the quicker the milk will
come in, although, until it does, the
colostrum will supply all your babys needs.
When the milk does come, you may find
that you are really bursting and the process
is rather messy! Giving frequent, brief feeds
from the beginning will help to minimise this
engorgement. Just keep on feeding your baby
completely on demand and your supply will
quickly adjust to your babys needs. If you find
you have so much milk that it gushes out too
quickly, making your baby splutter, you can
hold back the milk a little by holding your
breast in your fingers just above the areola
and pushing your breast gently upwards.
In the early days you might find that milk
leaks from your breasts between feeds: even
hearing the cry of a baby can trigger the let
down reflex, which can cause this to happen. A
breast pad inside your bra helps, as does
wearing darkish tops, which do not show up any
wet patches too obviously. These inconveniences
pass rapidly as you and your baby get used to
18 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Jo Lacey
Melika, pictured at 1 year
The Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby
Guide has been an invaluable source of
information for me. Ive been vegan for 16 years
and I had a healthy pregnancy followed by a
natural home birth. Breastfeeding our daughter,
Melika, has given her a good source of natural
immunity and this combined with a vegan diet
has meant that she is rarely poorly. I wanted to
do the best for my baby and it made sense to
offer her foods that I knew to be healthy and
cruelty-free. Now a very bouncy, happy two-year-
old, Melika is really thriving on a diet of fruits
and vegetables, lentils, nuts and soya products
such as tofu and veggie sausages. She enjoys
sampling all the different milk alternatives
available
her current
favourite is
hemp milk
and rice
milk mixed
together.
She has a
natural love
and respect
for animals,
which we
hope will
continue
throughout
her life.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are
not only healthy for babies and
children but preferable to
modern meat- and dairy-based
diets, which are a major cause of
chronic ill-health and premature death.
Dr Anne Griffiths MB ChB, Diploma from
the Royal College of Obstetrics and
Gynaecology, Member of the Royal College
of General Practitioners, MSc in
Community Paediatrics
breastfeeding. Your breasts will shrink back to
normal size (even though they are producing
large quantities of milk), they will not leak and
the whole process will become smooth, easy
and quite delightful very different from those
early days of adjustment.
After your baby has finished feeding, hold
her up against your shoulder and gently rub or
pat her back until she burps. Make sure that
she is straight, otherwise the wind will not
come up. Some babies do not swallow much
air so wont need to burp. Dont worry if
nothing happens! And dont worry if your baby
brings up some milk after she feeds. This is
quite normal and just means that she has had
more than enough. However, if there is
projectile vomiting (where it shoots across the
room), you should consult a doctor as this may
indicate a fault in the babys stomach muscles
that can be cured by a small operation.
Have confidence in your ability to breastfeed
and dont give in without a really good try. There
are so many wonderful benefits for both of you
and dont forget... practice makes perfect!
Mothers diet
for perfect
breastfeeding
During breastfeeding, your need for extra
vitamins and minerals continues as in
pregnancy but you will also need more niacin,
magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium.
Yeast extract, wholemeal bread, wholegrains,
some pulses, avocados, seeds, nuts*,
mushrooms, brown rice, bananas, tofu and
beansprouts are all good foods that will boost
your intake of these vitamins and minerals.
Just include one or two additional snacks
each day made from fresh fruit and
vegetables, nuts, pulses, black treacle,
dried fruits, fortified soya products
and yeast extract for high-powered,
nutrient-rich feeding. If you are vegan
always ensure you have a daily
supply of vitamin B12 in fortified
foods (or take a B12 supplement).
Your diet as a vegetarian
breastfeeding mum will provide all
the nutrients your baby needs. And
there is one less risk to worry about.
An American study reported that, of
seven chemical contaminants, six
were found at markedly lower levels
in the breastmilk of vegetarian
women compared to a non-
vegetarian group.
Formula feeds
Never give cows milk (whether full fat, semi-
skimmed or skimmed) it is meant for calves
and therefore contains the wrong proportions
of nutrients for the human baby. For example,
it is too high in calcium and protein and too
low in essential fatty acids. This is why
companies make millions of pounds turning
cows milk into cows milk formulas they
alter the nutritional content in an attempt to
mimic human breast milk. Also do not give
soya milk to a baby it is too low in fat and
too high in protein. If you want to use a
formula, give soya milk formula until your
child is about two years old.
Dont be in too much of a hurry to
give supplementary bottles,
something many mothers do
because they doubt their own ability
to produce enough milk. Your body
responds to the babys demands, so
if you start to give bottles the baby
takes less milk from you, which
means you produce less and have
to give more bottles and so it goes
on. Breastfeeding is best for babies
and we recommend persevering
with breastfeeding if you can.
However, we understand that for
various good reasons you may need
to bottlefeed your baby and
choosing the right feed will
naturally be important.
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 19
The human body has no nutritional
requirements for animal flesh or cows milk.
It functions superbly without them, and this
includes producing healthy offspring! All the
protein required for human health, including
during pregnancy and childraising, is
abundantly available from plant sources.
Dr Michael Klaper, author Pregnancy,
Children and the Vegan Diet
* See Note on Nuts on page 6
The soya story
for babies
Currently there are no completely animal-free
soya infant formulas on the market suitable for
young babies, as the vitamin D that is added is
obtained from lanolin (a waxy substance in
sheep wool). (Contact the manufacturers to
ask them to use non-animal vitamin D as
consumer pressure may persuade them to
change.) However, soya formula is still far
preferable to cows milk formula, from a
health perspective and for at least minimising
animal cruelty. For children a little older, there
is Alpro soya junior 1+ milk alternative, which
can be used as a main drink for children aged
one onwards and as part of a balanced diet
from six months. It is higher in calories
(needed by toddlers) than normal soya milk
and enriched with calcium, iron and non-
animal vitamin D and is suitable for vegans.
There has been some concern over soya-
based infant formulas in the media. The main
concern has been the fact that soya beans
contain compounds called isoflavones,
or phytoestrogens, which behave
like oestrogen, the female
hormone. Ironically, many of
the beneficial health effects
of soya are attributed to the
action of phytoestrogens
(eg lowering blood
pressure, reducing bad
cholesterol, reducing menopausal symptoms
and risk of diabetes). These natural plant
hormones are found in many foods.
Examples of non-soya foods that contain
phytoestrogens include cereals, bread,
raisins, rice, chick peas, haricot beans,
butter beans, bean sprouts, fruits and mixed
vegetable dishes. In other words, they are
almost impossible to avoid and shouldnt
be avoided!
They may act in a similar way to the
hormone oestrogen but they are much
weaker, between 100 and 100,000 times
weaker. In fact, scientists suggest that
phytoestrogens may actually have a
normalising effect on the bodys natural
oestrogen levels (this means that they raise
levels when they are too low and lower them
when they are too high).
Cows milk (and milk formula), however,
contains real oestrogen the same hormone
that women produce. Raised levels of
oestrogen from cows milk are linked to breast
cancer and prostate cancer. For more
information see the VVF report One in Nine
(www.vegetarian.org.uk/campaigns/
breastcancer/index.html).
If a health professional were truly worried
about the effects of oestrogen on a baby then
cows milk formula would be banned! And yet,
it is soya formula that comes under attack for
the much weaker oestrogen-like component it
contains, which is actually protective for
human health.
20 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
But does the
amount of soya a
baby eats matter?
Again, a baby drinking cows milk formula
consumes much more oestrogen (the real
thing) than a baby consuming soya formula.
Vegetarians, vegans and infants consuming
soya formula are not exposed to levels higher
than those seen in many Asian countries. A
UK government report acknowledges that
there is no evidence that people who regularly
eat high quantities of soya, such as the
Chinese and Japanese, have altered sexual
development or impaired fertility. It should be
remembered that China is the worlds most
populous nation, with over 1.3 billion
citizens, who have been consuming soya
for over 3,000 years!
For fuller information, see the VVFs
easy-to-read and informative guide, The
Soya Story: www.vegetarian.org.uk/
guides/guides.htm.
Tooth truth
Infant soya formula may contain glucose
syrup. All infant formulas must comply
with standards laid down by UK
regulations, which specify minimum and
maximum amounts of carbohydrate (the
bodys main form of energy). The
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 21
Cows milk contains a cocktail of over 35 different
hormones and 11 growth factors. Furthermore,
modern dairy cows (including organically farmed
cows) are frequently impregnated while still
producing milk. At least two thirds of retail milk
in the UK is taken from pregnant cows, and at
this time the hormone level in the milk is
markedly elevated. Hormones from cows milk
are linked to breast and prostate cancers. Viva!
and VVF wholeheartedly believe soya milk
formula to be the safe option for babies.
Simon Parkin
Pictured with partner
Helen and baby Elliott,
at 3 weeks old
My partner, Helen, had an easy pregnancy
thanks to an active lifestyle and a veggie diet.
With the help of some great advice from the
Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide,
Helen has cut down on dairy and increased her
fruit and veg consumption whilst breastfeeding
and is loving her new, improved diet. Its
certainly doing Eli a world of good hes gained
half a pound in his first two weeks!
I think its so important for children to learn
to be kind to animals as it teaches empathy and
gentleness. And bringing them up veggie is the
perfect way of
teaching them
kindness, not to
mention keeping
them fit and
healthy.
I have no
qualms
whatsoever about
Eli being a veggie
and I cant wait
until hes old
enough to share
in the delights of
a Friday night
vegetable curry
with his Dad!
carbohydrate used cant be lactose (the sugar
in cows milk) so an alternative carbohydrate
is used glucose syrup. Glucose syrup comes
from corn starch.
Tooth decay can be the result of many
factors, not only the presence of sugars in a
food or drink. Research has shown that soya
infant formulas are no more likely to cause
tooth decay than normal infant milks. The
most important factor appears to be how they
are consumed. Any food or drink containing
sugars shouldnt have frequent or prolonged
contact with teeth and trainer cups should be
used as soon as your baby is able to drink this
way. Thus, if normal weaning practices are
adopted, soya infant formulas (or other
formulas) should not cause harm to teeth.
Soya infant formulas have been used for
decades indeed a review on this subject in
Nutrition Review states that for more than 70
years soya-based infant formulas have been
fed to millions of infants worldwide and
studied in controlled clinical research...
Consequently, soya-based infant formulas
continue to be a safe, nutritionally complete
feeding option for most infants.
Of course, soya is not a natural food for
babies, but then again nor is cows milk,
which is loaded with oestrogens and not the
mild ones derived from plants but potent
oestrogens from another mammal. And we
have already seen the host of illnesses and
conditions that may be linked to infants
consuming dairy products.
Our opinions are that we would choose soya
formula milk to feed our babies (and did!) and
consider soya milk to be a healthy food for
both children and adults and far superior to
cows milk.
Making the
formula
Making up the formula depends on the brand
so ensure you read the label properly.
Generally, the method is as follows: wash
your hands first and boil enough water for the
number of bottles you intend to make. When
boiling the water empty the kettle and put in
fresh water water that has been boiled
before may have levels of minerals that are
too high. Let the water cool and then put the
correct amount in each bottle, using the
measure on the side. Measure the formula
using the scoop provided. Dont pack it down
as too much powder can be harmful. Level it
off with a knife. Add the powder to the bottle,
screw on the cap and shake to dissolve. Store
the bottle in the fridge but throw any away
that is not used within 24 hours.
Some babies like their formula straight
from the fridge and others prefer a bottle
warmed in a bottle warmer, microwave oven
or jug of hot water. To give a bottle, cradle the
baby in the crook of your arm so that she is
cosy and close to you. When practical, open
your shirt so that she can feel the warmth of
your skin. Gently touch the babys cheek
nearest to you
and as she
turns towards
you pop the teat
in her mouth.
Make sure you
tilt the bottle
well so that the
milk fills the teat
end of the bottle
and no air can get
in this would give
her colic. Pull on the
bottle a little as your
baby sucks, to keep
up the suction.
After your baby
has finished her
feed, burp her
as described at
the end of the
breastfeeding
section.
22 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Scientific studies show that
balanced vegetarian and vegan
diets are not only perfectly safe during
pregnancy and childhood but may confer
significant health advantages over the longer
term. Vegan diets will no doubt come to be
regarded as the very best health insurance
policy a parent can give their children.
Dr Justine Butler, VVF health consultant
At this age you can give your baby a little
fresh, unsweetened fruit juice, diluted half-
and-half with boiled, cooled water. (Look for
juices described as 100 per cent fruit juice.)
Suitable juices are orange (freshly squeezed,
frozen, pasteurised or unsweetened from a
carton) or apple juice (carton and fortified with
vitamin C, but without other additives). Apple
juice is the best choice if you have any history
in your family of allergies to citrus fruits. Give
this fruit juice initially from a teaspoon, in the
middle of the morning or afternoon. As soon
as your baby gets used to taking it in this way,
try giving it from a normal cup and not a mug
with a feeder lid it is an excellent way of
introducing your baby to a cup. Continue with
breast or bottle feeding in the normal way.
Breast milk supplies all your babys
needs, including vitamin C, for the first six
months of her life. So, if your baby is happy
and thriving, there is no need to think about
introducing solids until she is six months
old. However, if after four months your baby
doesnt seem fully satisfied with milk, you
might try giving a first taste of food but
dont start before four months old as
introducing solids too early to an immature
digestive system could possibly cause an
allergic reaction.
The first spoonfuls are really just to get
your baby used to the taste and feel of solid
food. Do not think of them as a real source of
nourishment at this stage. The baby still
needs milk feeds for that and the emotional
satisfaction of sucking.
The first taste should be half a teaspoonful
of a fruit or vegetable pure (see Foods For
Weaning and How to Prepare Them on page
25). Traditionally, cereals were always the
first solid food given to babies, but these are
now advised against due to the possibility of
an allergic reaction when given so early.
Allergic reactions are really quite rare and,
where they do occur, are usually inherited so
you will know in advance if they are likely.
Delaying the first solid food to four or six
months makes the risk of an allergic reaction
less likely because the digestive system is
more able to cope.
The foods that most commonly cause
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 23
This guide offers excellent and sound advice
for any parent or parent-to-be. Vegan diets
are the healthiest and safest diets for
people of all ages including babies
and children.
Veronika Charvatova MSc, health
campaigner, VVF
F
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r to
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ix
M
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n
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s O
ld
allergies are milk and dairy products, eggs,
nuts, some fruits and foods containing gluten.
Signs of an allergic reaction are rashes and
swelling of the eyes, lips and face; sickness;
diarrhoea; eczema; hay fever and asthma.
Babies often grow out of allergies, usually by
the time they are two years old, although
some allergies, particularly to dairy products
and nuts, can last a lifetime.
Give this first taste of solids at one of the
main milk feeds corresponding to breakfast,
lunch or dinner, whichever is the most
convenient. If you are planning to go back to
work but want to continue breastfeeding, start
giving the solids at lunchtime as this will
eventually become the first meal at which the
baby gives up breastfeeding and has only solids.
Whether you give the solid food before or
after the milk feed is entirely up to you, or,
perhaps more to the point, up to the baby! Its
generally better to give solids before the
milk feed so you can gradually increase
the quantity until the baby is satisfied
and eventually forgets about the milk
feed. However, there is no point in
trying to give solid foods if your baby is
hungry, wanting comfort and crying for a
feed. It is better to feed first and give
solids afterwards.
Use a flat, shallow spoon and be prepared
for the fact that your baby may well spit out
your lovingly prepared offerings. Dont take it
personally and dont worry because the baby
is not depending on it for nourishment at this
stage. Try again another day, persisting gently.
There is no hurry.
Its a good idea to try your baby on the same
food for several days before introducing
another so you can make sure there is no
allergic reaction. Certainly if you have any
history of allergies, asthma, eczema or hay
fever in the family, it is advisable to continue
with just one food for at least four days before
trying another, and watching carefully for any
reaction. You can gradually increase the
quantity so that your baby is having perhaps
two tablespoonfuls at a time. This allows the
babys digestive system to slowly adapt.
24 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Julie Cook
Rowan, 4 years and
Spencer, 6 years
I had textbook, healthy vegan pregnancies with
both of my sons. I didnt encounter any negativity
from people about my diet quite the opposite. I
read up on which foods Id need in pregnancy to
ensure my diet was nutritious and found it
extremely easy. My sons are now 8 and 6 and
have a varied, healthy diet everyone is always
impressed with the wide variety Spencer and
Rowan eat they have an excellent diet (they
really do eat their greens!) without missing out
on treats. Ive always been honest about why
they dont have animal products and they will
now ask if certain foods are vegan they are
proud that they dont eat animals.
Carrot pure
Scrape a carrot and boil it in a little unsalted
water until tender; pure with enough of the
cooking water to make a soft consistency.
Start by giving a taste of
1
2 teaspoonful before
or after the midday or evening milk.
Swede or parsnip pure
Make in the same way as carrot pure.
Apple or pear sauce
Use sweet apples or pears only, not tart ones
that require added sweetening. Peel, core and
slice the fruit and cook in 2-3 tablespoons of
water until tender. Pure, adding a little extra
boiled water if necessary to make a soft
consistency.
Banana
Mash the flesh of a very ripe banana thoroughly
with a fork, adding a little cooled, boiled water
if necessary to make a soft consistency.
Avocado
Cut in half, scoop out and mash the flesh, adding
a few drops of cooled boiled water if necessary.
Courgette
Cut off the ends and cut into small pieces.
Cook in a minimum of unsalted water until
tender. Pure with enough cooking water to
make a soft consistency.
Pumpkin
Peel and remove the seeds. Cut the flesh into
pieces and cook in a little boiling water until
tender. Pure.
Tomato
Suitable raw or cooked. Sieve
cooked
tomato to
remove
the
seeds.
Scald
and peel
raw tomato
and cut out the
core, then mash.
You can remove the
seeds if you like, but the jelly around them is a
valuable source of soluble fibre.
Grated apple or pear
Choose sweet apples and well-ripened pears.
Peel and grate finely.
Peaches, apricots, sweet
cherries, mangoes,
papaya, kiwi fruit
Choose really ripe fruit, remove the skin and
pips or stones and mash the flesh thoroughly.
Broccoli, cauliflower,
Brussels sprouts,
green cabbage
Wash and trim. Cook in a minimum of
unsalted water until tender (they should be
mashable but not soggy). Pure with a little
of their cooking water. (Cooked cabbage and
Brussels sprouts can create intestinal gas if
this is a problem, mix with another vegetable
pure such as carrot.)
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 25
F
o
o
d
s F
o
r W
ean
in
g
an
d
H
o
w
to
P
rep
are T
h
em
Spinach
Wash thoroughly, remove the stems and shred
the leaves. Cook in a saucepan with a little
extra water until the spinach is tender. Pure.
(Dont give more than once or twice a week as
the oxalic acid content affects the bodys
absorption of some minerals.)
Dried apricots, prunes,
pears, peaches, apples
Wash, then cover with boiling water and soak
overnight. Next day, simmer until tender.
Remove pits from prunes. Pure. (Can have a
rather laxative effect.)
Date pure
Put 225g dates into a saucepan with
1
2 cup
water and heat gently for 5-10 minutes, or
until the dates are mushy. Remove from the
heat and mash with a spoon to make a thick
pure, looking out for and removing any
stones as you do so; set aside to cool.
Baby rice cereal
This is the best first cereal to give because it
is the least likely to cause allergic reactions.
Choose one fortified with additional iron and
B vitamins, and make up with liquid
according to the directions on
the pack.
Potatoes
Scrub. Bake or boil
in unsalted
water. Scoop
the potato out
of the skins
and mash. Very
finely chopped
green vegetables
can also be
added, such as
watercress or raw spinach leaves.
You can also add mashed tofu.
Corn, peas, green beans
Boil until tender and pure. Fresh or frozen
are fine; canned are not advised because of
the salt and sugar they contain.
Muesli
Buy a mix without sugar and other additives,
or make your own from oats, nuts and raisins,
then grind to a powder. Moisten with water,
fruit juice or plain soya yoghurt. Sprinkle with
wheatgerm and mix well. Powdered nuts or
seeds or grated apple or pear can be added.
Wholewheat bread
From six months onward, a little crustless
bread can be added to vegetable pures. The
bran in 100 per cent wholegrain bread and
flour is too laxative for some babies; a 50:50
bread (preferably with added wheatgerm for
extra iron) or enriched white bread is
often a better choice for babies
under two years old.
26 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Suggested Feeding
Pattern from Four to Six
Months Old
On waking: Breast or bottle-feed
Breakfast: Breast or bottle-feed
Mid-morning: Diluted real-fruit juice from
spoon or cup (or give mid-
afternoon)
Lunch:
1
2 2 teaspoons of fruit or
vegetable pure. Breast or
bottle feed
Mid-afternoon: Diluted real-fruit juice from
spoon or cup (unless this was
given mid-morning)
Dinner: Breast or bottle-feed
Before bed: Breast or bottle-feed
As your baby takes more solid food, the
demand for milk will decrease. Your baby will
suck from you for a shorter time and at
around eight months may give up the milk
feed entirely at meal times. Your milk supply
will decline correspondingly: the reverse of
the process that enabled you to produce
enough milk in the early days. You will
probably find it takes two or three days for
your body to catch up with the babys decrease
in demand and your breasts may feel rather
full, but this transition period only lasts for a
couple of days or so.
You can now begin to enrich the simple fruit
and vegetable pures with vegetarian protein
ingredients. Any of the following can be added.
Orange lentils made into a thick soup make
a wonderfully nutritious meal for a baby.
Serve as it is or with a little crustless
wholegrain bread mashed into it, or make the
soup extra thick and add to a vegetable pure.
Beans such as soya, red kidney, cannellini
or butter beans can be cooked thoroughly and
mashed into a pure. Use home-cooked or
canned ones but, if using the latter, ensure
they are rinsed properly to remove the salted
water. Dont give canned beans to a baby
younger than eight months.
Beans in tomato sauce make a nutritious
meal from eight months onwards. Choose a
variety without preservatives or colourings;
although they will probably still contain a little
sugar and salt, these remain a nutritious food.
Mash or pure them. Can be mixed with
crumbled wholegrain bread and a little boiled
water to moisten.
Tofu can be drained and mashed
thoroughly, then mixed with vegetable or
fruit pures.
Tahini or peanut butter can be mixed a little
at a time into fruit or vegetable pures.
1
2 a
teaspoonful should be enough to start off
with. Choose or make a smooth peanut butter
without salt or additives. (Peanut butter
should never be given directly on its own as it
can cause choking.)
Yeast extract can be added
1
4 teaspoon
at a time to vegetable pure. Use a low-
sodium extract.
Brewers yeast (a debittered one) can be
sprinkled sparingly say
1
4 teaspoonful over
a babys vegetable pure or breakfast muesli
mix. It can also be added to mashed banana-
and-soya yoghurt mix.
Finely milled nuts and seeds (milled in a
food processor or clean electric coffee grinder
or bought ready ground) can be stirred into
fruit or vegetable pures, starting with
1
2
teaspoonful. If youre grinding your own, use a
variety of nuts: almonds, Brazil nuts, peanuts,
walnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Wheatgerm can be sprinkled over fruit or
vegetable pures and added to cereal mixes
and yoghurt for splendid nourishment.
Yoghurt an active, plain soya yoghurt
without preservatives can be added to fruit
pures or given with a sprinkling of
wheatgerm or powdered nuts. It can be
mashed with banana, wheatgerm, a little
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 27
What you eat both before and
during pregnancy has a dramatic
effect on your babys health not
only during the early years but
right through into adulthood.
Choosing a good vegetarian or vegan diet is
not only safe but ensures that vitamins such
as folic acid, vital for early development of the
foetus are provided. A well-balanced
vegetarian or vegan diet is a fabulous way of
feeding babies and young children too
giving them the healthiest start in life.
Amanda Woodvine MSc, nutritionist
S
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tahini and some powdered nuts to make a
quick baby meal.
Once the baby is taking these solids happily,
you can give an enriched vegetable pure as a
main course, followed by a fruit pure,
yoghurt or cereal-based mixture as a
pudding. You can also begin introducing
solids before the other main feeds of the day,
so that eventually the feeds that correspond to
breakfast, lunch and dinner are composed
entirely of solids. You will also find that, as
your baby gets used to the texture of solid
food, there is no need to be so particular
about pureing the food. In fact, it is good to
get used to a bit of texture in food at this
stage. We soon found we only needed to mash
food for our babies, although we have heard of
babies who were more fussy.
You will gradually be able to drop first one
milk feed and then another so that by the time
the baby is around nine months old, the
bedtime feed may well be the only one left. Do
not be in a hurry to wean the baby from the
bliss of this; it is important for the closeness
to you and the emotional satisfaction that
sucking gives. Many babies have
spontaneously given up on the bedtime feed
by the time they are one year old, but many
have not.
There are those who believe you shouldnt
encourage feeding during the night after, say,
six months, when the baby probably doesnt
need it for nourishment. Your baby may just
be acquiring an enjoyable habit that may
eventually drive you to distraction. Other
childcare experts disagree with this and our
view is that, if a child cries for food and the
loving comfort of his or her parents
closeness, then it is better to meet that need,
even though it can be demanding. But it does
pass and contributes very much to the childs
emotional security, both at the time and in
later life.
Some people believe that when you start to
give solid food is the time to wean a baby
from the breast to the bottle. We dont see
any point in this unless you want to stop
breastfeeding. If your baby is happy and all is
going well, it seems better to continue
breastfeeding for the few remaining months.
However, once your baby has given up all the
daytime feeds, you might like to give a bottle
for the final feed so that you can be free to go
out in the evenings.
At this stage, particularly if the baby is
teething, you can introduce some finger foods.
Your baby may find it comforting to chew on
something hard: a piece of apple, raw carrot,
bread or rusk but never leave a baby alone
with this type of food because of the danger of
choking. If anything does get stuck in your
babys throat, be ready to hook it out quickly
with your finger or turn your baby upside down
and smack gently in the small of the back.
Suggested Feeding
Pattern from Six to Eight
Months Old
On waking: Breast or bottle-feed.
Breakfast: Baby rice, muesli cereal or
enriched fruit pure; breast
or bottle-feed
Mid-morning: Diluted real-fruit juice from a
spoon or cup (or give this
mid-afternoon)
Lunch: 1-2 tablespoons enriched
vegetable pure, or lentil
pure, followed by some fruit
pure (optional)
Mid-afternoon: Diluted real-fruit juice from a
spoon or cup (unless this was
given in the morning)
Finger foods: Slices of apple, carrot, whole
wheat rusk
Dinner: Same as breakfast; breast or
bottle-feed
Before bed: Breast or bottle-feed
28 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
If your baby takes well to solids, you will quite
soon find that she will easily and naturally eat
a little of what you, as a family, are having.
The main thing to watch (apart from avoiding
sugar, salt, caffeine,
deep fried foods,
additives and eggs to
under twos) is that the
babys portion is not
too highly seasoned.
Sometimes its
possible to take out a
small quantity for the
baby before adding
spices and
seasonings.
If your baby gets
used to trying new
flavours, it will make
it possible for you to
eat out with friends
or in a restaurant.
Simply select a
suitably unspiced or
lightly seasoned dish
from the menu and mash the babys portion
with a fork.
At this stage you may need to consider the
amount of fibre your baby is getting. Since a
vegetarian or vegan diet is naturally high
in fibre, which facilitates the passage of
food through the intestines, its important
for the baby to have some concentrated
sources of nourishment
each day as
well, such as
powdered nuts,
yeast and yeast
extract
(unsalted),
tahini, peanut
butter or soya
yoghurt. If the
diet becomes too
laxative, it can
cause a very sore
bottom and reduce
the amount of
nutrients being
absorbed. It is
advisable to give a
bread that is lower
in fibre than
wholegrain. Try
wheatgerm bread or,
if this is still too fibrous, buy a 50:50 or an
enriched white one. Try a higher fibre bread
again when the baby is a little older.
Suggested Feeding
Pattern from Eight or
Nine Months On
At this stage, between nine months and a
year, your baby will probably have an eating
plan that goes something like this:
On waking: Water or diluted real-fruit
juice from a cup
Breakfast: Muesli or oatmeal; toast or
bread with low-sodium
yeast extract
Mid-morning: Diluted real-fruit juice
Lunch: Mashed nut or legume
savoury with vegetables; fruit
pure and cereal pudding or
fruit with yoghurt. Water
Mid-afternoon: Diluted real-fruit juice; finger
foods apple, carrot, pear,
wholewheat rusk
Dinner: Bread with nut butter, yeast
extract or lentil spread or
lentil soup with bread; carrot
sticks, pieces of raw
cucumber, slices of apple;
fruit with soya yoghurt or
cereal pudding
Before bed: Breast or bottle-feed
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 29
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Dont worry if your child really does
not like some foods; you can
usually find another source of
the same nutrients. Its better
to stick to foods that you know
will go down well and avoid a
battle of wills.
All children will go through
the stage when they learn the
power of the word no! If this veto
is used over food you may be
able to nip it in the bud by
offering a choice of two
equally nutritious items
instead of one that they
can veto.
Encourage your
toddler to feed herself
from an early age. Yes, its
horribly messy but a
sensible bib the plastic
ones with pockets that catch
spilled foods are good and
some kind of easily washed
covering on the floor under the
babys chair will cope with most
disasters.
Dont worry if your toddler eats
the foods in the wrong order or
mixes things up (after all, thats part
of the fun, spoilsport!) and
dont set too high a
standard. The toddler will
enjoy being independent
and competence will grow
with practice. Youll bless
it in the end!
If theres a problem over
food, the secret is not to
get emotional about it. It
simply isnt worth making an
issue over food or allowing
difficult situations to develop. In
fact, as in all things
concerning your child, its
your relationship with him
or her thats most
important. This is what
youre building up and what
will endure long after
youve forgotten the horrors
of broken nights, food fads
and puddles on the carpet!
Always put your relationship
first, before a spotless house,
before rigid timetables, before
battles over food, and you will be
rewarded by the deepening bond of
understanding and companionship that will
develop between you.
Lesley Jeavons
Aidan, pictured at
six months
Apart from a few weeks of morning sickness, I
had a perfectly wonderful healthy pregnancy. I
felt great and was fit enough to work right up to
my due date!
I thought that my midwife would give me a
hard time for being vegan so when I went to see
her I was armed with facts from this Mother and
Baby Guide. Instead she was supportive and
pleased that I knew about nutrition.
Aidan weighed 71b 2oz at birth. He is totally
healthy and gained weight rapidly. Up until four
months his sole food was breast milk, though
when we weaned him he had a varied healthy
diet and has
taken to it like a
duck to water.
Im convinced
that a vegan diet
is the most
natural and
healthy for me
and my precious
baby and I
wouldnt
consider giving
Aidan anything
less. I
wholeheartedly
recommend a
vegan diet to anyone. What better natural start
could you give your child?
30 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
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Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 31
Week One
LUNCH DINNER
Monday
Tofu Potato Cakes with Parsley Bread with almond butter or tahini
Sauce and carrot sticks. dip and slices of tomato.
Segments of orange. Grated apple with soya yoghurt,
Soya milk formula. raisins and wheatgerm.
Soya milk formula.
Tuesday
Very Quick Lentil Soup* with 50% Hummus* with broccoli florets,
wholemeal bread mashed into it. carrot sticks and wholemeal toast.
Slices of tomato. Fresh fruit Slices of apple.
prepared for finger feeding. Soya milk formula.
Soya milk formula.
Wednesday
Pasta in Quick Tomato Sauce* with Reheated Very Quick Lentil Soup*
Parmazano (vegan Parmesan-like and wholemeal roll.
cheese), nutritional yeast flakes Raw broccoli florets.
or ground almonds. Ripe pear slices.
Finely grated apple with a little Soya milk formula.
soya yoghurt.
Soya milk formula.
Thursday
Baked potato mashed with a little Hummus* with fingers of 50%
finely grated vegan cheese or tofu wholemeal toast.
and finely grated carrot. Carrot sticks.
Banana mashed with a little soya Mashed mango.
yoghurt and grated pumpkin seeds. Soya milk formula.
Soya milk formula.
Friday
Leftover Lentil and Broccoli Spicy Beanburger* with watercress
Gratin* (make it for yourself the and carrot sticks.
night before), reheated and Muesli: soya yoghurt mixed with
mashed with skinned tomato. rolled oats, wheatgerm, finely
Soaked dried apricots pured grated apple, raisins, powdered
with soya yoghurt, topped with a pumpkin seeds.
sprinkling of wheatgerm. Soya milk formula.
Saturday
Scrambled Tofu on crumbled Red Kidney Bean and Avocado Salad
50% wholemeal bread with with shredded lettuce and carrots sticks.
shredded watercress. Fingers of 50% wholemeal bread
Segments of orange. with yeast extract.
Slices of apple.
Sunday
Quick Mushroom and Almond Borlotti Beans in Coconut Milk.
Nutmeat*. Bread fingers.
50% wholewheat toast. Apples with Raisins.
Date pure. Soya milk formula.
Soya milk formula.
32 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
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Two-week Menu for Your Baby or Toddlers Lunch and Dinner
V
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Recommended age of baby given
at the start of each recipe
Week Two
LUNCH DINNER
Monday
Broccoli and Potato Soup* with Baby Pasta Bake*.
Nut butter on fingers of 50% Nectarine Dessert.
wholemeal bread. Raw broccoli florets.
Slices of apple. Soya milk formula.
Soya milk formula.
Tuesday
Left-over Pasta Bake*. Tofu & Kidney Bean Sausages with
Pured apple with raisins. Carrot & Butternut Squash Mash
Soya milk formula. and Edamame Beans.
Fresh fruit prepared for finger feeding.
Soya milk formula.
Wednesday
Baby Spinach Pancakes with Cottage Pie with Black Eyed Beans*.
Vegan Cream Cheese*. Banana Bread* with soya yoghurt.
Flapjack* pieces. Ripe pear slices.
Soya milk formula. Soya milk formula.
Thursday
Leftover Cottage Pie* with Macaroni Cheese*.
Black Eyed Beans. Grilled Pineapple Chunks.
Leftover Banana Bread with Soya milk formula.
Soya Yoghurt
Soya milk formula.
Friday
Baked Potato with Butterbean Roasted Vegetables with fusilli pasta.
Hummus. Carrot sticks.
Mango slices. Strawberry Dessert.
Soya milk formula.
Saturday
Mini Pizza Bites*. Easy Lentil Dahl*.
Fruit yoghurt topped with Banana with soya custard.
ground nuts. Slices of apple.
Soya milk formula.
Sunday
Leftover Dahl* with 50% Soft Vegetable Lasagne with Tofu*.
wholewheat toast. Mixed berries with soya yoghurt.
Soya custard with mashed fruit Soya milk formula.
left from the week.
Soya milk formula.
Dishes marked * are suitable for freezing. Only give nuts if not from an
atopic family see Note on Nuts on page 6.
All fruit and vegetables in these dishes should be finely chopped,
unless otherwise stated.
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 33








Recipe photography: Helen Rossiter/Viva!
34 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
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Tofu Potato Cakes with Parsley
Serves 4 | Prep time: 30 mins | Cooking time: 10 mins
Recommended age of child: from one year
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
1 Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with the
margarine and a little soya milk if necessary.
2 Mash the tofu, and then add to the potato, along with the parsley and
pepper to taste.
3 Form the mixture into four flat cakes, coat with flour, then either
brush with oil and grill on both sides or shallow-fry.
4 Drain on kitchen paper.
l 250g/9oz potatoes, peeled and
cut into even-sized chunks
l 15g/oz vegetable margarine
l A little soya milk
l 100g/4oz firm tofu
l 1-2 tbsp chopped parsley
l Finely ground black pepper
l A little flour
l Rapeseed oil
Very Quick Lentil Soup
Very soothing and nourishing as well as an excellent source of iron.
This soup is very popular with babies and was the first soup Rose gave
to her daughter when she was six months old.
Serves 4 | Prep time: 15 mins | Cooking time: 30 mins
Recommended age of child: from six months
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
1 Put the lentils, onion and garlic into a saucepan with 1 litre (1
pints) water.
2 Bring to the boil and then simmer for about 30 minutes, until the
lentils are very tender and pale. Alternatively, cook in a pressure cooker
on high for 5 minutes.
3 Stir well to get a smooth texture. Then add some lemon juice (start
with 1 tablespoon), season as required and serve.
l 225g/8oz split red lentils
l 1 onion, peeled and chopped
l 2 garlic cloves, peeled
and chopped
l 2 tbsp veg margarine
l Juice of half a lemon
l Black pepper
l 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 35
Pasta in Quick Tomato Sauce
A favourite children love. You may need to pure the sauce if your child
doesnt like bits. Use your favourite pasta, eg wholegrain spaghetti or
penne pasta.
Serves 2 | Prep and cooking time: 30 mins
Recommended age of child: from 10 months
Freeze time: the sauce freezes well for 8-10 weeks
1 Put a large pan of water on the hob to heat up for
the pasta. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a
pan, add the onion, then cover and cook
gently for 10 minutes. Add the garlic and
stir for a moment, then add the tomatoes,
chopping them up with a spoon. Leave to
simmer, uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the
liquid has reduced a little.
2 Cook the pasta in the boiling water according
to packet instructions, or for about 8 minutes,
until its al dente, then drain and return to the
pan. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of oil and pepper
to taste.
3 Either mix in the sauce with the pasta and serve, or serve
the pasta onto plates and spoon the sauce over. Top with
Parmazano and/or torn basil.
l 2 tbsp olive oil
l 1 onion, chopped
l 1-2 garlic cloves, chopped
l 400g/14oz can tomatoes
l 1 tbsp tomato pure or
sundried tomato pure
l Pasta, eg 250g/9oz spaghetti
l Ground black pepper
To serve: Parmazano (vegan
Parmesan-like cheese from
most supermarkets) and/or torn
basil leaves
Lentil and Broccoli Gratin
Serves 4 | Prep time: 30 mins | Cooking time: 30-40 mins
Recommended age of child: from 8 months
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
1 Put the lentils into a saucepan with 600ml/1pint water, bring to the boil,
and then let them simmer for 20-30 minutes, until they are soft and pale.
2 Heat half the oil in another pan, add the onion
and ginger and cook for 10 minutes, uncovered
so that it browns a bit, stirring from time to time.
3 Steam the broccoli until it is just tender, then
put it in the base of a shallow gratin dish.
4 Put the lentils into a food processor or
liquidiser, with the onion mixture and the lemon,
and whizz to a smooth pure. It should be the
consistency of double cream; add some water or
milk if it is too thick. Season.
5 Pour the lentil pure evenly over the broccoli.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and remaining oil or
cheese on top (if you use the cheese, you wont
need the extra oil).
6 Put under a moderate grill for about 20
minutes, until the top is brown and the inside
piping hot. Alternatively, bake at 190C/375F/Gas
Mark 5 for 30-40 minutes.
36 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
l 175g/6oz red split lentils
l 4 tbsp olive oil
l 1 large onion, peeled
and chopped
l 2.5cm/1inch piece of fresh
ginger, peeled and grated
l 350g/12oz broccoli, washed,
trimmed, divided into florets
l Juice and grated rind of
1 lemon
l Freshly ground black pepper
l Soft breadcrumbs
l Grated vegan cheese (optional)
Fiona Smithers-Green
Finley, pictured at one day old
When my husband and I discussed having a
baby, the last thing we worried about was my
diet! I have always been 100 per cent
convinced that a vegetarian diet would pose
no problem for conception and pregnancy and
I was right! My son was born a healthy 8lb
13oz and has been thriving ever since. I have
no hesitation in bringing Finley up on a
vegetarian diet. In fact, I would be more
worried about his health if his diet included
meat. A veggie diet supplies every nutritional
need perfectly well and I would recommend
it to everyone.
Spicy Beanburger
Serves 8 | Prep time: 30 mins | Cooking time: 10 mins
Recommended age of child: from one year (but dont make it too spicy!)
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
1 Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6
2 Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large saucepan; add the onion and stir.
Cover and leave to cook over a moderate heat for
5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3 Add the carrot, pepper and garlic and cook for a
further 5 minutes.
4 Stir in the spices, starting with teaspoonful of
chilli powder if youre using it and cook for
1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat.
5 Mash the beans and add to the onion mixture,
together with the breadcrumbs and seasoning to
taste. Mash the mixture together very well at this
stage because this is what holds it together.
6 Divide into eight, form into burgers and coat
with the dried crumbs.
7 Place on an oiled baking sheet and bake
until brown and crisp on one side, then turn
over to cook the other side. Drain on kitchen
paper and serve hot or warm.
l Olive oil
l 1 onion, peeled and chopped
l 1 carrot, peeled and grated
l green pepper, de-seeded
and chopped
l 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
l Hot chilli powder to taste
(optional)
l 1 tsp ground coriander
l 2 x 425g/15oz cans red
kidney beans
l 50g/2oz soft wholemeal
breadcrumbs
l Freshly ground black pepper
l 100g/4oz dried
wholemeal crumbs
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 37
38 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Scrambled Tofu
Serves 2 | Prep time: 5 mins | Cooking time: 7-10 minutes
Recommended age of child: from six months
Freeze time: unsuitable for freezing
1 Remove the tofu from its wrapper and drain all the water out.
2 Add 1 tbsp oil to a pan and heat gently.
3 Crumble in the tofu by hand it should be in small pieces about the
size of peas.
4 Gently fry for a couple of minutes and add some turmeric and a little
salt and pepper.
5 If desired, add chopped cooked veg.
l 1 block firm tofu
l 1 tbsp oil
l Turmeric (mild-tasting yellow
spice watch you dont get it on
clothes as it stains! Its available
in all supermarkets, health and
Indian stores)
l Pepper
Kate Melvin
Identical twins
Hamish & Angus,
now 5 years
Being vegan yourself is one thing. Some
people admire and understand you, others tell you that
you are extreme! Bringing up vegan babies is a whole different ball game.
For a few people this is a step too far and you are being irresponsible by
inflicting your beliefs on your children. However, it then equally applies that
meat eaters are inflicting their dietary habits on their kids! As a vegan
couple we were happy to bring up our twins, Hamish and Angus, as vegan.
As a vegan of 13 years I enjoyed a relaxed and trouble-free pregnancy.
Not only did I stay very active and healthy, but, much to the amazement of
the health professionals, I carried our babies for the full 40 weeks, (unusual
for twins)! Angus was 6lbs 11oz and Hamish 7lbs 4oz, which for twins is
fantastic (the average is 3lbs).
Hamish and Angus arrived naturally and were breastfed almost
exclusively until I returned to work at five months and for some feeds until
eight months. Soya formula milk wasnt difficult to get hold of and they both
thrived on it. At the start of weaning we used potatoes, vegetables and fruits
but the biggest hit was porridge each morning. I gradually introduced lentils
in soups and beans mashed up as well as foods such as ground seaweed,
tahini, yeast extract, hazelnut oil, dried fruits etc. Their favourite was
avocado and rice.
I was initially worried that I might not be able to provide all the
nourishment they needed but as time went on I realised they are fully
nourished, energetic boys. Their developmental review at seven months
confirmed that they were advanced for their age, so I neednt have
worried and I would have no hesitation in recommending a vegan diet to
anyone. Hamish and Angus are living proof that a vegan diet is not only
perfectly safe but a healthy alternative to one full of animal proteins,
hormones and fats.
My sons are strong, intelligent, lively, happy boys.
Hummus
Although you can buy delicious hummus, its usually too salty for toddlers.
However its easy to make your own, and worth it if you eat a lot of it. To
make enough for two adults, drain a 425g can of chickpeas, reserving the
liquid. Put the chickpeas into a food processor with 1-2 crushed or grated
garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons pale tahini, a tablespoon of lemon juice and 4
tablespoons of the reserved liquid. Whizz until smooth. Add more liquid if
you want a thinner mixture. Season as required.
Hummus is great with salad, as a dip with raw vegetables or bread,
or as a filling in sandwiches. Children love it when they get the taste for
it, and its extremely nourishing. You can introduce hummus to your
children from the age of six months onwards but go easy on the garlic
if giving it to a baby. (See alternative version on page 50.)
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 39
Quick Mushroom and
Almond Nutmeat
Prep time: 20 mins | Cooking time: 15 mins
Recommended age of child: from one year
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
l 150ml/5fl oz boiling water
l 1 tsp yeast extract
l 4 slices of wholemeal bread, crusts removed
l 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
l 2 tbsp oil
l 125g/4oz button mushrooms, washed and sliced
l 125g/4oz almonds, finely grated in a coffee mill or
use ground almonds
l 1 tbsp soya sauce
l 1 tbsp lemon juice
l Pepper
l Chopped parsley and lemon wedges, to serve
1 Put the boiling water, yeast extract and bread into a bowl. Leave on
one side.
2 Fry the onion in the oil for 7 minutes, browning lightly, then add the
mushrooms and fry for 3 minutes more.
3 Stir in the bread and water mixture, the almonds, soya sauce, lemon
juice and seasoning. Mix gently, then cook for a few minutes longer to
heat everything through.
4 Serve, sprinkled with chopped parsley and garnished with lemon
wedges. Some fingers of hot wholewheat toast are pleasant with this if
you want a crisp texture to contrast.
40 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Borlotti Beans in
Coconut Milk
Serves 4 | Prep time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins
Recommended age of child: from one year
Freeze time: unsuitable for freezing
l 2 tbsp vegetable oil
l 1 onion, finely chopped
l 2 x 425g/15oz can borlotti beans
l 400g/13oz canned chopped tomatoes
l 400g/13oz can of coconut milk
l 1 tsp turmeric
l Pinch chilli powder
l Freshly ground black pepper
l A little chopped fresh coriander
1 Heat the oil in a saucepan: put in the onion
and cook gently for 10 minutes. Add the
beans, mashing them a bit, then stir in the
tomatoes, coconut, turmeric and chilli powder.
2 Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until well-heated
through, then season to taste and serve,
sprinkled with chopped coriander.
Apple with Raisins
Melt 25g/1oz vegetable margarine in a heavy-
bottomed saucepan and add 900g/2lb sweet
eating apples, such as Coxs, and 50g/2oz
raisins or chopped cooking dates (not sugar
rolled). Stir, cover and cook gently for about
10 minutes, or until the apples are soft. Stir
from time to time to prevent it burning.
In this recipe the dried fruits add nutrients
(iron and B vitamins) as well as sweetness, so
that little or no extra sweetening is needed. If
this is sieved or pured after cooking, it
makes an excellent dessert for babies. To
freeze, allow to cool quickly, spoon into a
suitable covered container and place in the
freezer. Before use, leave to thaw for several
hours at room temperature, then either heat
gently or serve cold.
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 41
Broccoli and
Potato Soup
Serves 4 | Prep time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 30 mins
Recommended age of child: from one year
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
l 2 tbsp olive oil
l 1 onion
l 1 clove garlic, crushed
l 1 head broccoli, separated into florets
l 200g/7oz potatoes, peeled and cubed
l 1 leek, thinly sliced
l 550ml/20fl oz vegetable stock (using low-
salt stock cube)
1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the
onion and garlic and fry on a medium heat
until soft.
2 Add the broccoli, potatoes and leek and
keep stirring for a couple of minutes to brown
them off.
3 Add the stock, bring to the boil, then cover
and turn down to simmer for 30 mins.
4 Blend before serving if you prefer a
smoother soup.
5 Serve with 50% wholemeal bread buttered
with peanut or another nut butter.
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Nectarine Dessert
Serves 4 | Prep time: 5 mins
Recommended age of child: from 4 months
Freeze time: unsuitable for freezing
1 Combine all ingredients except for the seeds in a large mixing bowl and blend until smooth,
using a hand blender, or mix in a food processor.
2 Sprinkle the seeds on the top and serve.
l 2 nectarines or peaches, cored and cubed
l 100g/3oz silken tofu
l 1 tbsp agave nectar
l 2 tbsp soya yoghurt
l tsp vanilla essence
l 1 tsp finely milled flaxseeds
42 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Sophie Fenwick-Paul
Zuki, 8 years and
Tatum, 5 years
Both our children, aged 8 and 5, are happy,
healthy and active. They are keen mountain
bikers and skiers, and walk a lot further than
most of their contemporaries! We love and
explore food.
I think all parents have a duty to learn about
nutrition, and most vegan parents certainly do
this. We have aimed to cover everything
including the very small number of things to pay
extra attention to, including ground flaxseed on
cereal every day for omega-3 and ensuring
enough B12.
Kids easily understand why going vegan is a
good idea when given basic facts about animal
farming in a non-gory way. By three years old
they really get their heads around it, taking a bit
longer to understand that not everyone follows
this logic!
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 43
Baby Pasta Bake
Serves 6-8 | Prep time: 10 mins | Cooking time: 30 mins
Recommended age of child: from one year
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
1 Preheat oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6.
2 Cook the pasta according to packet instructions (takes around 13
mins), drain and set aside when ready.
3 Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables, cutting everything into little
bite-sized pieces.
4 Heat the oil in a medium frying pan and fry the onion and garlic
until soft.
5 Add the rest of the vegetables and fry on a medium heat until
lightly browned.
6 Add pepper to taste.
7 Add the passata and tomato pure to the vegetables and mix in well
so the sauce covers all the pasta.
8 Spoon it all into a large oven-proof dish.
9 Sprinkle the basil on top, followed by the nutritional yeast flakes. You
can use grated vegan cheese instead if you like.
10 Bake for 20 mins or until the top is bubbling and golden.
11 Serve with salad and garlic bread if you like.
l 250g/9oz baby pasta shapes,
eg Fusillini
l 2 tbsp olive oil
l 1 onion, finely chopped
l 1 clove garlic, crushed
l 1 red pepper, finely chopped
l 1 courgette, finely chopped
l small aubergine, chopped
into small cubes
l Black pepper
l 500g/1lb passata
l 1 tbsp tomato pure
l 1 tbsp dried basil or 1 small
handful of fresh basil, chopped
l 4 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
Serves 4 | Prep time: 20 mins
Recommended age of child: from one year
Freeze time: unsuitable for freezing
Sausages
l 150g/5oz firm tofu, crumbled
l 4 tbsp kidney beans (from a can, flavoured
with chilli sauce if possible)
l 1 clove garlic, crushed
l 100g/3oz wholemeal bread crumbs
l 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
l 1 tsp mixed herbs
l 2 tbsp olive oil
Mash
l 600g/1lb 4oz carrots, peeled and sliced
l medium butternut squash, peeled
and cubed
l Dash of soya milk
l 1-2 tbsp vegan margarine (eg Pure) or
olive oil
l Pepper
l 250g/9oz edamame beans
1 Place the tofu and kidney beans in a large
mixing bowl and press down on them
repeatedly with a potato masher so they begin
to break down together as a paste.
2 Add all the remaining sausage ingredients,
mixing in thoroughly with a wooden spoon.
3 Divide the mixture into eight pieces, and
then roll each out on a chopping board into
individual sausages. Put on a plate, cover and
put in the fridge while you prepare the mash.
4 For the mash, place the carrots and butternut
squash in a large pan of slightly salted water,
bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer
for 20 mins until very soft. After 10 mins, cook
the edamame beans according to the packet
instructions.
5 Meanwhile, fry the sausages in the oil, on a
medium heat, for 10 mins, turning regularly.
6 To bring the meal together, drain the
carrot and butternut squash, tip it back into
the pan and mix in the soya milk, margarine
and seasoning. Mash.
7 Serve immediately with the sausages and
low-salt vegetarian gravy, if desired.
44 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Tofu & Kidney Bean Sausages with Carrot & Butternut Squash
Mash and Edamame Beans
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 45
Serves 4 | Prep time: 5 mins
Cooking time: 15 mins
Recommended age of child: from six months
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
1 Place all of the ingredients, except the spinach, cream cheese and oil
for frying, in a blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, whisk by
hand until there are no lumps, then add in the chopped spinach.
2 Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan until piping hot. Drain off
any excess (or use a low-calorie spray, as above).
3 Pour 1 tbsp of the batter mixture into the frying pan to make baby
pancakes. Fry on one side for about a minute. Loosen the edges with a
spatula and flip. Fry the flip side for another minute or until done.
4 Remove from the pan and keep warm in the oven on its lowest setting.
5 Add more oil/spray to the pan if and when necessary. Repeat steps 3
to 4 until all of the mixture is used up. Spread a small amount
of vegan cream cheese on each pancake, then serve.
Baby Spinach Pancakes
with Vegan Cream Cheese
l 175ml/6fl oz soya milk
l 175ml/6fl oz water
l 175g/6oz plain flour, sieved
l 2 tbsp chickpea flour (also
known as gram or besan
flour), sieved
l 1 tsp baking powder, sieved
l 1 tbsp sunflower oil
l 100g/3oz chopped spinach
l 2 tsp vegan cream cheese,
eg Tofutti
l Additional oil for frying or
low-calorie spray if using a non-
stick pan
Yolanda Soryl
On the wall from left
to right: Te Koha, 3
years, Neve, 7, Asher,
9 and Ella, 12
I was mightily relieved to find that the
rumours about vegan labours being easier and shorter were true in
my case. Phew! My four vegan babies were all born with beautiful skin,
calm natures and above-average birth weights. Starting solids at around six
months old, their early favourite foods included avocado, nut butters,
banana and toast. Two of my children can be picky about what they eat, but
with the amount of fruit, baked beans, hummus, marmite, soya yogurt and
wholemeal bread that disappears on a daily basis in my house, I have no
worries about their nutritional needs.
They are active and busy children, and their sporting efforts include
representing their schools in athletics, swimming and netball. Other
physical interests include ballet, climbing, badminton, rugby and hockey.
Ella, Asher, Neve and Te Koha are living examples of the benefits of
plant-based nutrition. We never had a doubt that a vegan diet was the best
possible choice for our family.
Serves 4-6 | Prep time: 20-25 mins
Cooking time: 30 mins
Recommended age of child: from one year
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
l 2 tbsp olive oil
l 1 large onion, chopped
l red pepper, chopped
l 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
l 1 medium courgette, chopped in half
lengthways then into semi-circles
l 100g/4oz mushrooms, chopped
l 2 x 425g tins black eyed beans, drained
l 100g/3oz peas
l 2 bay leaves
l 3 tsp basil
l 2 tsp oregano
l 2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes
l 1 tbsp tomato pure
l 2kg/4lb/8oz potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 Fry the onion and red pepper in the oil
until soft.
2 Add the garlic, courgette and mushrooms
and cook until soft.
3 Add the beans, peas and herbs and fry for 4-
5 minutes, stirring constantly.
4 Add the pured and tinned tomatoes, stir well
and simmer for 10 minutes over a low heat.
5 Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of
water to the boil and add in the chopped
potatoes.
6 Boil them gently until tender, then drain and
mash them with a fork. For a creamy texture
add a splash of soya milk or a knob of vegan
margarine.
7 Spoon cottage pie mixture into a large
oven-proof dish, then top with the mashed
potato, smoothing it across the top with a fork
or spatula.
8 Cook at 190C/380F/Gas Mark 5 for 30 mins.
Cottage Pie with Black Eyed Beans
46 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 47
Banana Bread with
Soya Yoghurt
Serves 6-8 | Prep time: 10 mins | Cooking time: 50-60 mins
Recommended age of child: from one year
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
1 Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4 a little lower if using a
fan-assisted oven. Grease a large non-stick loaf tin with low-calorie oil
spray or a light coating of margarine/oil.
2 In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher. Add
the margarine and cream together well.
3 Add the sugar and mix in well.
4 Sieve the flour and baking powder, then add the banana mixture and
stir well.
5 Add the soya milk and vanilla essence a little at a time, mixing in well.
6 Add the dried fruit.
7 Spoon the batter into the loaf tin and cook for 50-60 mins until
cooked through and golden brown on the top. Test after 50 mins, using
a toothpick. It should come out clean if its ready otherwise, put the
cake back in the oven for another 5-10 mins.
8 Leave to cool for a few minutes then turn out onto a wire rack and let
it cool completely.
9 Slice into fingers and serve with a little soya yoghurt to dip it in!
Vanilla flavour works well.
l 3 large, very ripe bananas
l 60g/2oz vegan margarine
l 100g/generous 3oz soft brown
sugar
l 250g/9oz self-raising flour
l 1 tsp baking powder
l 1 tsp vanilla essence
l 5 tbsp soya milk or other non-
dairy milk
l 2-3 tbsp chopped dates or
other chopped fruit of your choice
l Pot of soya yoghurt
48 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Flapjack
Serves: Makes 16 bars | Prep time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 10-20 mins
Recommended age of child: from one year
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
l 2 tbsp golden syrup or use 3 tbsp agave syrup
l 1 tbsp light brown sugar
l 1 tbsp vegan margarine (eg Pure, Suma,
Vitaquell, Biona)
l 200g/7oz porridge oats
1 Melt the syrup, sugar and margarine
together in a pan over a gentle heat.
2 When thoroughly melted, mix in the oats
and press the mixture into an oiled cake tin
an 8 inch square tin does well.
3 Bake in the oven for 10-20 minutes at
190C/380F/Gas Mark 5 or until just
beginning to brown.
4 Cut lines into the cake while still warm.
Cool and break into bars.
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 49
Macaroni Cheese
Serves 4 | Prep time: 5 mins | Cooking time: 15-20 mins
Recommended age of child: from 10 months
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
1 Bring a medium saucepan of water to the boil and cook the pasta
according to the packet instructions.
2 Meanwhile, for the sauce, heat the oil in a small saucepan and add
the onions and garlic. Fry until they start to lightly brown.
3 Stir in the margarine then add the flour gradually, mixing with a
wooden spoon for several minutes so it melts and forms a smooth paste.
4 Gradually stir in the soya milk, a little at a time, so any lumps can be
smoothed out.
5 Add the yeast flakes and tahini.
6 Keep on a low heat and keep
stirring while the sauce thickens.
7 When the macaroni is
cooked, drain it and spoon
into a bowl to serve. Pour
over the sauce then mix in
thoroughly.
8 Serve immediately, or
alternatively top with
grated vegan cheese and
grill to brown off the top.
9 Other topping ideas
include sliced tomato,
herbs, and bread crumbs.
l 250g/9oz macaroni
l 1 tbsp vegetable oil
l onion, finely chopped
l 1 clove garlic, crushed
l 1 tbsp vegan margarine
l 1 tbsp flour
l 250ml/8fl oz soya milk
l 2 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
l 1 tbsp light tahini
Serves 4 | Prep time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins
Recommended age of child: from six months
Freeze time: unsuitable for freezing
l 250g/9oz Fusilli or baby pasta shapes
such as fusillini
l 4 tbsp olive oil
l aubergine, chopped
l 1 courgette, chopped
l 1 red or yellow pepper, chopped
l 2 tomatoes, chopped
1 Preheat oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6.
2 Bring a medium saucepan of water to the
boil and cook the pasta according to the
packet instructions.
3 Put the vegetables into a large oven dish
and pour the oil over them, mixing with a
spoon so everything gets a coating.
4 Cook in the oven for 30-40 mins or until the
vegetables are soft and browning.
5 When the pasta is cooked, drain it, then
place back in the saucepan and cover to keep
warm until the vegetables are ready.
6 Serve the roasted vegetables over the pasta.
Nice with a spoon of hummus on the side.
Butterbean
Hummus
Prep time: 10 minutes
Recommended age of child: from 6 months
Freeze time: not suitable for freezing
l 425g/15oz tin butterbeans, drained
l 1 tbsp light tahini paste
l 2 tbsp olive oil
l 1 clove garlic, crushed
l Juice of lemon
1 Place all the ingredients into a mixing bowl
and blend with hand blender. Alternatively,
blend in a food processor. To thin the texture,
add a small splash of soya milk or soya yoghurt.
Roasted Vegetables with Fusilli Pasta
50 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Kat Macmillan
Lucas, 6 years and
Jed, 4 years
My sons have
been veggie since
birth they are
very healthy and
thrive on sport!
They are great
fun and enjoy life
to the max. I find
it easy to give
them a
balanced,
healthy and
delicious diet
and we
wouldnt have it
any other way.
Strawberry Dessert
Serves 4 | Prep time: 5 mins
Recommended age of child: from four months
Freeze time: unsuitable for freezing
l 200g/7oz strawberries
l 200g/7oz silken tofu
l 1 tbsp agave nectar
1 Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix
until smooth with a hand blender. Serve in
little pots.
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 51
Mini Pizza Bites
Serves 4 | Prep time: 5 mins
Cooking time: 10 mins
Recommended age of child: from one year
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
l 4 large white pitta breads, or 8 mini pittas
l 4 tbsp passata
l 2 tbsp tomato pure
l red pepper, finely chopped
l courgette, finely chopped
l 2 mushrooms, finely chopped
l 4 tbsp grated vegan cheese
l 1 tsp mixed herbs
1 Mix the passata and tomato pure
together in a small bowl, then spread
the mixture over each pitta bread
evenly using a pallet knife.
2 Sprinkle the chopped vegetables on
the top, followed by the vegan cheese
and herbs.
3 Grill under a medium heat for around 10
mins, or until the pizzas are browning
and the vegetables have
softened. If a little dry,
drizzle with some olive oil.
There is a reason that the most esteemed
pediatrician of all time, Dr Benjamin Spock,
recommended that all children be raised
without exposure to meat and dairy. Not only
does saturated animal fat contribute to the
leading killers in the Western world, but it
accumulates industrial pollutants such as
dioxins, PCBs, and pesticides. By
eating as low as possible on the food
chain a plant-based diet we can
start our children off right with the
lowest toxic burden.
Dr Michael Greger, NutritionFacts.org
52 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 53
Easy Lentil Dahl
Serves 4-6 | Prep time: 5 mins
Cooking time: 30 mins
Recommended age of child: from six months
Freeze time: 8-10 months
l 1 cup red lentils
l 3 cups water (add more during cooking
time if you prefer more runny dahl)
l 1cm/ inch cube fresh ginger, grated
l 1 tsp cumin seeds
l 2 cloves garlic, crushed
l Juice of lemon
1 Wash the lentils well in a sieve.
2 Put in a pan with the water.
3 Bring to the boil, then add the ginger.
4 In the meantime, dry roast cumin seeds in a
non-stick frying pan.
5 Add the garlic to the cumin seeds and allow
to brown, stirring to make sure neither burns.
6 Add to the dahl.
7 Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the lentils
are soft.
8 Add lemon juice to taste.
54 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
Serves 4 | Prep time: 20 mins
Cooking time: 30 mins
Recommended age of child: from one year
Freeze time: 8-10 weeks
l 2 tbsp olive oil
l large onion or 1 small onion
l 1 clove garlic, crushed
l 1 red pepper, chopped
l 100g/3oz mushrooms, chopped
l 440g/1lb jar of tomato-based pasta sauce
(most plain supermarket sauces are vegan,
just watch for cheese)
l 150g/ 5oz firm tofu, sliced
l 1 packet ready-to-use lasagne sheets
(ensuring it is not egg pasta)
White sauce
l 1 tbsp vegetable oil
l onion, finely chopped
l 1 clove garlic, crushed
l 1 tbsp vegan margarine
l 1 tbsp flour
l 250ml/8fl oz soya milk
l 2 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
l 1 tbsp light tahini
1 Preheat oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6.
2 Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Fry
the garlic and onions until browning.
3 Add the peppers and mushrooms and
continue to cook on a medium heat until soft.
4 Set the vegetables aside when they are
cooked and mix in the jar of sauce.
5 For the white sauce, heat the oil in a small
saucepan and add the onions and garlic. Fry
until they start to lightly brown.
6 Stir in the margarine, before adding the
flour gradually, stirring with a wooden spoon
for several minutes so it melts to form a
smooth paste.
7 Then gradually stir in the soya milk, a little
at a time, so any lumps can be smoothed out.
8 Add in the yeast flakes and tahini.
9 To construct the lasagne, grease a loaf tin or
rectangular oven dish, then spoon in half the
tomato and vegetable mixture.
10 Place a lasagne sheet on the top, then a
couple of slices of tofu.
11 Repeat the layers one more time, finishing
by spooning the white sauce over the final
sheet of lasagne and tofu.
12 Cook for 30-40 minutes or until the
lasagne is bubbling and browning and a knife
goes easily through all the layers, ensuring
the pasta is cooked.
Soft Vegetable Lasagne with Tofu
When I was pregnant with Jack I had lots of
questions whirring round my head. What
precisely is a healthy diet? Should I eat
more, if so how much? Is breastfeeding
easy? How do I do it?! Are there non-dairy
formulas? When should I wean? What
should I wean my baby onto to ensure he is
healthy? The Vegetarian and Vegan Mother
and Baby Guide gave me all the answers in
a very accessible way, as well as lovely
weaning ideas and toddler recipes. I cant
recommend it enough.
Wendy Turner Webster, TV presenter
Vegetarian & Vegan Mother & Baby Guide
Viva! & VVF 2011. 2.95
ISBN 978-0-9561093-2-3
VVF is a registered charity 1037486
ISBN 978-0-9561093-2-3
9 780956 109323
2.95
Women in pregnancy who want the best diet
for themselves, for their developing baby and
for their young children will find the
Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
an excellent and safe guide to healthy
vegetarian and vegan food.
Dr Peter Simmons, GP
The Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby
Guide contains a wealth of practical
information covering all aspects of vegetarian
and vegan pregnancies and how to bring your
baby up on a meat-free diet. It includes a daily
nutrient guide, essential nutrients for mums-
to-be and the practicalities of breast feeding.
Best vegetarian foods for weaning, survival
tips and a discussion on formula feeds are
also covered. A truly invaluable guide.
Amanda Woodvine MSc, Nutritionist
An easy-to-read source of sensible,
accurate information with wonderful
recipes. Following the advice in this
guide will help to ensure a healthy
pregnancy and robust offspring. I endorse
it wholeheartedly!
Dr David Ryde, GP and Fellow of the Royal
College of General Practice
Includes
14 day menu and
recipes for older
babies, toddlers
and you

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