Protein is necessary for growth, so it s extremely important that protein intake doesn t fall short. Soy protein is complete enough for adults and children over the age of four, but it s methionine, so tofu and soybeans shouldn t be used as a child s sole source of protein. Parmesan cheese Supplement with B12 as needed. As with protein, vegetarian toddlers who eat dairy and eggs shouldn t have a problem with vitamin B12, but vegan children likely will because vegetable sources of B12 are few and far between. Take care with the iron.
Most children get the majority of their iron from meats, although there are vegan sources of iron.
To get the most out of the iron in your child s diet, serve a food rich in vitamin C with foods containing iron. Also, ask your child s doctor if she recommends an iron supplement. It s nearly impossible to get enough calcium from a vegan diet. Most doctors recommend giving milk to vegan children at least through the teen years because calcium is so important to growing bones and teeth. If you aren t open to this option, then calcium supplements in some form will need to be considered.