Vegan/Vegetarian Nutrition for Infants

Recording Now Available

Approved for 1 CPEU by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
Free
CPEUs: 1

Have you been feeling uncertain as to the best approach when seeing an infant fed a plant-based diet?

The lack of universal definitions or consensus on guidelines surrounding plant-based diets can be confusing.

With the increasing interest around plant-based eating, it’s not surprising we’re seeing more parents following a plant-based diet with their infants.

But, are plant-based diets safe for infants, and if so, how do we best support parents?

This webinar is not for you if:

  • You’ve got vegan/vegetarian nutrition for infants covered
  • You work with older kids greater than 3 years of age

Webinar Rating & Reviews

People love our Webinar on Vegan Nutrition for Infants!

“I had mixed feelings about recommending parents to provide plant-based diets to their younger children. This webinar provided the evidence I needed to make me reconsider the diet.”

“I enjoyed learning about typical supplements that may be necessary for those who follow a vegan diet and are breastfeeding.”

“I enjoyed hearing about the specific nutrients of concern and found the case study application to be particularly helpful.”

“This was a very informative Webinar, and I learned so much about what may be needed and sources to get it from.”

“Fantastic and practical content as an RD who works primarily in maternal and infant nutrition. Thank you.”

Our guest speaker, Paula Hallam, RD PG-Cert, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian, is all set to help you navigate the evidence around vegan/vegetarian nutrition in infants so you leave with clear recommendations that will make a difference.

She will be walking you through:

  • What does “plant-based” actually mean?
    • Why talk about plant-based nutrition for infants?
    • Is plant-based the same as vegan/vegetarian?
    • Are plant-based diets safe for infants?
  • Feeding from birth
    • Breastfeeding and supplements to consider (for baby and mother)
    • Formula feeding options
    • What is the deal with soy?
  • Introducing solids
    • When to start?
    • What foods to start with?
    • Should animal-based allergens be introduced?
  • Key nutrients for infants
    • A deep dive into protein, fats, DHA, iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iodine
  • Supplements for plant-based infants
    • Why supplement?
    • What supplements should be considered?
    • What age to start?

This course is for you if...

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    You see infants or young children in your practice following a plant-based, vegetarian or vegan diet

  • ionicons-v5-e

    You are worried that infants will be unable to consume enough calories, fat or protein when eating plant-based, and that their growth might falter

  • ionicons-v5-e

    You are unsure which supplements should be considered to meet key nutrient requirements or You are interested in building your skills and confidence related to controversies such as soy and introduction of allergens to infants following a plant-based diet

Speaker(s)

Paula Hallam, RD PG-Cert, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian

Paula has been a paediatric dietitian for over 20 years, graduating in 1999 from the University of Cape Town and gaining a wide range of experience working in many different settings and hospitals such as the world famous Great Ormond Street Hospital and Evelina Children’s Hospital, London as well as consulting to charities and providing expert advice to baby food companies.

She also completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Paediatric Dietetics from the University of Plymouth and in addition, in 2021, undertook the additional training ‘Plant-Based Nutrition: A Sustainable Diet for Optimal Health’ at the University of Winchester.

Over her career, Paula has taken on several roles and specialties, with a strong background in pediatric food allergies. About 5 years ago, her then 10-year-old daughter showed interest in becoming a vegetarian, which pushed Paula to do a deep dive into the evidence, where she quickly realized that there wasn’t a lot out there in term of practical information for parents.

Her passion took over and her career started to shift as she asked herself: how does this apply to infants and young children? She founded Plant-Based Kids, and the rest is history. She will soon be publishing her first book entitled ‘Plant Powered Little People – a practical guide to plant-based nutrition for under fives’.