Vegetarian Advice: Soy, Lactose Allergic Baby

Question: 8 month old allergic to soy and lactose. Would love help.

Advice From Cathe Olson, author of 'The Vegetarian Mother's Cookbook'

I have an eight month old who has an allergy to not only lactose but soy as well. I am looking for products that I can give to my infant to make feeding time more enjoyable for him. Would love help. SLS

Savvy Vegetarian Advice:

Dear SLS,

Eight months is early to start soy and dairy products because - as you found out - they can be allergenic. There are plenty of other foods that you can feed your little one though. Whole grains like millet, quinoa and oatmeal are good sources of protein and minerals. Sweet potatoes and winter squash have a sweet taste most children love while supplying beta carotene.

Mash them with cooked green beans, peas, broccoli or cauliflower. Fruit is always a favorite with children and supplies lots of vitamins. Though you want to avoid acidic fruits like berries and citrus, you can mash mangos, pears, bananas, peaches, and melon. Applesauce is delicious stirred into porridge or even mixed with potatoes.

You may also want to try well cooked brown rice pasta as a finger food. In another month or so, you can add legumes like lentils and split peas for extra protein and minerals. No need to rush though - as long as your baby is getting regular breastmilk or formula, he/she is getting the nutrients he needs for now. - Sincerely, Cathe Olson

Cathe Olson is the author of 'Simply Natural Baby Food' and 'The Vegetarian Mother's Cookbook', which may be purchased at Simple Natural Books.

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