Is it okay to put children on a vegetarian diet?

There is nothing that you "need" in meat. People will make a big deal about iron content in vegetables (eat spinach) or about getting enough protein (too many vegies to count). You just have to understand human physiology and metabolism and make sure that you are getting all of the substances your body needs to be healthy. Chances are you'll end up eating much less fat and will completely cut off your intake of cholesterol (only found in animals). Despite what many might tell you, your body will make all of the good cholesterol that it needs.

Anyways, a newborn should be on breast milk anyways if you are that concerned about health.

After their old enough to eat solid food, just do your homework and you'll be fine. Don't buy into the hype. There are perfectly healthy and natural (meaning they don't have to take a million supplement pills) to eat on a vegetarian diet that include all sorts of tasty combinations. Good Luck!

I totally recommend my fav nutrition book was written by vegan doctors and resistered nutritionist called, "The Vegetarian Way" by Messina PhD & Messina RN. Very easy and detailed read, good easy-to-read tables. A MUST for any vegetarians! There are vit/mins you need to know about and in what dosages, etc.

Iron is hard to get as a vegetarian unless you're using nutritional yeast. Did you know that the body can absorb calcium better if taken with alittle acid substances, like fruit juice? Magnesium and vit D is needed too to absorb calcium.

I agree with other respondant- breast feeding is best. The book addresses children nutrition as well.