Vegan Formula For Babies – Everything That You Need To Know

When given in a well-balanced form, a vegan diet is good for little children. By adding the right ingredients into the baby’s diet, you can make sure your child gets enough nutrition for development. But for vegan parents who are unable to breastfeed, finding vegan alternatives that equally meet the nutritional requirements for the baby can be tough. Fortunately, there are infant formulas that can be given to vegan babies. As more people switch to vegan and vegetarian options, the industry of infant formulas evolved to introduce vegan formulas! Here is everything you need to know about vegan infant formula and how to choose the right one for the baby!

What Is Vegan Baby Formula?

A vegan formula is one that is made without any animal-derived products or by-products. These are essentially free of dairy, such as milk, eggs or whey. It is made from plant-based ingredients, hence given the term ‘vegan.’

What is Vegan Baby Formula Made Up of?

Most of the vegan formulas available in the market are made from soy. Formulas made from soy are different from soy baby milk since soy milk does not contain enough amounts of nutrition. Soy formulas for babies are regulated by the FDA only when it contains enough nutrition that ensures proper development in the baby.

You will not find a pure vegan baby formula in the market due to government regulations. Though these do not contain any dairy, these are still not 100% plant-based baby formulas. One important ingredient found in most formulas is vitamin D3. This is not vegan since it is manufactured from cholesterol, which is isolated from wool grease.

In some vegan baby formula, no soy protein and cow’s milk is present and this is specifically for babies that are lactose intolerant. However, if you are planning on giving the child any formulas made from soy, make sure the infant is not a premature baby or under-weight during birth. For these conditions, it is best to ask your paediatrician for the best baby formula for the infant.

Is Vegan Formula Safe for Babies?

Yes, vegan formulas go through extensive testing to ensure they are safe for babies. However, it is always best to go with a trusted brand and give your child a little bit in the first go to check for any allergies. If your little one is able to consume it without any reactions, the formula is safe. To be extra careful, you can always consult a paediatrican for feeding your baby vegan formula safely.

Which Babies Can Have Vegan Formula?

Many babies are allergic to dairy, making it essential for them to be fed vegan formula. You can give your little one vegan formula right from the get-go, but ensure that the packaging mentions if it is the right one for his age. While you may not find an organic vegan infant formula for babies under 6 months of age, you can also opt for soy-based formula as it is vegan as well.

Benefits of Vegan Formula

Vegan formula has a number of benefits, especially for babies who are unable to feed on breastmilk or other dairy-based formulas. Here are some benefits of vegan formula for babies.

1. Alternative for Babies With Allergies

Babies who are allergic to dairy components present in breast milk or other formulas can benefit from being fed vegan formulas. Pick one that is suitable for your baby’s age.

2. Reduces Heart-Disease Risk

Vegan formula is low in cholesterol and saturated fats, making them a healthier alternative for babies, as it reduces the chances of heart disease.

3. Reduces Diabetes Risk

If you have a history of diabetes in the family, feeding your baby a hydrolysed baby formula will help reduce the risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes later in life.

4. Increases immunity

Plant-based formulas have a number of nutrients and antioxidants, which reduce the risk of contracting certain diseases, and keep the baby healthy.

Are There Any Drawbacks of Vegan Baby Formula?

One of the main concerns revolving around vegan formula is that it may lack essential nutrients that infants need for proper growth and development, such as iron, calcium and vitamin D. These are usually available in dairy-based formulas. Soy-based formulas are made with processed soy, which may not be the ideal ingredient to feed babies. However, with more vegan formulas being produced in the market, these risks are taken care off, especially if you pick a trusted brand.

Vegan Formula Diet as Per Child’s Age

You can give a vegan infant formula according to the age of your baby. Here is a guide to get you started.

1. Prior to 6 Months

When choosing an infant formula, you must make sure it contains ingredients that will provide the baby with enough energy and nutrients for growing up. Many parents may already be breastfeeding children while additionally following a nutritious vegan diet. However, the World Health Organization advises mothers to breastfeed babies for at least the first six months (until around 2.5 years) so that the immune system of the baby develops normally.

The market does not contain an exclusive vegan formula for children under the age of 6 months. However, you can go for soy-based formula since it is considered to be an alternative to breast milk. Many parents also go for formulas that are whey-based.

2. 6 Months or More

When the baby has reached 6 months, he will be ready to start eating some solid foods. Generally, for children below the age of 1 year, the main source of nutrition is formula milk or the mother’s milk. But after the first 6 months, the amount of iron and zinc in the breastmilk reduces. For this reason, you can give other foods that are rich in iron and zinc. You could add foods like peas, seeds, nuts, legumes, sweet potato, and many more in your baby’s diet. You may want to make it into a paste so that he can swallow it easily.

3. 1 Year

After 1 year, you can add a wide variety of foods that are nutrient-rich and is essential for the baby’s development into the regular diet of the baby, Babies that are breastfed would require additional vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin C supplements. Iodine and vitamin B12 supplements are essential for boosting the immune system of the infant. Also, ensure he is eating 3 meals a day. Additionally, you can give light snacks at least twice a day.

4. Prior to 2 Years

You can maintain the same dietary routine for your little one. However, do not just give him soy-based beverages since it cannot fulfil all his nutritional requirements.

5. Toddler

For a toddler’s meal, you could include foods from the main food groups. You could also add these foods for snack time as well. At this stage, your toddler can eat almost the same foods as you.

What Ingredients Must Be Present in Your Baby’s Vegan Formula To Fulfill Nutritional Requirements?

The best vegan newborn formulas should contain ingredients that have these nutrients to make sure your baby gets enough for development. These are considered to be mandatory in any vegan baby formula. So check if the baby formula you want to buy has these nutrients!

1. Vitamin D

Though the human body produces vitamin D on its own, you may want to additionally give it to the baby. Vitamin D ensures that the bones absorb calcium. You could give the infant vitamin D supplements or foods that are rich in vitamin D. Babies under the age of 1 year need 400 IU of vitamin D supplements a day, and babies between 1 and 3 years need 600 IU daily intake of vitamin D.

2. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for proper functioning of the nervous system, production of red cells, and protein synthesis. When giving the child a vegan diet, make sure you include foods that are rich in vitamin B12. Yeast extract is a good vitamin B12 supplement. Make sure the infant is getting around 0.9 mg of vitamin B12 every day. Vitamin B12 is also important for the breastfeeding mother, and the mother would need around 2.8 mcg every day!

3. Calcium

Calcium is required for the development and support of teeth and bones. It is also essential for proper muscle functioning and a healthy nervous system. Vegan babies can get calcium from various sources including oat milk, almond milk, soy, tofu, pulses, leafy vegetables, seeds, ground almonds, figs, etc. There is also calcium in most vegan formulas and breastmilk.

4. Protein

There are so many vegan foods that contain protein, and you could consider giving these to the baby. These foods include lentils, beans, peas, seeds, nuts, soy, and tofu. Vegan diets should include protein-rich foods and, with these foods, you can make sure your baby gets enough protein. This will accelerate growth in babies and control body functions.

5. Zinc

Zinc is required for the development and restoration of body tissues and a good immune system. It helps the body get enough energy. Wheat germ, pulses, tofu, whole grain seeds, and butter from nuts and seeds are rich in zinc.

6. Iron

Iron is mandatory for brain development and overall growth in babies. For a baby that is between 7 and 12 months of age, 11mg of iron intake is required every day. Iron-rich foods should be given to a baby at least twice a day. There is a large collection of vegan options containing iron and these include lentils, peas, broccoli, beans, kale, etc. Vitamin C rich foods are also required for little babies.

7. Omega- 3

Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for eye and brain health. Though there are not many vegan options that are rich in omega-3, some omega-3 sources include:

• Chia seeds.
• Ground walnuts.
• Canola oil.
• Flaxseed oil.
• Hemp seeds.
• Iodine.

Important for the development of brain functions and body metabolism, no diet should exclude iodine. Foods like whole grains and legumes contain little amounts of iodine. To make sure the baby’s diet has enough amounts of iodine, you can ask your doctor or paediatrician.

Ingredients That Should Not Be Present in Vegan Baby Formula

When purchasing vegan formula for your little one, ensure that the below ingredients are not present in it. Additionally, also ensure that you check with the doctor for safe feeding instructions.

• Added sugar
• Gluten
• Generically-modified ingredients
• Corn syrup
• Phytin

Homemade Vegan Formula Recipe

You can always make your own vegan formula at home for your baby. When compared to other recipes, this is one of the easiest formulas you could make in no time. Homemade organic formulas are not encouraged because the formulas you get from a store go through a much better processing system which cannot be done at home. Though this is not always suggested, you can still make this recipe using these ingredients.

Ingredients

• Maple syrup (1 tbsp).
• Probiotics (Dairy-free, ¼ tsp).
• Yeast (1 tsp).
• Sacha Inchi Oil (1 tbsp).
• Baby DHA (10 drops).
• Spirulina (1 tsp).
• Organic coconut oil (1 tbsp).
• Coconut oil (powdered).
• Almond milk (2 cups).

Direction

1. The first step is to make the almond milk yourself.
2. Remove the almond shell and then blend the almonds.
3. Next, make the coconut water and mix all the ingredients.
4. Put the mixture in a blender and blend it together until the formula is in a creamy form
5. Strain the formula using a mesh bag
6. You can now pour it in a container and keep it in the refrigerator.

How to Select the Right Organic Vegan Formula?

Selecting the right vegan formula for the little one can be tough. But this information given below can help you to choose a good formula, though you would need to research more on a product before selecting one.

1. Organic Milk

Organic milk is non-fat but babies need cholesterol and fat in their milk. To bring it into powdered form, it goes through an intense process and the final product is finally devoid of nutrients.  So, this is a type of vegan formula not suitable for babies.

2. Organic Mineral Whey

There are certain things you should avoid when you buy organic baby formula from the store. The organic mineral whey formulas have dried whey. Since they use high temperatures to extract the whey, the protein and probiotics from the formula are lost. So, this is an organic product you do not want to give the baby.

3. Organic Coconut Oil

Organic coconut oil is a good source of medium-chain fats that are present in breast milk. However, make sure the formula you get is expeller-pressed.

4. Organic Palm Oil

Organic palm oil is a good source of nutrition for the little one. If it is sold by a brand you are sure you can trust, then it is okay to add this supplement into the diet of your baby.

5. Organic Soy Oil

Soy oil and soy formulas are two different things and many parents do not know the difference. Soy oil should not be consumed and this is especially true for babies. It is also believed that if you add this formula to the infant’s diet, it may disrupt the entire hormonal balance in the baby’s body.

6. Organic Lactose

Organic lactose is a very good formula you can give the little one. Mother’s milk also contains lactose in very high amounts. Lactose is a sugar derived from milk and can be given to the baby to help develop the digestive system.

7. Organic Glucose Syrup

Most glucose syrups you get from the store are made from corn. Organic glucose syrup is also mostly made from corn syrup and it is best not to give this syrup to the little one.

Dairy-Free vs Plant-Based vs. Vegan Baby Formula – What is the Difference?

Dairy-free formulas are only free of dairy products such as milk. However, they are not free of all animal products, meaning they are not vegan. Plant-based formula is a part of the spectrum of vegan formulas, as it is made with ingredients derived solely from plants and not animals. Vegan formulas are very close to plant-based formulas, but also indicate a lifestyle-choice of not using any animal products or by-products, food or otherwise.

FAQ

1. What Is the Source of Fat and Protein in Vegan Baby Formula?

Vegan formulas contain fat and protein, just like regular formulas. However, these are made from plant-based sources such as soy or vegetable fats.

You can check out any vegan formulas present in the market but it is best to make sure that it is not harmful to the baby before you feed him. Getting formulas from trusted brands is always recommended and you can find the most suitable one for the baby. Moreover, if you are unsure of any vegan milk formula for babies, then check with your paediatrician.

References/Resources:

1. Vandenplas. Y, Mulder. N, Greef. E, Hysentruyt. K; Plant-Based Formulas and Liquid Feedings for Infants and Toddlers; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618919/; November 2021

2. Houghton. T; Whole Food, Plant-Based Baby Formula: Alternatives When Breastfeeding Isn’t an Option; T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies; https://nutritionstudies.org/whole-food-plant-based-baby-formula-alternatives-when-breastfeeding-isnt-an-option/; August 2022

3. Choosing an infant formula; Mayo Clinic Press; https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/parenting/choosing-an-infant-formula/; September 2022

4. Choosing a Baby Formula; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/choosing-an-infant-formula.aspx; June 2022

5. What’s the Right Baby Formula for My Newborn?; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/best-formula-for-newborns/; November 2022

Also Read:

Weaning Vegetarian Babies
How to Prepare Baby Milk Formula
Things to Know About Formula Feeding Your Baby