Supporting Your Grandchild’s Vegetarian Diet

Having a grandchild is an incredibly exciting time for grandparents, yet it can also bring with it some hesitations and worries, especially when our children and their partners make lifestyle decisions that are different to our own. If you have become a grandma or grandpa to an infant whose parents have decided to raise them on a vegetarian diet, the thought of how the baby’s nutrition needs will be met can cause some concern. Don’t worry, though - there are plenty of ways to make sure your grandchild gets all the vitamins, minerals, and calories they need to grow up healthy and strong!

First of all, it is important to ensure that your daughter-in-law or son-in-law is well-informed about nutrition and understand the risks associated with a vegetarian diet. While it is surprisingly easy to meet the nutrient needs of infants and children on vegetarian diets, certain nutrients - namely vitamin B12, zinc, and iron - must be closely monitored in order to avoid deficiencies. Vitamin B12 is found in dairy and eggs, so if these foods are a part of the diet, then supplementing is likely unnecessary - however, if neither of these foods are eaten, then a B12 supplement may be recommended. Furthermore, vegetarian diets typically require extra care on the mineral front as studies show that diets that decrease or exclude animal foods are often low in zinc, iron, and omega-3 fats. Fortunately, there are plenty of plant-based sources of zinc and iron which you can encourage your daughter-in-law or son-in-law to incorporate into your grandchild’s meals.

When it comes to the food itself, it is important to remember that vegetarian diets vary greatly, ranging from completely vegan diets to meals that include dairy and eggs but exclude all animal-based protein sources such as fish and meat. Thus, you should encourage your daughter-in-law or son-in-law to make sure their child’s diet is varied, diverse and nutritionally balanced. It is also important to focus on introducing solid foods gradually and using a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes to ensure that the grandchild does not develop a picky palate. Additionally, neither iron nor zinc will be bioavailable without sufficient Vitamin C, so adding a variety of Vitamin C rich feeds is highly beneficial - such as cherries, kiwi, oranges, tomatoes, green peppers, spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, and blueberries. Additionally, there are some plant-based protein sources that can provide an adequate amount of this nutrient - including tofu, tempeh, soybeans, black beans and lentils, quinoa, brown rice, and chickpeas. Nuts, seeds and nut butters are also great sources of protein, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus, and are conveniently suitable for snacks.

The key, of course, is to make the transition to the vegetarian lifestyle as easy and enjoyable as possible for your grandchild. Make meals fun by encouraging your grandchild to pick and choose what they would like to eat. Consider adding plant-based dips (like hummus or mashed beans) or dressed salads to encourage healthy eating habits early on. You can also have fun with recipes and food introductions, such as making veggie burgers or wraps, or fruit smoothies or oat bowls with different toppings. Adding frozen fruit cubes to plain yogurt or soy milk is an especially popular treat among younger vegetarians, as are pancakes, crepes, or muffins made with whole wheat flour and dairy-free margarine.

At the end of the day, however, it is ultimately up to your daughter-in-law or son-in-law to select and prepare meals for their child. As a grandparent, though, you can certainly offer advice, support and of course a helping hand now and then to make sure your grandchild’s nutritional needs are met. By doing so, you can be reassured knowing that your grandchild is growing up happy and healthy on a vegetarian diet.