Can babies be vegan?

I am now taking vitamin B12 shots so I know you have to eat meat you can’t just feed a baby whatever you feel like you need to speak of this with your pediatrician if you don’t it could be considered abuse

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She’s right. Stop forcing your lifestyle choices onto you kids.

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This is something you should be discussing with her pediatrician

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Best to talk to a paediatrician. Be mindful that every child is different so even if the Paed says it’s ok, it might not be ok for your child, so it’s something you’ll have to accept if that happens. It’s important to have a healthy relationship with food. Strict healthy eating to the point of getting upset over the occasional ‘cheat’ food is considered an eating disorder.

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Talk to a pediatrician.

I personally would be concerned as someone with serious anaphylaxis allergies… If they’re not exposed to certain foods, will they have serious side affects later? I’m not trying to bash or be ignorant, just curious :woman_shrugging:

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The people saying wait til there older and they can make the decision- by giving the baby meat that is makig a decision for them. I’ve known many healthy vegetarian babies, I havnt met any vegan ones though. But I could imagine with a the right balance it would be fine. I’d suggest talking to a pedestrian about how to navigate. If your already began I’m sure you’ve researched the food you need to give you the nutrients that meat would have, that’s all you’d need to do for baby.
I’m not a vegan but our baby won’t be drinking cow’s milk and some have told me that’s stupid others say there plenty of alternatives. I’ve noticed when it comes to babies some people have really strong opinions and wont look at any alternative l, which I think is why you have so much negativity on this post.

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Yea it’s wrong do what you want don’t do the baby like that

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Talk to your doctor, don’t take advice from people. People feed their kids chicken nuggets at every meal and that’s not illegal :woman_shrugging:t3:

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Speak to your doctor first

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My good friend is vegan, she has three kids… they were fed mostly vegetarian until they were old enough to choose… I think like 4 or 5. They were all healthy and are all great eaters. Just important to make sure they are getting all their vitamins. Being vegan is not a crime it is a choice just note that some will feed your baby meat and non vegan things behind your back and your poor little one will have tummy troubles because of it

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i feel like you shouldn’t do the whole vegan thing with the baby and wait tell they grow up and then explain that that’s the lifestyle you chose and introduce them to it but don’t force it on them

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My 2 yo is vegan… He refuses any type of meat and thats his choice… If he wants meat when he is older then that’s fine, your mother in law sounds over bearing… I’d be having as little contact with her if she’s throwing those types of threats around!

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She can not take your child.If your doctor has no concerns,then I wouldn’t worry about it.In fact,I’d tell her to mind her business and if she keeps threatening you with this,she will not longer be seeing your child.This is your child.Just be sure to look into some good baby vitamins

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Uh, that’s not healthy for a baby. They need the nutrients from all the food groups.

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Talk to your pediatrician.

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I’m not gonna lie to you I don’t know much about veganism. No judgment from me but I do recommend talking to the pediatrician before going fully vegan for the baby. But personally I would wait until your baby is at least a year old and has a more developed stomach.

Ps tell your mother in law to take a chill pill….she really sounds like she needs a Xanax. Your baby’s diet is only decided by you, your baby’s father (your husband), and the pediatrician. You are the ones who will know what’s best for your baby. Not your mother in law. Who knows maybe the baby will already be used to all the foods that you ate during your pregnancy and take to veganism without any issues.

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I say talk to your doctor if it’s no concern then do what you want. When the baby gets older I say let them chose what they want to do. My youngest is 10 and he refuses to eat any red meat and only eats chicken and that’s only sometimes. He mostly eats vegetables

I think you should feed the baby normal baby food to get her nutrients up etc (speak to the drs too) and let your child decide if she wants to be vegan or not instead of basically choosing that lifestyle for her as she may not want to be and as bad as it sounds you don’t want her resenting you or dad for taking her rights to choose away from her

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I Agree With Your Mom

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There was actually a couple that went to prison in my hometown because their baby died from not being fed like a baby is supposed to. These people were making the baby vegan too. Vegan is more than just not eating meat…its no animal products at all which includes milk and formula…and that’s why that baby died.

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I agree with her. People making their animals vegan, ridiculous. Poor cats a dogs.

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Talk to your pediatrician. My daughter wouldn’t touch meat when she was small,then she went through a phase where she refused everything but butter lettuce,avocados & carrots. Let your child’s choices for what they want guide you,within reason

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Well certainly if she were to “take” your baby it wouldn’t grow up with healthy communication skills :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

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You better talk to her doctor. You can’t just make that choice!

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Uh yeah I agree with your mom. It’s one thing for you and your husband to choose to be vegan. You shouldn’t force it onto your child… Could lead to resentment from her in the future. Just my opinion though.

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Mmmm I agree with your mom but I don’t know much about it to pass judgement, I would ask your pediatrician

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They need all sources of protein and nutrients to grow. While we can survive being vegan you will notice a lot of vegans lack in essential amnio acids and iron and vit b and d.
If you wish for your child to be vegan like you I would advise speaking to a nutrionist so she can provide you a plan to ensure you ALL get the nutrients you need from a good vegan diet.

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I saw a news before, the girl was like 3yo, if I remmber it right, but her weight was like for 10months old baby and still cant walk because her parents were vegan and she was fed like that too.

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Kids need nutrients from all food groups to be healthy you shouldn’t want your child to be malnourished and sickly all the time.

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Be sure to talk to your doctor about the appropriate supplements as a vegan diet most likely won’t provide your babies full nutritional needs. No different to vegan adults taking supplements like B12. Both my grandchildren were vegan but at 4 and 5 were allowed to choose what they’d like to eat. We don’t want others choosing our eating habits for us and children deserve the same rights. With guidance from your doctor a vegan diet for a baby can work well as long as it’s understood a babies nutritional needs are different to an adults

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This is not the place to ask this, as most people have zero knowledge of veganism.
I’ve been vegan for five years. My son has been vegan his whole life ( he’s 5 ½)
His pediatrician was never concerned.
Humans do not need meat or dairy, we need the nutrients, that naturally come from plant foods.
Make sure your baby gets lots of healthy fats, calcium, and protein.
We also use a b12 spray. There’s a great app I use to track our meals sometimes.
Just be smart about it!
I know lots of omnivores that only feed their children French fries/chicken nuggets/junk. :upside_down_face:

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It’s your choice what your baby eats, but I would definitely speak with your pediatrician and a nutritionist to see what vitamins may need to be added. :heart:

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That’s definitely a question for your kiddos pediatrician.

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You need to speak with a nutritionist qualified to give you accurate advice

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I also agree with your mother-in-law.

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Definitely talk to your child’s doctor before deciding

Is she breastfed? I’d talk to a paediatrician to see what your options are. X

Oh lawd…do what’s best for your family under the watchful eye of your pediatrician and nutritionist and not a bias one.

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False it’s not the healthiest you guys do have to take supplements

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Maybe until the baby is 12mo old, but past that definitely not. If you’re planning on forcing veganism on a growing child your mil has every right to be upset.

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Talk to your child’s doctor and follow their guidance as far as nutrition. But if she is threatening to take your child for the way you choose to raise it then cut that woman off.

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I was vegan during my last pregnancy, I delivered a healthy 8.5 lb baby boy. I was a vegan when I exclusively breastfed him for 16 months, when he started eating real food and not just my milk he was vegan. He was born, thrived and grew healthy as vegan infant/child. Focus on variety in her diet, smoothies are an amazing way to get nutrient into a young growing child. Definitely be aware of what she is eating when she gets there and be open and honest with her doctor, but as long as she is growing on her curve and thriving then you’re doing amazing. Babies, kids and adults can thrive on a vegan diet.
As for everyone saying you can’t “force” veganism on a child… when they are too young to choose their own healthy and balanced food options then YOU as the parent get to make those choices that are best because that is your job. Once she is old enough to understand the diet and make good well rounded decisions about food then absolutely give her the choice, at 8 my son has now chosen of his own accord to not be vegan and I 100% support him. Until I felt he was old enough to make that choice though I decided what was best for him, as a parent that is your job.
Focus on raising and teaching your child about having a good loving and healthy relationship with food, do not worry about what others think as long as you are focusing on the health and happiness and love of your child.

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If a child is allergic to dairy then they would have alternatives and veggies is definitely better than meats. We were never meant to be meat eaters.

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Do what u want with your own child but personally I’d say milk/calcium is important for bone growth hence why we get milk tokens in the UK… maybe vegetarian till they are 10 then vegan :thinking: seams like a good compromise

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Just ask your dr or a pediatrician for advice…

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They need Protein to develop,talk to the Dr

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I’d say grandma should only have supervised visits.
It’s your child and if you believe you can safely feed him/her a vegan diet that’s your right.
MIL might go behind you back and try to feed the baby.
She’s wrong and over stepping

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I know parents who got child services called on them because their parents had them on a vegan diet as babies. So I guess it’s as long as baby is healthy, gaining weight and thriving it shouldn’t matter.

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My best friend is vegan but her son is only vegetarian. I wouldn’t force complete veganism on a child they won’t get enough nutrients…

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I agree with your mother in law.

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If your baby’s nutrition takes a dive at all, you will lose custody of your baby.

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No… Anyone who feeds a baby a vegan diet can and should be subject to prosecution for child endangerment

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They need protein. Feed them a regular diet…let them decide when they’re old enough to make the decision. CPS may be called if you go thru with this. Listen t grandma in most cases they’re right.

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A vegan diet should be fine. Make sure you check in with the pediatrician so (s)he can help you along the way. Many leafy green vegetables have calcium in them and I’d definitely recommend vitamin supplements just to make sure your child is getting the nutrients she needs. But again, the most important person to consult would be the pediatrician for advice. (S)he’s the expert on what’s best for your child.

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That’s your chil trust me it’s not abuse as long as baby gains appropriate weight. There are several families out there and children are actually healthier

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My 7 year old prefers to NOT eat meat chicken etc down to plain cheese pizza and we are HUGE carnivores. I feel they should have a well rounded diet as it’s very important for cell growth etc. Once baby gets older they’ll tell you what they want :grimacing:

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A vegan diet for the most part should be healthy even for the very young especially if you are breastfeeding. Make sure she gets plenty of protein and consult with her Dr and possibly a nutritionist to make sure you are covering any gaps in her diet, this can also be professional back up in case your mom does try anything. If she is healthy as growing correctly how you feed her should be your choice as her parents

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Well in reality it’s your child and your choice until baby is old enough to decide if they want to continue said diet… But as long as baby is getting all the vitamins and nutrients that they need to grow, and actually gaining healthy weight then no not a problem at all. But if the baby isn’t getting everything it needs and not gaining healthy weight then no, you’d definitely have to do a “normal” diet until you can find something vegan that fit their certain needs or they can choose if they want to go vegan, vegetarian or just eat anything… in the long run you are the parents and the ONLY ones who can say what baby can and can’t do, eat, anything until they are old enough to decide for themselves… Even our opinion from you asking for advice doesn’t matter, your child your choice, if they’re healthy and they’re gaining weight then so be it they’re vegan until they decide otherwise, and you should tell your MIL to shove it, because she has NO SAY at ALL about how you raise and feed YOUR CHILD she didn’t make the baby nor birth it and raising it so she has no say so in any choices you and your husband make for her, and she’s a twit to think she does and cps will do anything if the baby isn’t being abused or isn’t malnourished🤦🏼‍♀️ she is just trying to control you and your husband

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There are kids starving all around the world. You have chosen a healthier lifestyle for your child, which you will be feeding. Your mom in law is just being that! Your husband needs to tell her where her place is.

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You’re an idiot. Kids should not be vegan or even vegetarian until they stop growing.

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I used to be vegan. And my oldest who was 9 at the time asked to do it with me for a bit. She liked some of it. Along eith my younger 2 at the time. They are always trying new things. I did ask the oediatrician. She said she didn’t have an issue as long as they stay healthy and get enough protein. Which they did. But ultimately they like steak to much. Lol. I ended up having to quit when I got pregnant with my 4th. My body couldn’t handle it and we couldn’t afford it. Which was sad. But between asking the pediatrician and doing it myself. There are many ways to get the protein instead of meat. And as long baby keeps weight on and stays healthy. Baby will be fine. But also as one who has a father in law who’s said the same. And my mother who we’ve gone NC with for multiple reasons. I would never let her around your child alone. 1. Bc if she Feed’s baby something her body isn’t used to and she reacts. She will blame you for the reaction and not take responsibility. And that’s not how life should be.

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My only question is where will they get the proteins? What if they don’t like the plant base proteins? It is very important for their growths.

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Ultimately it’s up to you. But have you not heard the saying of not to force your lifestyle upon others? People go up in arms about consent when it comes to things like ear piercing, circumcision etc. Why would this be any different.

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Is this a joke?
They’re a growing baby. They need vitamins & nutrients for brain health. Not genetically produced soy. :woman_facepalming:
Please talk to your Dr… & see a therapist.
The fact you asked has me worried this child will be another statistic regarding accidental starvation.

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If your Dr during pregnancy didn’t question it then it should be fine. I would def formula feed if you need to as that would help get additional nutritional needs for the bubs

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I’ve seen social services step in on a situation like this so I would be careful.

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Shouldn’t that be a decision they make later for themselves?

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I’m curious are you going to breastfeed? I suggest you consult a nutritionist to be sure to cover all needs. I’m not vegan but I’m thinking you will need to know what ways to get the proper nutrition for you both.

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Tonya Mccann maybe you can answer

I mean, feed your child. Fed is best. Healthy is even better. But, why not let your child decide if they want to be vegan?

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As long as you do it correctly, sometimes suppliments are needed too but can get vegan supps anywhere. Babies start off as vegan!! It’s all fruit and veggies and cereal anyway till they’re old enough for other stuff. Can’t give them eggs or fish till they’re over 12mths “apparently” but perhaps if you put yogurt and cheese into her diet for now as extra protein, then when she’s around 7 you can ween her off that. If she’s getting some form of protein that’s not plant based while she’s an infant 0-7 yrs then the mother doesn’t really have an argument. Dead flesh isn’t good for us anyway, it’s survival food!!

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Also smoothies which I’m sure you guys already do jam packed with ALL her greens will give her More vits/minerals protein then any amount of dead flesh! With a vegan supps added :woman_shrugging: sounds like she needs educating!!

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Talk to your pediatrician, but definitely don’t start until after it’s deemed appropriate as their muscles need certain vitamins from things you can’t eat when your vegan (Milk)

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Um. Don’t force your lifestyle on your child. That’s for them to decide when they are old enough.

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If her pediatrician says it’s okay. Then what can happen? Shoot even have the dr type something formal up to shove in your mothers face so she will shut up.

So here’s some simple truths as to why this is not idealistic to do; it’s a proven fact that if children are introduced to food as babies they are less likely to form an allergy to it. Babies need a different nutritional balance than us as adults need. Technically breast milk is a byproduct from an animal, because you yourself are an animal. Babies brains need things you don’t necessarily think about. They are rapidly growing and their bodies need the energy. If your child decides not to be vegan as an adult then you could set them up for failure by not introducing them to a variety of foods at a young age to prevent allergies. Think of how many people are raised in religious homes to turn their back on those views as they get older for example. You can do cruelty free varieties and grass fed or small farm animals that were better cared for than mass produced if that makes you feel better. Chicken eggs literally are laid fertilized or not and even if there is no rooster in their flock so I really don’t comprehend how that is a negative thing. Find a chicken farmer who doesn’t have roos and they will never be eggs that were fertilized. Therefore you wouldn’t be preventing a life from coming to be. Small flocks especially are usually spoiled rotten

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That’s neglect. You need to be sterilised and your child taken off you.
That poor baby will be malnourished. You might as well just starve it to death.
Wait until the child is old enough to make their own decision at least.

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Don’t force you’re lifestyle on you’re kid :100: let the kid pick there favourite meal might be chicken and chips but if not given the chance how will ye know, its in a way kind of cruel cause if you’re kid goes anyplace to kids birthdays etc when older she/he will never know what an actual pizza party is or to have stuff like her friends or even BBQs… mine was sausage sandwichs I lived on them for the summer 1 yr as a kid… if my mother had made me be vegan I would never have known that love for a simple sausage sandwich :see_no_evil: don’t deprive you’re kid for you’re own reasons…

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For nutrition reasons and nothing else, it’s better to let baby eat everything. Vegan lifestyle isn’t healthy, it denies the body of nutrition it needs and whilst you adults might be completely fine and you body adapted to it, a baby won’t be able to survive off plants alone. There’s so much meat gives us and I completely respect your decision not to eat meat however for your child’s sake, look into why meat is beneficial to a diet!

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I have been a vegetarian since the age of 3… when I was old enough to tell my mom that I no longer wanted to eat any meat. I was grossed out by the thought. Whenever I had my first baby my mom threatened me about forcing my lifestyle upon my child. Difference between you & I was that I agreed with her. She reminded me of all the health problems that I’ve personally had to deal with as a result of my vegetarianism. I’ve dealt with a severe protein deficiency for most of my life. This has caused so many issues including but not limited to anemia, hair loss, chronic severe migraine (from the anemia), & major hormonal issues. You may think that your doing right by your baby, but the truth is that lifestyle isn’t for everyone (especially babies!) It’s imperative that a growing baby receives certain nutrients that are only found in meats & dairy products. It’s crucial for their brain & hormonal development. You still have to feed your baby breastmilk/formula & then cow’s milk so there’s actually no way you can make them fully vegan. You will kill your baby by not doing so. In the end ultimately it’s completely up to you, morally & legally, but I personally didn’t want to take that risk with my own children.

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While I would agree to an extent yes go vegan but I would probably add some baby foods that have the extra protein honestly. The biggest answer is if your child ever wants meat you should allow them that choice

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I’d suggest consulting your paediatrician, not Facebook on this one. Too many people who don’t know what they’re talking about

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The vast majority of people do veganism completely wrong. They don’t have a balanced diet, especially lacking protein and they think they’re saving animals while they’re actually supporting harmful industries. It’s also not just inherently healthy either.

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Wow some people on here!!! Just ask a doctor not Facebook!!

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Consult your pediatrician.

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A child was taken from their parents for neglect after they failed to nourish the child as they were vegan

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There are so many vegan parents with healthy vegan babies
There’s a lot on YouTube and tik tok
Look them up great recipes and also consult your doctor
You don’t need meat to be healthy

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So just so you know vegans can only survive with power. :stuck_out_tongue: two weeks in the bush with no protein your screwed.

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I would probably let it be my child’s decision too. As your baby gets older it might not be as easy as you think it is for he/she to be vegan as well.
I think as an infant this is easy…… breast milk /formula & veggie baby food …. Super easy.
Asa he/she gets a taste of chicken nuggets or pepperoni pizza at a bday party you gonna have a situation :joy:

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I hope you’re kidding?! You can cause irreparable damage to your child’s development. Your child can be taken for neglect of this kind.

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Gee, just call your doctor.

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Your mother in law sounds psychotic and controlling. Needs to mind her own as well as educate herself. There’s no law that says you have to feed your child the flesh of a slaughtered animal.

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It’s your child, it should be your choice what you feed your baby. Most baby food is just fruits and vegetables anyway. I tried my kids on that horrible meat in a jar (gerber baby food)and they hated it! She can’t do anything to you or your child unless the baby shows signs of neglect. Call your peds and ask if it’s OK. Then you have a professional opinion and you can politely tell her to mind her biz.

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My sons and I were for a long time .