Under-fives

A varied and well-planned vegan diet, with appropriate supplementation, can meet our nutritional needs at all stages of life including during infancy and early childhood. It is important to make sure that vegan infants and children eat a wide range of foods to provide enough energy for health growth and development.

The first 6 months of life

Breastfeeding

Breastmilk provides all the nutrients a baby needs for the first 6 months of life, including beneficial compounds that support growth and the development of the immune system.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), the NHS and the UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, and continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods up to 2 years of age.

All exclusively breastfed infants should take a daily supplement containing 8.5-10 micrograms of vitamin D.

Vegan infant formula

If breastfeeding is not an option, infant formula must be used as the main drink for the first year of life.

No vegan infant formula is currently approved for use in the UK. Head to our Under 5s PDF resource for more information on feeding options for vegan families.

First foods: 6 months and beyond

It is recommended that you wait until your baby is at least six months old, and showing clear signs of developmental readiness for safe eating, before introducing solid foods.

Please read our detailed Under 5s resource for more information on introducing solids, general feeding guidelines, allergen advice and safe feeding practices.

Nutrition from 6 to 12 months

Vitamins A, C and D

All children aged 6 months to 5 years who drink less than 500ml of infant formula per day (including breastfed infants) should receive a supplement containing vitamins A, C and D. A suitable option for vegan infants is The Vegan Society’s VEG 1 Baby and Toddler Liquid Multivitamin.

Throughout their first year, breastmilk or an appropriate formula should remain the main source of nutrition, providing energy, protein, fat and micronutrients.

However, a few nutrients need extra attention on vegan diets.

• Iron: include iron-rich plant foods such as legumes, tofu and tempeh, wholegrains, ground nuts and seeds, iron-fortified breakfast cereals. Pair these with vitamin-C rich foods (eg: fruit and vegetables) to support iron absorption*
   
• Zinc: include zinc-rich plant foods such as legumes, wholegrains, ground nuts and seeds*
   
• Vitamin B12: vitamin B12 is essential for brain and nervous system development and must be provided through fortified foods or a supplements. The Vegan Society’s VEG 1 Baby and Toddler Liquid Multivitamin, suitable from 6 months of age, provides 5 micrograms of vitamin B12.

  Infants who consume more than 500ml of infant formula per day do not usually need additional vitamin supplements because infant formula is fortified with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12.

*Please read our detailed under 5s resource for more important information on food safety and the introduction of allergens during weaning, as well as meal ideas for weaning vegan infants

Drinks

During the first year of life, the only recommended drinks are breastmilk or an appropriate infant formula, plus small amounts of water from 6 months of age.

Unsweetened, fortified soya or oat milk can be used in cooking from around 6 months of age, but should not be given as a main drink until after 12 months of age.

Nutrition from 1 to 4 years

Plant-based milks

After the age of 1, some families choose to move from breastmilk or formula to a plant-based milk as their child’s main drink. Choose an unsweetened plant-based milk fortified with calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12 and iodine, and check the ingredient list to ensure there are no added sugars or sweeteners.

Fortified soya milk provides a good balance of protein, fat and energy. Unsweetened, fortified almond and oat drinks can also be acceptable but, because they are lower in protein, it is important that children eat a variety of protein-rich foods across the day.

Rice milk should be avoided for children under 5 years of age. Plant-based toddler or ‘growing up’ milks are not recommended due to their free sugars content.

Focus on energy density

Young children have high energy needs but relatively small appetites. Meals and snacks should be energy-dense to help children meet their nutritional needs. Helpful strategies for increasing energy and nutrient density include:

• Use lower fibre starchy foods, such as white rice or pasta, alongside wholegrain options
• Include higher protein grains, such as quinoa
• Add extra energy to meals using ground nuts and seeds, nut and seed butters, vegetable oils, avocado and vegan spreads
• Low-fat or ‘light’ products are not generally recommended for young children due to their high energy needs.

Calcium

Breastfeeding your child until the age of 2 years will help them to get enough calcium.

After the age of 1 year, fortified plant-based milks and yogurts are also a particularly helpful source of calcium for young children. 300ml of fortified, unsweetened soya or oat milk provides a good daily intake of calcium.

Iron

Continue to offer good sources of iron with each meal, paired with vitamin-C rich foods to increase absorption.

Iodine, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids

Children aged 1- 5 years should receive supplements containing vitamins A, C and D. For vegan children, vitamin B12 and iodine also need attention.

Vitamin B12 is found in fortified plant-based milks, nutritional yeast and some vegan spreads. However, supplementation is advisable as a safety net.

Once breastmilk or formula intake is reduced, an iodine supplement should be considered for vegan infants. A suitable option for vegan infants is The Vegan Society’s VEG 1 Baby and Toddler Liquid Multivitamin, which contains both iodine and vitamin B12.

Ensure your child has a daily source of essential omega-3 fatty acids such as ground chia seeds, ground linseed, ground hemp seeds or ground walnuts. Some families may also choose to use a DHA supplement derived from microalgae.

Further information

Download our detailed Under 5s PDF resource for more information on nutrition, food safety and allergen introduction.

• See here for an in-depth guide on vegan under-fives from the First Steps Nutrition Trust
• The Plant-Based Baby & Toddler by dietitians Whitney English and Alexandra Caspero (note that nutrient recommendations in this book are  based on US guidance and differ from UK recommendations)
• Plant based Kids  by registered paediatric dietitian Paula Hallam.

The Vegan Society 2026
Review date September 2029
 

This information is not designed to replace advice from health professionals. Please discuss the use of supplements with a health professional to help ensure that they are suitable for your child. If you have any concerns about your child’s diet, please ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian.