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! It’s 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
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
24 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
for the fact that your baby may well spit out your lovingly prepared offerings. Don’t take it personally and don’t worry because the baby is not depending on it for nourishment at this stage. Try again another day, persisting gently. There is no hurry. It’s 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 baby’s digestive system to slowly adapt.
Spencer, 6 years “I had textbook, healthy vegan pregnancies with both of my sons. I didn’t encounter any negativity from people about my diet – quite the opposite. I read up on which foods I’d 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. I’ve always been honest about why they don’t have animal products and they will now ask if certain foods are vegan – they are proud that they don’t eat animals.”
Julie Cook Rowan, 4 years and
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