soy allergy

[pghvegan]

hi!

we recently discovered that our vegan daughter (7 months old) has a soy allergy!

now, that throws off everything i had planned for her diet. and i don't know what to do, if we can't use soy in her diet. i had planned on soy being her main source of protein and calcium.

i decided to switch her to a vegetarian diet, but knowing what i know about dairy and the malabsorption of its calcium content, i feel as though that is pointless.

is anyone dealing with a similar situation?

is it possible to raise a child on a vegan diet, without using soy?

thanks for any advice!

and , please let me say that i am so happy to have found these boards! i feel so alone among other mommies, while they are discussing how their little ones are eating hot dogs and chicken noodle soup. but now i have all of you! :)



~stephy

[vegma]

You can absolutely raise a vegan child without soy! I would suggest breastfeeding as long as possible, however. My son weaned at age 5 and I felt good knowing he had species-specific milk with all the right amount of fats and nutrients for so long. There are calcium enriched rice milks and almond milks. We make our own cashew milk and grind up a calcium tablet to supplement. Beans contain some calcium as do figs, dates, other dried fruits and dark green leafies.

[Yummyfoodeater]

My son reacts to soy and we eat a varied, healthy diet. Keep in mind that it is good to not rely to heavily on just one thing. I'd suggest quinoa for a good source of protein and hemp seeds have a great nutritional profile as well. A variety including beans and nuts and grains and of course fruits and veggies. I is totally possible to do and still eat many things. Experiment, try new things and get creative!