Eating well - vegan infants and under-5s

[Ruthierhyme]

As more information becomes available about the unsustainability of animal agriculture, parents and carers may begin to request vegan meals, snacks and drinks much more frequently.

There are some excellent resources available to support nursery pre-school settings to develop meat, dairy and egg free menus for their young children.

First steps nutrition - eating well in the early years
Vegan diets for infants and under-5s

Eating well is essential for children in their early years. There is clear evidence that the first 1000 days of life (the 9 months of pregnancy and the first 2 years of life) are particularly critical for ensuring healthy growth and development and to ensure all children meet their full potential. It is also important that children 2-5 years eat well to establish good eating patterns, to protect their teeth and to ensure they arrive in school at a healthy body weight and with a good and varied appetite.


Families who choose a vegan diet may wish to bring their children up as vegans from birth, and it is important that all those that support families with infants and children on a vegan diet have clear, expert information on how to ensure energy and nutrient needs are met.

Vegan food recipes for babies and toddlers on The Vegan Society website

Healthy Start NHS vitamins


Living on the veg - a kids guide to life without meat