A parent's guide to vegetarianism

Whatever the motivation, excluding meat from the diet could have nutritional risks for a young child but, with careful attention and planning, a healthy balanced diet can be achieved.

Will a vegetarian weaning diet be dangerous for my baby?

There is no reason why a meat-free weaning diet cannot be perfectly healthy for a baby or young child. By six months, babies' iron stores start to become depleted, so offer iron-rich alternatives to meat at least once a day, building up to twice. Examples include tofu, beans, lentils, chick peas, houmous, fortified breakfast cereals and dark green vegetables. After a year, if you are worried about your child's eating, you could give a 'growing up milk', which will be fortified with iron. A vegan diet, free from all animal products, is not recommended for babies.

How will a vegetarian diet affect my child's health?

Vegetarian diets are in many ways healthier than those containing meat. However, there is a risk of iron deficiency if the diet is unbalanced. There is some evidence to show that iron deficiency can lead to poor growth, poorer intellectual performance and behaviour difficulties. Vitamin D, found in mainly oily fish, dairy products and eggs, is important for bone health. Some parts of the UK have seen recent increases in the child bone disorder rickets, usually a result of vitamin D deficiency. Children who do not eat any animal products can obtain vitamin D from fortified breakfast cereals, margarine, butter and sunlight. If your child does not eat fish (especially oily types) they may be lacking in essential omega-3 fats important for brain development and longer-term heart health. Fish-free sources should be included in the diet to prevent any risk of deficiency - for example, rapeseed oil, ground walnuts or almonds, pumpkin seeds and green leafy vegetables such as spinach.

How can I teach my child to eat healthily while avoiding meat?

The best way to encourage a healthy diet in children is to eat healthily yourself. By setting a good example you can help to establish a positive attitude towards food and eating in your child. Encourage your child to help in the kitchen and get them involved in cooking and preparing meals. Even a two-year-old will love to wash vegetables, wipe down tabletops and mix salad. Exposing children to a wide range of foods from an early age will encourage them to eat a varied diet that is so important for a vegetarian.

Should I give my child supplements?

It is always better to obtain nutrients from a varied balanced diet, rather than from supplements which can be expensive as well as unnecessary. However, it is recommended that under-fives receive a daily supplement of vitamin D. This is because only a few foods contain this nutrient. If your child does not eat oily fish, you may decide to give an omega-3 supplement, but choose one that is specifically designed for the age of your child. If your child is a vegan, vitamin B12 and calcium supplements may also be necessary, but you should to talk to a dietitian about your child's specific requirements.

I am vegetarian and breastfeeding - is this a problem?

Not at all, although you should ensure your diet contains plenty of iron, essential fats and vitamin D, especially if you avoid fish as well as meat. Vitamin C maximises iron absorption from food, so have a glass of pure orange juice and some fruit at mealtimes. Also, ensure you eat plenty of pulses and dark green vegetables, and dried fruit would make an excellent iron-rich snack in between feeds. For essential fats such as omega 3s, which are found predominantly in fish oils, try to include flaxseeds or linseeds, rapeseed oil and a variety of nuts and seeds in your daily diet. The Department of Health recommends a supplement of vitamin D for all breastfeeding women, and their own Healthy Start Vitamins for Women are now available from local chemists.