Veggie Blog

Book Description:
An all-new edition of America’s favorite guide to bringing up baby as a vegetarian, this book incorporates all the latest information to answer questions and lay to rest any lingering doubts about a vegetarian regimen for infants.

What is this book about?

The description presents it as an all-new edition of a guide to bringing up a baby as a vegetarian.

Who is the author?

The title credits Sharon Yntema as the author.

What can readers expect to find inside?

It says the book includes the latest information to answer questions and “lay to rest any lingering doubts” about a vegetarian regimen for infants. The description does not list the individual topics.

Summary of the book description only, not medical advice.

What should I know about feeding infants and young children before reading?

Feeding a baby is a decision to make with your paediatrician or a registered dietitian. General guidance says that early nutrition matters: the WHO healthy diet fact sheet says optimal nutrition in the first two years fosters healthy growth and development and that breastfeeding supports it.

The nutrient most often raised for plant-based families is vitamin B12. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet on vitamin B12 warns that babies of strict vegetarian or vegan mothers might not get enough, which is a reason to discuss supplements and monitoring with a health professional.

Iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D and enough energy also deserve attention, and choking hazards such as whole nuts need care. A doctor can advise on growth checks, supplements and when to introduce solid foods. Introduce one new food at a time so that any reaction is easy to spot. Keep meals relaxed and let the child set the pace.

Mashed and soft finger foods are common early foods, but timing and textures vary, so follow your health professional’s guidance. Never leave a young child alone while eating, and cut round foods such as grapes lengthwise.

Related reading on this blog: Diet and Fitness: How Carbs, Fat and Protein Fit Together and Vitamins and Your Health: Do You Need a Supplement?

Book: New Vegetarian Baby by Sharon Yntema
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